Marseille is a safe place to visit—with a little know-how. Locals helped us put together this guide to staying safe in Marseille, which covers everything from COVID to tips for solo travelers.
Work with a local to build your trip to Marseille. Our locals offer up-to-date information you might not find online—and tips on how to avoid crowds. Learn more.
Wondering whether Marseille is a safe place to visit during COVID? Or if Americans can travel to France right now? We’ve got good news: travel in France right now is similar to how it was before the pandemic.
Vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers can visit France for vacation (although the CDC recommends getting vaccinated before travel). Negative COVID tests are no longer required for Americans to enter the country. And the government does not currently have a mask mandate either. But masking is still recommended on public transit and indoors in public.
There’s one exception effective January 5, 2023: if you are traveling from China you will need a negative COVID test and will be required to mask on planes and public transportation.
Travelers simply need to follow whatever local rules are in place, including masking where required.
Because these rules continue to change as the status of the pandemic changes, we recommend connecting with a local for on-the-ground information.
Is Marseille safe? Anthony Bourdain once noted that Marseille is a “victim of bad reputation.” Many are quick to dismiss Marseille as too dangerous to visit.
But locals tell us that Marseille is safe—as long as you follow a few precautions. The second-largest city in France, Marseille offers visitors excellent cuisine, ocean views, and a fantastic mix of cultures.
It’s a wonderful place to visit in France if you’re looking to get off the beaten path while still enjoying a big, dynamic city.
Although France is a safe destination, locals tell us you may encounter scammers and pickpockets—especially in big cities like Marseille. Common scams in France include:
Be on your guard, use common sense, and trust your instincts if something feels off. Locals note that these scams can occur throughout France, so keep them in mind whether you’re traveling to Paris or Marseille.
Locals in France tell us that Marseille is safe for solo travelers—but you should definitely keep some things in mind. They suggest:
For personalized advice on how to explore Marseille as a solo traveler, work with a local to plan your trip. It’s like having a best friend in France—but you can still explore on your own.
No matter where you go in France, it’s good to know a few phrases. Locals tell us that these are some good ones to keep in mind:
As a big city, Marseille is a good place to stay in France if you speak no French. People in restaurants and hotels will speak English. However, don’t expect everyone you meet to speak English.
At the very least, locals recommend saying bonjour when you enter a store and si’il vous plait and merci when you order something. The effort is deeply appreciated.
Although it’s unlikely, here are some good numbers to have on hand in case you run into trouble in France—whether you’re in Marseille, Lyon, Paris, or somewhere else:
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