Marseille is France's oldest city and its great Mediterranean port, a place of fishing boats, hilltop basilicas and limestone coves plunging into turquoise water. It is louder and more diverse than much of Provence, and that energy is part of its charm. Flights to Marseille from Singapore land at Marseille Provence Airport, a practical base for the city itself and for Aix-en-Provence, Cassis and the lavender country inland.

About Marseille Provence Airport

Location

Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) is in Marignane, on the shore of the Étang de Berre lagoon north-west of Marseille. It sits between Marseille and Aix-en-Provence, so it serves both cities well and gives easy motorway access to the rest of Provence.

Terminals

The airport has two terminals. Terminal 1 handles most scheduled flights and is split into separate halls, while Terminal 2 is a smaller building used mainly by budget services. The two are close together and connected on foot, so check your terminal on your booking before you arrive.

Getting to and from Marseille Airport

A regular shuttle coach runs between the airport and Marseille Saint-Charles, the city's main railway station. A free shuttle bus also links the terminals with the nearby Vitrolles airport railway station for regional trains. Coaches to Aix-en-Provence, taxis and rental cars are all available outside arrivals.

Direct and Connecting Flights to Marseille

There is no nonstop service from Singapore to Marseille, so expect one stop, most often in Paris, another European hub or the Middle East. Use the direct-flight filter to check which cities have nonstop links into MRS on your dates; European hubs offer frequent short flights. Another option is to fly into Paris and take the high-speed train south to Saint-Charles, which suits travellers combining several French cities. If Marseille fares are high, Nice is a larger alternative airport further along the coast.

When to Fly to Marseille

Marseille enjoys hot, dry summers and mild winters with plenty of sunshine throughout the year. The mistral, a strong, cold wind from the north, can blow for days at a time, mainly in winter and spring, clearing the skies but chilling the air. Swimming weather runs from late spring into early autumn.

Singapore travellers often target the June and December school holidays and the Chinese New Year break. July and August are peak European holiday months across the south of France, and summer festivals push up demand. May, June and September are appealing shoulder months. The monthly chart on this page shows how fares usually vary through the year.

Popular Places in Marseille

Vieux-Port

The Old Port has been the heart of Marseille for more than two thousand years. Watch the morning fish market on the quay, then take a ferry across the harbour or out to the islands.

Notre-Dame de la Garde

Crowning the city's highest hill, this basilica with its golden statue is Marseille's protective symbol. The terrace offers a sweeping view of the port, the islands and the coast.

Le Panier

The oldest quarter climbs up from the port in a maze of stepped lanes, pastel walls and street art. Small squares hide cafés and artisan soap shops.

MuCEM and Fort Saint-Jean

The museum of Mediterranean civilisations sits in a striking lattice-clad building by the sea, linked by a footbridge to the old fort. The rooftop and ramparts are free to explore.

Calanques National Park

Between Marseille and Cassis, white limestone cliffs drop into sheltered inlets with clear water. Hike to viewpoints, or take a boat trip along the coast in summer when some trails close due to fire risk.

Where to Stay in Marseille

The streets around the Vieux-Port are the most convenient base, with restaurants, ferries and the metro on your doorstep. Le Panier offers character and quieter evenings up the hill. Cours Julien and the Noailles area are artsy and lively, with markets and bars. For the seaside, look at the Prado and Corniche districts along the southern shore, while the area near Saint-Charles suits short stays and rail connections.

Food to Try in Marseille

Bouillabaisse

The famous fish stew of Marseille, served in two parts: a saffron-tinted broth with toasted bread and rouille, then the fish itself. Traditional versions are made to order, so it is worth reserving ahead.

Panisse

Chickpea flour cooked into a thick batter, cut into sticks and fried until crisp outside and soft within. It is a classic snack around the port.

Navettes

Boat-shaped biscuits scented with orange blossom, long associated with the city. They keep well and make a good edible souvenir.

Aïoli Provençal

A generous platter of poached fish, vegetables and eggs served with a garlicky olive oil mayonnaise, traditionally eaten on Fridays.

Pieds Paquets

A slow-cooked Provençal dish of lamb tripe parcels and trotters simmered in white wine and tomato. It is hearty, old-fashioned cooking, still found on the menus of traditional bistros around the city.

Ready to explore the Old Port and the Calanques? Compare flights to Marseille on Traveloka, set a Price Alert to follow fares for your dates, and keep your booking flexible with Easy Reschedule.