From the Vieux-Port of Marseille, several maritime destinations are easily accessible by boat — from sightseeing excursions to public ferries and cruises. Here are the main ones departing from the Old Port:

Maritime Shuttles

To explore Marseille’s coastline from a different angle, several seasonal boat shuttles connect the Vieux-Port to picturesque and authentic seaside districts. Whether you enjoy beaches, scenic walks, or cultural discoveries, these routes offer a unique glimpse of the Marseille seafront.

L’Estaque

• Operated by the RTM boat service during the summer season.
• About a 35-minute crossing from the Vieux-Port.
• A picturesque fishing village, famous for its panisses (local chickpea fritters) and authentic Provençal atmosphere.

Pointe Rouge

• Also served by the seasonal RTM shuttle.
• Around 30 minutes from the Old Port.
• An ideal starting point to reach Marseille’s southern beaches.

Les Goudes

• Accessible via an extended maritime route from Pointe Rouge or by connection.
• A small fishing port at the entrance of the Calanques National Park.
• Perfect for nature walks and exploring the rugged Mediterranean coastline.

Tourist Excursions

Château d’If

Built between 1524 and 1531 under King Francis I, the Château d’If is a fortress on a small island off Marseille’s coast, originally designed to protect the harbor. Though never used in battle, it soon became a state prison, housing political, religious, and revolutionary prisoners for centuries.

Its isolated position and strong currents made escape almost impossible — earning it the nickname “the French Alcatraz.”

The site gained worldwide fame through Alexandre Dumas’ novel The Count of Monte Cristo (1844), where Edmond Dantès and Abbé Faria are imprisoned.

The fortress ceased to function as a prison in the late 19th century, was demilitarized, and opened to the public in 1890. It now welcomes nearly 100,000 visitors per year and has been a listed historic monument since 1926.

Located about 3.5 km from the Old Port, it can be reached in roughly 20 minutes by boat, weather permitting. Departures leave directly from the Quai des Belges, and most excursions continue on to the nearby Frioul Islands.

Frioul Islands

Facing Marseille, the Frioul archipelago consists of four islands: Ratonneau, Pomègues, If, and Tiboulen. The crossing takes 30–40 minutes, with stops on If Island (for the Château d’If visit) and Ratonneau, home to the Port-Frioul marina.

• Ratonneau is perfect for walking or biking, with restaurants, shops, and the sandy Saint-Estève Beach, equipped with showers, lifeguards, and even an underwater trail.
• From Ratonneau, a footpath across the Berry causeway leads to Pomègues, a wilder island ideal for hiking (about 1.5–2.5 hours depending on route).
• The small islet of Tiboulen is inaccessible on foot — no bridge or jetty connects it.

A highlight is the Caroline Hospital (19th century) on Ratonneau, a former quarantine lazaret.

Calanques of Marseille (Cassis, Sormiou, Morgiou, En-Vau)

Boat tours from Marseille or Cassis reveal the stunning Calanques, a series of limestone coves where white cliffs plunge into turquoise water. The most famous include:

• Cassis – a charming port town, starting or ending point for Calanques cruises.
• Calanque de Sormiou – the largest, with a beach and small fishermen’s huts.
• Calanque de Morgiou – known for its fishing port and unspoiled natural scenery.
• Calanque d’En-Vau – the most spectacular, with crystal-clear waters framed by towering cliffs.

Excursions usually last 2 to 4 hours, with swimming and snorkeling stops along the way. However, note that during high fire-risk periods (summer), access to the Calanques National Park may be restricted or suspended, even for boat tours.