Vieux Port luggage storage

About Vieux Port

Marseille, France's second city, is one of the most ancient cities in Europe and has been a port city for thousands of years. Its location on the coast of southern France has made Marseille a cultural crossroads since it was a stronghold of Phoenician traders, and this trading port has given the city a unique culture that absorbs influences from across southern Europe and North Africa. You can still see this influence in the city's population to this day, not to mention its culture and cuisine.

Marseille is defined by its port, and the city's Vieux Port, or Old Port, is one of the top tourist attractions in the city to this day. Although modern Marseille's shipping traffic has moved on to the major port just to the north of the city center where the cruise ships dock, Vieux Port is still a popular place for fishing boats and pleasure vessels, and it's a wonderful place to spend some time and soak up the atmosphere of this famous port city. You can't really say you've visited Marseille without seeing Vieux Port.

And while you explore, you'll want to take advantage of Vieux Port luggage storage so you can store luggage for at least a few hours while you explore. Bounce provides an extensive network of luggage storage facilities in Marseille and around the world, so you'll never struggle to find Vieux Port luggage storage. Leave any size of bag for as long as you want, whether that's the entire day or days at a time. Marseille and its Old Port are just waiting to be explored.

Top attractions near Vieux Port

La Citadelle de Marseille luggage storage

Marseille's Old Port is protected by some impressive fortresses, with Fort Saint John on the north end and Fort Saint Nicolas, also known as the Citadel of Marseille, on the south. This 17th-century fortification looms above Vieux Port and provides incredible views of the coastline, as well as being a great place to explore the history of this port city. There is no luggage storage available at the Citadel itself, though, so take advantage of a convenient Vieux Port luggage storage before you make the climb to this impressive fortification.

Notre Dame de la Garde luggage storage

This small but beautiful church is one of Marseille's top tourist attractions. Located on a high hill above Vieux Port, this church is easily reached by public transport or by Le Petit Train from the Old Port. Inside, you'll find tiny model boats and other tokens left by fishermen over the years as offerings to ensure a safe return. You can also see bullet holes and shell damage from World War II on the outside walls of the church, a testament to the fierce fighting that took place here.

Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean luggage storage

Another of Marseille's top tourist attractions, this fascinating museum explores the history not just of the city but of the wider Mediterranean region and the civilizations that have risen and fallen in this area. Located in a stunning building attached to the 17th-century fortress, this ruthlessly modern museum has some fairly tight security to protect the exhibits inside, so you won't be able to bring your bags with you. Leave them behind at a convenient Bounce luggage storage for a few hours while you explore.

The Marseille Soap Museum luggage storage

Marseille is famous throughout France for its soap, and you can learn more about the history of soap making in this small but interesting museum. You'll be able to learn more about the soap-making process and even get custom souvenirs in the gift shop. This is a highlight of what is one of the best shopping areas of the city, located right in the Old Port itself. Beware, though, that this small museum doesn't have its own luggage storage, so it's best to find a place to store luggage before you go.

Transport options at Vieux Port

Vieux Port Metro station luggage storage

Vieux Port has its own Metro station, and that is definitely the easiest way to reach the Old Port. With a fast and easy connection to Gare St Charles, Marseille's main train station, as well as other points throughout the city, including the Hôtel de Ville, Vieux Port is easy to reach from just about anywhere in the city.

Local tips and insider info

• Marseille is a generally safe city, but it does have a bad reputation throughout the rest of France for petty crime. In the tourist area of the Vieux Port, scammers and pickpockets look for easy prey, so keep an eye on your things. Better yet, leave them behind at a Vieux Port luggage storage, where they'll be safe until you're ready to pick them up.
• Marseille is a city rich in history and culture, but it's also surrounded by some incredible scenery. Don't miss the opportunity to see more of the French Riviera while you're here. You can take boat tours of the coastline on the astonishing Calanques, or coastal coves, right from Vieux Port, so try to make time if you can for this excellent experience.
• Eat seafood. As you would expect, this old port is a great place to try traditional Provençal food, which includes a great range of seafood. The Vieux Port has a daily fish market where fishermen sell their catch right off the boats, and local restaurants snap up the best fish to make into incredible dishes like the famous local bouillabaisse.

Conclusion

Marseille's Vieux Port is not just one of the top attractions in the city, but it's also surrounded by other points of interest like Notre Dame de la Garde and Mucem, so there's really no reason not to visit this area. With easy transit connections from Gare de Lyon in Paris, Marseille Airport, and Marseille St. Charles Station, you'll find the Old Port as easy to get to as it is fun to explore.