5 best Instagram spots in Marseille
Last updated on January 29th, 2026.
The city of Marseille often tends to get overlooked by its big Parisian brother for several reasons. Namely, its size, popularity and also its landmarks.
However, when it comes to travel photography, there are just as many magnificent Instagram spots in Marseille as there are in Paris.
From Gothic churches to a labyrinth of mural-walled side streets, Marseille makes for one vibrant photo essay. And if you’re an Instagrammer, you’re going to appreciate knowing where to find the best spots in the city.
Marseille photography
‘If you can’t beat em, join em’, was my feeling when I first entered the Instagram ring. Zero clue, or excitement, as to what it was about, I could’ve easily signed up for Instagram for Dummies.
A fish out of water
Polished travel blogger profiles with insane numbers of followers flooded my feed. It left me feeling slightly hopeless and unsure whether it was for me.
I later discovered that many of these ‘travel bloggers’ were in fact models. Fast forward to the present, and while a little wiser, I’m still learning everyday.
The thing I enjoy most about Instagram is its intended purpose, and that’s sharing my photos with whoever is looking. With every new country, city or town I visit, it’s always possible to find beauty in every destination.
The trick is knowing where to find the best photography spots.
Where to find the best Instagram spots in Marseille
1. Le Panier neighborhood
In the 2nd arrondissement of Marseille is the Insta-ready quarter of Le Panier. For someone who enjoys exploring the places the locals frequent, there are plenty of Instagram opportunities waiting here.
The neighborhood’s a maze of narrow streets — some cobbled — with plenty of independent shops and tree-lined plazas.
Le Panier is also one of the most colorful areas to photograph in Marseille. Do a color count of how many you can find; one mural alone clocks up at least 20.
An area to return to
We returned to Le Panier a few times during our stay in Marseille. One, because it was a shortcut to our hotel, NH Collection Marseille, and two, because of its restaurants and cafes.
Au Vieux Panier is a cozy, yet rustic French eatery that’s ideal with friends or for a romantic dinner. It’s intimate, local and very French.
Extra tip: take a coffee in the outdoor seating area at Awash Marseille. This Moroccan restaurant, shop and gallery is bohemian, edgy and very Instagrammable.
2. Notre Dame de la Garde
You can’t visit Marseille without traveling to the highest peak in the city, Notre Dame de la Garde.
This iconic cathedral overlooks the city and the Mediterranean Sea below, and attracts thousands of visitors each year. Saying that, you’ll be in good company with plenty of other visitors taking ‘photos for the gram.’
There are several levels in the cathedral to visit, and the higher up you go, the better. Taking photos outside is better than in, given the lighting and the photogenic views of the city.
With ample room to photograph different angles at Notre Dame de la Garde, there’s no need to compete here.
The higher, the better
Arguably, however, the best Instagram spot is on level 6.
It’s the highest level, and the one that gives impressive panoramic views of Marseille. As you head out the double doors, you come into an area with viewing platforms and observation binoculars.
Extra tip: wait your turn to visit the highest point on level 6.
It’s a small stone staircase that leads to another viewing platform. It gets busy very quickly, so pose, take your photos and let the next ‘grammer’ take their turn.
Map of Marseille
3. Vieux Port
There’s no escaping the grand harbor of Marseille — not that you'd want to. For despite it being the center of the tourist action, it’s ideal for taking photographs.
When the sun’s out, the orchestra of boats resting atop the gentle ripple of water makes for a pretty photo. Just watch as your ‘likes’ increase by the second on this one.
A harbor of photo opportunities
Walking around the harbor also presents plenty of Instagram photo opportunities.
Rue de la République and La Canebière are some of the main streets that meet the harbor area.
Food ‘grammers’ may want to stop at one of the restaurants surrounding the harbor. Many places serve up the traditional Marseillaise dish, Bouillabaisse that looks delicious under the lens.
However, take a note from my book and be sure to research where to eat this hearty fish stew. One of 10 things to know about Marseille there’s nothing more disappointing than eating a bland bouillabaisse. It's something we had to find out the hard way.
4. Noailles
Marseille is a city of two sides: classic and gritty. The latter doesn’t mean it’s dirty by any means, more that there are edgier parts of the city.
North of La Canebière is one such example in the quarter of Noailles. Here, blindingly bright shop fronts with graffiti, and even sometimes front doors, are the norm.
Discover and drink
Around this neighborhood are also several great wine bars. We took a first glass at Le Tire Bouchon, and the second just around the corner at La Passerelle.
This low-key local hangout has a wide variety of wine, and they also serve traditional food too.
English is minimal here, so basic French really goes a long way. As long as you know how to say ‘wine’ (vins), you’ll be off to a good start!
Le Tire Bouchon: 11 Cours Julien
La Passerelle: 26 Rue des trois Mages
5. Quai de la Tourette
Quai de la Tourette is a stretch of road rather than one photo-worthy spot.
It’s an area with several landmarks, such as the jaw-dropping Marseille Cathedral, also known as Cathedrale La Major.
Wide open spaces with views overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, there’s plenty of different angles to satisfy your inner ‘grammer’.
Take in the sights
A short walk to the water’s edge will bring you towards the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations.
The museum’s stone and glass structure houses exhibitions on Mediterranean history civilisations. It's one of Marseille’s main attractions and is also a place to learn some interesting facts about Marseille.
The gleaming glass façade adds an interesting backdrop to photos, as does the Tour du fanal in the distance.
Above all, my favorite Instagram spot here are the rows of benches by the water. Sit on the bench or on the ground, and simply take in the surrounding scenery.
I’m a fan of the abstract shot, even when there’s an imposing trashcan in view.
Where to stay in Marseille
With a base in the central, yet quiet, 2nd arrondissement, NH Collection Marseille is a top choice.
It’s a very short walk from the Le Panier quarter, and around 12 minutes on foot to the old port. Faultless service and friendly smiles all around, I wouldn’t recommend another place to stay in Marseille.
What are your thoughts on these Instagram spots in Marseille? Do they inspire you to create your own photo essay? Let me know in the comments below.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
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Wow, such beautiful spots to pose for that instagram worthy photo.
Yes!
I’ve been to France but haven’t been to this part of the country yet. Looks lovely!
It is!
I loved Marseille, especially strolling through the Vieux port! Thanks for sharing these photogenic gems.
We enjoyed it too, it's a pretty city
These places are definitely enough to get me in the frame for those insta pics. The cobbled stone pathways along those cafes, the vantage point at Notre Dame and the street with the street art - all of them are just amazing. They make some quaint and amazing memories. Loved all your pics
Thanks Ami! It was really a pleasure photographing everything
We went to Marseille back in 2015 and loved it. Happy to say we were able to go to most of those places you mentioned in your article!
Cool! We enjoyed every moment too
This place looks beautiful I will add it to my list next time I am in Europe.
That's great to read! You'll love it
You have summed up few really mind blowing spots in Marseilles that are best suitable for Instagram pictures. I can already imagine how I will pose at those spots. However, I am more inclined to La Panier neighborhood. That looks really photogenic.
It's very photogenic! And colorful too
Marseille does look very instagrammable... and your shots are totally looking great girl! The La Panier neighbourhood sounds so quiant. I love the idea that there's so many nooks and crannies to explore. And a coffee at Awash Marseille while people watching is a great idea. And I totally would be visiting Notre Dame de la Garde because of its highest peak point of the area - the view looks absolutely incredible. I am loving that you are showing a different side to Marseille!
Thanks so much Soraya! Honestly, I really enjoyed photographing a different side to the city, there's so much to see!
Had no idea Marseille was so instagrammable! I really love the views from Notre Dame de la Garde - would love to take photos from there for instagram.
It really is! And just so pretty to photograph too
I feel Marseille is always underestimated since Paris is the tourist town of France. But all great places for locations to shoot!
I totally agree!
The city does have beautiful spots for IG. I enjoyed seeing your pictures both from the post and IG. The view from the Notre Dame and the street arts at Le Panier are the best. Thank you for sharing it with us.
You're welcome, glad you enjoyed it
I'll definitely save this article and tips for my next trip to Marseille, so cool!
Thank you! I appreciate the feedback
So many beautiful locations! I haven’t been to Marseille since I was 9 years old so it might be time for another visit. Thanks for sharing!
Then it sounds like a return visit is in order 😉
Great tips for photographers, I am not sure we saw any of these places when we stopped off in Marseille - we were only there for a couple of hours though
You need to return, it's such an interesting city
I am totally with you on the Instagram thing. It can be so overwhelming at times. Next time I visit France I might as well skip Paris and stay at mersailles. There are such amazing spots that you have shown. The notre dame cathedral must be glorious to look at.
That's good to know, you'll enjoy it I'm sure!
I am always looking for fantastic views and whenever I see an elevated platform anyway, you can trust me to climb it and see what the view is from there. So you've made my job much easier by suggesting Notre Dame de la Garde because I know where to go for a bird's eye view of the city, and a magnificent one at that. Also, Le Panier looks like the sort of place I'd want to go to not only for lovely, colourful pictures but for a nice stroll, some wine/ coffee and a meal, maybe while chatting with a local! Marseille just made it to my list of places to visit on my second trip to France 😉
You'll love it Medha! There's so much to capture and see and do; and I can definitely see you climbing Notre Dame de la Garde 😉
They all look lovely. I passed through there on the way to Nice back in 2012 and still regret not stopping to spend a night!
That's a shame! Maybe the next time you can visit
Some beautiful spots and lovely photos. I'll have to remember this if I ever go x
You must, it's so pretty 🙂
Your photos are amazing! I've never been to Marsailles but want to go some day. I loved the pictures of Le Panier - it looks like the quintessential French neighborhood!
Thanks so much Jim! I really enjoyed photographing Marseille, it's very pretty and edgy at the same time
those streets look so inviting. I love the shots by the water.
Thanks! I enjoyed being there
Oh my goodness I just want to climb into your pictures and never leave! Thank you so much for sharing these beautiful spots!
Lol thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed them too
Marseilles is so beautiful it must have been hard just to pick 5 spots.
It definitely got tricky! But it was fun to find just 5 🙂
It's a beautiful place to explore. I love all the colors in town and I'd love to visit here someday!
Really think about it, it's a gorgeous city to visit
Love this post from you esp I love to travel, gonna check out this & hope I can travel to Marseille soon one day
Thanks so much for this lovely travel story with all lovely captures 😀
cheers
That's great to read, hope you get to visit one day
I wish I was more of an Instagrammer when I visited Marseille five years ago! It was such a beautiful city and I wish I was better able to capture its beauty!
You can still return! And photograph for yourself as well as the 'gram'!
I have only been once to Marseille, but that was before the Instagram era. I would really love to go back because this looks like the perfect place for th gram. Especially those Frenchie streets are to die for )
Yes! And not as busy as I was expecting either
Def some very Instagram worthy spots! Thanks for making it easier for peeps to get good pics
Thank you! And yes, I hope it helps 😀
What a fab selection of Instagram spots in Marseille. They are all so beautiful and the perfect locations for Instagram shots.
I think I found some good spots!
I think I’m officially in love with Marseille! You capture it so beautifully. And you kept the post really authentic, which I loved.
Thanks Jenny, that's so kind of you to say!
What an amazing place to explore, especially I enjoy street arts. You really find so much surprises through street arts.
I totally agree!
The place looks colourful and a perfect place for photography. Nice captures.
Thank you!
Marseille is for sure full of beautiful spots where to take amazing Instagram pictures. I love the photos you took, especially at Le Panier neighborhood. They really show the beauty of the place, without all those unnatural filters that we see too much around Instagram.
Thank you! I like to show it as natural as possible, with a little post-production 🙂
The South of France is just such a dreamy place. I also really loved Montpellier!
Yes, that's another pretty city to visit!
These are beautiful photos. I remember your post on what to do in Marseille and these photos compliment that blog so well. Your tips are great as well. Thanks!
Thanks Nicole, glad you enjoyed it!
I followed you on Instagram and you managed to make me fall in love with Marseille in a place that I always believed not so beautiful and full of charm!
Aw thank you so much! That's such a compliment to read x
What a gorgeous place! Every spot you showcased is absolutely beautiful.
Thanks Stacie, it was a pleasure to photograph
Those spot are very lovely and instragrammable place to snap.
They are!