Marseille

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Revision as of 15:40, 15 November 2013

Marseille, France

(Click links for more information)
	43°17.82′N, 05°21.75′E
	Photo gallery
	Local chartlet

Fort St Jean at the entrance to Vieux Port, Marseille
Click for larger view

Marseille is the third largest city in France in terms of population and its largest commercial sea port. Originally a Greek settlement dating back to the 6th century BC, it subsequently became an important Roman port with the name of Massilia. An early and enthusiastic supporter of the French Revolution, the city gave its name to the revolutionary anthem La Marseillaise first sung by the armed force that marched from the city to Paris to support the new government. Occupied by the Nazis from November 1942, the city was badly damaged by the allies in 1944 in the course of preparing for the liberation of France and was subsequently rebuilt. Today Marseille is a thriving trading port, with over 100 million tonnes of goods passing through it each year, as well as a popular centre for yachting. The largest and oldest marina facilities are to be found in the Vieux Port, the most picturesque area of the old town, although it can be difficult to find space here during the season. However, there are additional mooring facilities at several further marinas around the gulf of Marseille (see below).

Marseille itself, as one might expect, is a busy and hectic city and space in all the city's marinas is at a premium at most times of the year. However, a few hours cruising out of Marseille is the idyllic cruising area of Les Calanques, a series of sea inlets sheltered by towering cliffs and lapped by turquoise-blue water. Even closer are the Iles de Frioul, a small archipelago with some quiet coves where a yacht can anchor away from the bustle and noise of the city (although one of the coves now hosts a 600-berth marina).

Local Weather

The predominant pattern during the summer months is coastal seabreezes, however Marseille is also affected whenever there is a strong mistral blowing down the Rhone Valley (although winds here are slightly less strong than in the Rhone delta). Less frequently, Marseille may be affected by the scirocco, a hot southerly wind that blows up from the Sahara and can last for several days, depositing its cargo of dust over everything in sight.

Sources for Weather forecasts:

• VHF
  • Continuous forecast on channel 23
  • Channel 80 (0803 – 1333 – 2003)
• NAVTEX - Cross La Garde (W)
• INTERNET
  • Meteo France (in French)
  • GMDSS Weather
  • Met Marine
  • Passageweather.com Passage Weather
  • eurometeo.com Meteomar
  • Weather Online
  • Windfinder

Charts

Imray

M15 Marseille to San Remo

British Admiralty

1705 Cabo San Sebastian to Iles d'Hyeres

2116 Fos-Sur-Mer to Marseille

153 Approaches to Marseille

151 Port of Marseille

Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Approach and Navigation

The docks area and city of Marseille are visible from several miles off. Closer in, the lighthouse of Sainte Marie stands some 30 meters high at the headland marking the southern side of the entrance to the Vieux Port. Continue up the channel into the old port, leaving the Fort St Jean to port. Shelter in the Vieux Port is good in all but strong SW winds. Depths in the basin are at least 5.0 metres. (For details of approaches to the other marinas, see the relevant marina page).

Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)

If this is not a port of entry omit this section, otherwise submit details about facilities for checking in - location of immigration & customs, etc.

Berthing options

If checking in to the Vieux Port, berth at the pontoon to the right of the entrance just outside the harbourmaster's office and ask for instructions. (For details of approaches to the other marinas, see the relevant marina page).

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

Marinas

Although the original harbour of Marseille, the Vieux Port, is the biggest marina with over 3,000 berths, it is invariably packed during the season and getting a berth in here can be a bit of a lottery. Similarly, the two huge basins of Port de Corbieres and Port de l'Estaque at the NW end of the bay, with around 1500 berths, are usually crammed with private yachts and berths for casual visitors are not always available. If the Vieux Port is full, Port du Frioul on the Iles de Frioul often has berths available, as does Port de la Pointe Rouge at the SE end of the bay. The latter two marinas are a little out of the city, but there are ferry and bus links respectively for access to the centre. The marinas offer water and electricity at all berths and restaurants and other facilities are close at hand. If you can get into it, the Vieux Port is surrounded by some of the best bistros Marseille has to offer (but don't plan on a good night's sleep if you are a light sleeper)

For full details of all the Marseille marinas, click on the relevant link below.

From W to E around the gulf:

• Port de Corbieres
• Port de L'Estaque
• Vieux Port
• Port du Frioul
• Port de la Pointe Rouge

Yacht clubs

Cercle Nautique et Touristique du Lacydon

Quai Marcel Pagnol, 13007 Marseille

Tel:+33 (0)491 334484 Fax:+33 (0)491 334552

Operates pontoon berths on the S side of the Vieux Port.

Club Nautique L Pelle

2 Promenade Georges Pompidou, 13008 Marseille

Tel:+33 (0)491 712443 Fax:+33 (0)491 220326

Societe Nautique de Marseille

Pavillion Flottant, Quai de Rive Neuve, 13007 Marseille

Tel:+33 (0)491 543203/337355 Fax:+33 (0)491 334103

Operates pontoon berths on the S side of Vieux Port.

Anchorages

The Iles de Frioul offer several quiet bays away from the noise of Marseille (although one of the bays now contains the 600-berth marina of Port du Frioul). A few miles round the corner to the east lie the enchanting calanques, where quiet anchorages can be found out of season (although recent reports suggest they are beginning to fill up with permanent mooring buoys).

Marseille anchorages

Iles de Frioul anchorage

Les calanques

Les calanques

Offshore Islands

See comments above on the Iles de Frioul.

Yacht Repairs & Services

See marina entries.

Marine Stores

Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.

Repairs/Yards

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

See marina entries.

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

List places of interest, tours, etc.

Grocery & Supply Stores

• Supermarkets and provisions shops in the streets N of the Vieux Port.

Eateries

• Numerous restaurants and cafes on the waterfront of the Vieux Port.

Internet/WiFi

See marina entries.

Laundry

• In the city

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Numerous outlets in the city.

Garbage Disposal

See marina entries.

Transportation

• Good metro, tram and bus network in the city
• Fast trains to Paris (3 hours)
• International airport
• Navette bus service between airport and station

Routes/Passages To/From

List popular passages/routes, timing, etc.

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

• Marseille
• English-language Website
• Marseille tourism

References & Publications

See France.

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

• June 2002 --Atheneoflymington

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