Marseille Travel Forum

I know that Marseilles has not got the reputation of being the safest city in France. Does anybody know which districts should better be avoided?

Is the underground a
practical way of getting around, or is it better to use the buses?

Thank you in advance for your replies:-D

No place is safe on the Planet, or all places are safe. . . . there is just common sense. . . . . Take care of your belongings and do not walk with all your jewellery on you in the Northern districts. . . . .
There are only 2 metro lines, not very practical; the centre, around the old harbour is nice to walk, and there is a good bus system (I used only once, 4 years ago. . . ) Marseille has a bad, racism-based reputation, but, NO, Marseille is not worse than any other place! Have a nice trip :) !

Thanks a lot for you reply. You're so right. No place is worse than another. It's only a matter of common sense:-)

"Is Marseilles a safe city?"

No, it's not. There are some dodgy areas. The locals all seem to say that "le quartier Nord" is to be avoided. Having walked there and back (from Vieux Port) once at night to visit a girlfriend, I'd have to agree: gangs of "disaffected youths" hanging around looking for a fight were in evidence. My then-girlfriend had a lot of trouble with local youths.. she was mugged four times in total before she was able to move out of the area.

Also.. around the main train station can also be dodgy at certain times. Just keep your wits about you and be careful.

Having said all that, I wouldn't say that Marseilles is any worse than Paris/London/New York. It's just that they all have dodgy areas. Most of Marseilles is fine.

Thanks a lot for your reply.

Yes, I have heard about the "quartiers Nord" as I watch French television regularly. There is a French soap-opera called "Plus Belle la Vie" on French TV3 which shows the fabulous scenery around Marseilles, that made me want to go there! I'm leaving tomorrow for a week.
I have read you excellent page about Marseilles with your tips. I'm going to try "le petit train".

Have a nice day:-D

Of course its not Lausanne, but there is a large sea and ùany places to visit...
Its no more or less dangerous than in other big towns in the world...

Thanks for your reply. I'm just back after a great week in Marseille, and I really loved the city. The view from "Notre Dame de la Garde" was fabulous. Walking from "le Fort St. Nicolas" to "les plages de Prado" was a bit long, but the views all along were spectacular, with "l'île de If" et "les îles Friouls".

I also loved walking on the Friouls Islands, and went all around them. The métro,the new tramway and the buses were a convenient way to get around.
I'm planning to make a page about Marseilles as soon as I get time.
You're lucky to live in such a nice place:-)