Place aux Huiles

The Basics

Cruise the streets of Marseille during a fun and informative bus ride. Hop on and off to explore the city at your own pace. Perfect for first time visitors especially, you can easily get your bearings this way. Over 25 different stops are included, from the Old Port to the castle that inspired The Count of Monte Cristo. Learn about each attraction with an onboard audio guide, available in 8 different languages. Choose between two routes that generally run from the morning until late afternoon.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Place aux Huiles is an ideal spot for travelers of all types, including foodies and history buffs.
• The area is difficult to navigate with wheelchairs or for people with mobility issues.
• The hop-on/hop-off bus is wheelchair accessible and free for children 3 years and younger.

How to Get There

Place aux Huiles is located adjacent to the Old Port of Marseilles. The closest Metro station is Vieux-Port - Hôtel de Ville. From there, walk around the port to its southside flank. Several bus and tram routes run nearby as well. If you are coming from Paris, take the high-speed TGV train; expect about a 3.5-hour ride.

When to Get There

The square is open to the public year-round and tends to be most popular during lunch and dinner times when the restaurants are typically packed. Marseille’s peak season lasts from May through August, when the weather is very sunny with little rains. To avoid the crowds in both the city and the beaches, come on the shoulder seasons of spring and the autumn.

The Old Port

From the square swing over to the Old Port (Vieux Port), one of the most atmospheric districts in the city, a vital hub since Antiquity. While at the marina, have a fresh seafood meal at one of the many restaurants and waterfront cafes. The walk over to Fort Saint-Jean andxa0 the Romanesque-style Saint-Laurent Church or see a performance at the art deco Opéra de Marseille.