Marseille: it’s wild, it’s sun-soaked, it smells vaguely of sea salt and herbes de Provence and it’s absolutely brimming with adrenaline if you know where to look. Sure, you could lounge with a pastis and people-watch at Vieux-Port, but if you’re the kind of traveller who likes their holidays with a side of heart-racing excitement this one’s for you.
So grab your sunscreen, strap on your adventure shoes and let’s uncover the 10 most exhilarating things to do in Marseille with charm, cheek and just a splash of sea spray.
1. Cliff Jumping in the Calanques
🪂 Like swimming but airborne.
The Calanques National Park is full of majestic limestone cliffs, turquoise waters and perfectly tempting ledges to leap off. Join a guided excursion (because YOLO should still include helmets) or find safe jump spots near Calanque de Sormiou or En-Vau.
💦 Tip: Check tide levels and avoid bellyflops, they’re very un-French.
2. Kayaking Through the Calanques
🛶 Because rowing through emerald fjords while pretending you’re in a travel commercial is good for the soul.
Paddle your way through hidden coves, secret beaches and sheer rock faces. Kayak rentals and guided tours are readily available and it’s honestly one of the best ways to see this Mediterranean gem.
🎒 Bring: Sunscreen, water and enough upper body strength to get back.
3. Scuba Diving in the Mediterranean
🐠 Bienvenue to the underwater world, where even the fish speak French.
Marseille is a diving hotspot, with clear waters, shipwrecks and marine life galore. Explore the Riou Archipelago or the wreck of the Dalton, it’s like history class but wetter and way cooler.
🤿 No certification? No problem. Discovery dives are a thing and the sea is surprisingly welcoming.
4. Rock Climbing in Les Calanques
🧗 Scaling cliffs with the sea breeze in your face? Now that’s holiday cardio.
Les Calanques isn’t just for swimmers, it’s a climber’s playground. Routes for all levels are available and even beginners can try their hand at via ferrata routes with a guide.
🎯 Feels like: Vertical yoga. But with ropes. And more sweating.
5. Paragliding Over the Coast
🪂 Why walk when you can float?
Just outside Marseille, paragliding offers jaw-dropping views of the coastline, mountains and glittering sea. It’s the kind of experience that makes you believe life is, indeed, très magnifique.
📸 Warning: Your Instagram will never recover.
6. Electric Mountain Biking in the Massif de l’Étoile
🚴 Because normal biking is for people who aren’t dodging boulders.
Rent an e-MTB and tackle the rugged trails of the Massif de l’Étoile or Garlaban hills, just outside the city. Expect winding paths, epic panoramas and occasional goats judging your stamina.
⚡ Best part: The electric motor means you can focus on fun, not survival.
7. Windsurfing or Kitesurfing at Prado Beach
🌬️ Sea + speed + wind in your hair = holiday magic.
Plage du Prado is Marseille’s go-to for wind-based water sports. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a “what’s this rope do?” beginner, there are plenty of schools and rentals to get you zipping across the waves like a salty sea wizard.
🏄♂️ Look out for: Show-offs doing flips. Try not to crash into them.
8. Urban Hiking Through Le Panier and Beyond
👟 Who needs treadmills when you’ve got 2,600 years of hilly history?
Forget escalators and lace up for an urban trek through Le Panier, Marseille’s oldest (and most photogenic) district. Wind your way through colourful alleyways, street art, staircases and viewpoints galore.
🧁 Reward yourself at the top with a navette (a local biscuit). Because balance.
9. Caving and Canyoning Near Marseille
🧗♀️ For when hiking and swimming just aren’t extreme enough.
The surrounding Provence region is full of secret caves, natural slides and water-filled gorges. Book a canyoning tour and prepare to scramble, abseil, plunge and laugh nervously while pretending you’re not scared.
🕳️ Not for the faint of heart. Or faint of foot.
10. Take a Speedboat Ride to the Frioul Islands
🚤 Like a ferry, but with more roar and less snore.
Hop aboard a zippy speedboat tour to the Frioul Archipelago, zooming across the Med like you’re late for a Bond-style cocktail party. Bonus: you can jump off for a snorkel or picnic on the rocks.
🎢 It’s a boat. It’s a thrill ride. It’s a wet and wild city escape.
✨ Final Thought: Marseille – Where Adventure Wears Sunglasses
In Marseille, you don’t just sightsee — you dive, jump, glide and climb your way through the city’s untamed beauty. It’s the kind of place where a calm beach day can accidentally turn into a full-blown sea safari and that’s exactly why we love it.
So next time someone says Marseille’s just a gritty port town, hand them your snorkel, helmet and hiking boots then invite them on an adventure they’ll never forget.
