The Old Port Ferry-Boat of Marseille: A Legendary Crossing

At the very heart of Marseille’s Old Port, between the Quai de Rive-Neuve and the Quai du Port, a small white boat quietly performs a legendary task: the ferry-boat crossing. Modest in size but immense in symbolic value, this boat has become one of the city’s true emblems.

The journey is short — just 280 meters (920ft) in about 5 minutes — yet its story, which began in 1880, makes it a cherished local institution.

From Fishermen’s Boats to a Marseille Icon

When it was first introduced, there were no bridges or metro lines across the port, and the ferry-boat offered a quick link between the two shores. Originally operated by converted fishing boats and later by the famous Mouches, the service quickly became a beloved part of Marseille’s daily life.

The ferry-boat was immortalized by Marcel Pagnol in the movie and play Marius, where it became almost a character in its own right — a symbol of the city’s rhythm and soul.

The Myth of “Le César”

Among the vessels that have marked history, none is more iconic than Le César, launched in 1952. With its distinctive “Teuf-Teuf” engine sound, it carried generations of passengers across the Old Port. After nearly disappearing in 2009, Le César was beautifully restored and still sails today, alternating with a modern electric ferry-boat — quieter and more ecological, though perhaps less picturesque. Together, these boats embody the union of tradition and innovation that defines Marseille’s maritime spirit.

An Everyday Service with Timeless Charm

The ferry-boat operates daily (except May 1st and during bad weather), departing roughly every ten minutes from 7h30AM to 8h20PM. Each crossing accommodates 45 passengers, including 20 seated places and space for wheelchairs, strollers, or bicycles, ensuring full accessibility for people with reduced mobility.

Two boats currently share the service, maintaining the continuity of this emblematic link between the port’s two sides.

Affordable and Accessible for All

While not entirely free, the ferry-boat fare is only €0.50 per crossing. It is free, however, for RTM pass holders, City Pass users, and — starting September 1, 2025 — for children under 11 and seniors over 65, provided they hold a validated transport card.

More Than a Crossing — A Living Tradition

Crossing the Old Port by ferry-boat is much more than a convenient way to get around — it’s a living experience, blending the gentle sound of the waves with the warmth of Marseille’s spirit and centuries of history.

A true centennial institution, the ferry-boat continues to connect both shores — and people — in every sense of the word, making the shortest journey in the world one of the most meaningful in the hearts of the Marseillais.

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