France : Safety by City
- Bordeaux
- Le Havre
- Lille
- Lyon
- Marseille
- Martinique
- Montpellier
- Nantes
- Nice
- Nimes
- Paris
- Reims
- Rennes
- Strasbourg
- Toulon
- Toulouse
Marseille is the prefecture of the department of Bouches-du-Rhône and the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur in France. It is located on the coast of the Gulf of Lion, part of the Mediterranean Sea, near the mouth of the Rhône. Marseille is the second-largest city in France. Marseille remains the first French port, the second Mediterranean port, and the fifth European port.
Warnings & Dangers in Marseille
OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM
In recent years, Marseille's crime situation has improved, and the police are keeping serious incidents under control. Tourists need to use common sense and safety precautions.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM
Public transport is convenient for getting around Marseille, but it is better to use a taxi at night. Buses can be unsafe. Use only licensed taxi services, avoid taking taxis on the street.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : MEDIUM
Pickpocketing is also common in Marseille. Always keep an eye on your belongings, do not leave your phone unattended on the table in a cafe. Do not shine or carry large amounts of money and expensive things with you. It is best to leave important documents in the hotel safe.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : LOW
Marseille is not exposed to any serious risk of natural disasters. There is a small risk of avalanches in winter and flooding due to flooding. However, these risks are minimal.
MUGGING RISK : MEDIUM
Attacks and kidnappings can take place in districts of the city center. Avoid places like this. Travel in a group at night, don't be alone. Use a taxi to return to your hotel.
TERRORISM RISK : MEDIUM
There is a risk of terrorist attacks in Marseilles; tourists should avoid the city center's distant areas and do not walk alone late at night. The global risk of terrorist attacks in public areas exists worldwide, so tourists should be vigilant.
SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM
In Marseille, fraud is usually associated with the offer of goods and services by unlicensed sellers, with contraband. Avoid street bullies. And also those who ask or offer you help.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : MEDIUM
Women traveling alone can feel relatively safe in Marseille. At night it is better not to walk around the city and use a taxi to get around. Avoid help from persistent strangers and don't draw undue attention to yourself.
How Safe Is Marseille for Tourists?
Marseille is a port city and has gained fame as not the safest place in the South of France.
The crime index here ranges from medium to high.
The main problems are corruption, bribery, vandalism, drug trafficking, robberies, and car burglaries.
However, it is worth noting that the situation with serious robberies has improved recently and it is almost completely safe in the city center.
In any case, avoid wearing valuables and keep an eye on your surroundings.
Most of the northern quarters (Nord Quarter), except for L’Estaque and Château-Gombert, can be risky and should be avoided by tourists, and there is no logical reason to go there.
The area around Boulevard Michelet is teeming with prostitutes.
Be careful with your fans during football season.
You can meet the potentially angry and drunken hooligans of Olympique de Marseille.
Make sure the doors are locked while driving.
There were cases when motorcyclists opened car doors and quickly grabbed bags and valuables from the seats.
Avoid walking late at night, especially in areas remote from the city center.
At night it is better to take a taxi and avoid walking alone.
Otherwise, with common sense, you can travel to Marseille safely and calmly.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Marseille?
A visa is not required for visits of up to 90 days in a 180‑day period for nationals of those countries for which the European Community has abolished the visa requirement. A valid passport is a must.
Which Currency Is Used in Marseille?
The euro is the official currency in Italy. The euro is divided into 100 cents.
How's the Weather like in Marseille?
In Marseille, the summers are short, warm, dry, and mostly clear, and the winters are long, cold, windy, and partly cloudy. The best time to visit Marseille is from September to November.
What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Marseille?
Marseille-Provence International Airport, located about 30km from Marseille, offers flights to other European cities.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?
A travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country or city. Make sure you got it before starting your journey; the customs officer may ask for it.
What Are Some Things to Do in Marseille?
Marseille, a port city in southern France, has been a crossroads of immigration and trade since its founding by the Greeks circa 600 B.C. At its heart is the Vieux-Port (Old Port), where fishmongers sell their catch along the boat-lined quay. Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde is a Romanesque-Byzantine church. Modern landmarks include Le Corbusier’s influential Cité Radieuse complex and Zaha Hadid’s CMA CGM Tower.
Is the Water in Marseille Safe to Drink?
Tap water is drinkable. You can drink tap water unless otherwise noted.
Is Uber Safe in Marseille?
There is an Uber taxi in Marseille. You can call a taxi from the app on your phone. The cost of the trip will depend on the distance and time of day.
