Key Takeaways
- Les Petits Trains de Marseille offer one of the easiest ways to discover the city’s main landmarks.
- Two main routes allow visitors to explore Notre-Dame de la Garde or the historic Old Marseille district, including Le Panier and the waterfront.
- Departing from the Old Port, the trains provide multilingual audio commentary about Marseille’s history and culture.
- They’re an excellent introduction to the city during your first weeks as an international student.
- Even long-term residents often recommend the experience for discovering Marseille from a different perspective.
The Perfect Introduction to Marseille
Arriving in a new city can feel overwhelming.
There are new neighbourhoods to discover, unfamiliar streets to navigate and countless places you’ve heard about but don’t yet know how to reach.
That’s exactly why Les Petits Trains de Marseille have remained so popular for decades.
Although many people associate them with tourists, they are actually one of the smartest ways to become familiar with the city during your first days in Marseille.
Rather than spending hours trying to decide where to start, you can simply climb aboard and let the city introduce itself.
By the end of the tour, you’ll already have a much better understanding of Marseille’s geography, history and most famous landmarks.
A Relaxed Way to Explore
Marseille is built on hills.
While that creates spectacular viewpoints, it also means that exploring everything on foot can sometimes be challenging—especially during the summer heat.
The Little Tourist Train offers a comfortable alternative.
Instead of worrying about steep streets or public transport connections, you can simply sit back and enjoy the journey while listening to commentary explaining the city’s fascinating history, architecture and traditions.
For students who have just arrived from abroad, it’s one of the easiest ways to feel more confident navigating Marseille.
Choose Between Two Iconic Routes
The Little Tourist Train currently offers two main routes departing from the Old Port.
The first heads towards Notre-Dame de la Garde, climbing through the city before reaching Marseille’s most famous monument. Along the way, passengers enjoy beautiful views of the Corniche Kennedy, the Mediterranean, Château d’If and the Frioul Islands.
The second explores Old Marseille, taking visitors through the historic Panier district, past La Major Cathedral, Mucem, Hôtel Dieu, the Docks and Les Terrasses du Port before returning to the Vieux-Port.
Both routes highlight very different sides of Marseille.
One showcases its breathtaking scenery.
The other focuses on its rich history and urban transformation.
Discover the City Before Exploring It Yourself
One of the biggest advantages of taking the Little Tourist Train early in your stay is that it helps you decide where you’d like to return later.
You may discover a museum you hadn’t heard about.
A neighbourhood you’d like to explore in more detail.
A restaurant with an incredible terrace.
Or perhaps a viewpoint you’ll want to revisit at sunset.
Rather than replacing independent exploration, the train inspires it.
Think of it as your first introduction to the city.
Ideal During Your First Weeks in Marseille
International students often arrive with limited time before classes begin.
Between finding accommodation, completing administrative procedures and settling into university life, exploring the city sometimes takes second place.
The Little Tourist Train offers a simple solution.
In just over an hour, you’ll discover many of Marseille’s most important landmarks without feeling rushed.
You’ll also begin to understand how different neighbourhoods connect to one another, making future visits much easier.
Many students say they wish they had taken the train earlier rather than waiting until family members came to visit.
A Journey Through Marseille’s History
The audio commentary doesn’t simply point out monuments.
It tells the story of Marseille itself.
You’ll learn how the city was founded more than 2,600 years ago by Greek sailors, how it became one of Europe’s most important Mediterranean ports and how districts like Le Panier, the Old Port and Joliette evolved over the centuries.
Even if you’ve already explored parts of Marseille on foot, hearing the stories behind the buildings adds a completely new perspective.
It’s an enjoyable way to better understand the city you’re now calling home.
Great for Visiting Friends and Family
Sooner or later, someone from home will probably come to visit you.
When that happens, one question almost always follows.
“What should we see first?”
The Little Tourist Train is often an excellent answer.
It provides a comfortable overview of Marseille before exploring individual attractions in greater depth.
Instead of trying to organise everything yourself, the train offers a relaxed introduction that everyone can enjoy.
It’s especially convenient if your visitors have limited mobility or prefer avoiding long walks.
Practical Information
The Little Tourist Trains depart from the Old Port, close to Marseille City Hall. Depending on the season, departures take place regularly throughout the day.
Tickets can be purchased on site, and multilingual audio guides are available, making the experience accessible to international visitors.
If you’re visiting during the summer holidays, it’s a good idea to arrive a little early, as departures can be particularly popular.
A Different Way to See Marseille
Sometimes, the best way to discover a city is simply to slow down.
Instead of rushing from one attraction to another, the Little Tourist Train allows you to appreciate Marseille at a gentler pace.
You’ll notice architectural details you might otherwise miss.
You’ll understand how the city has developed around its harbour.
You’ll enjoy panoramic views without worrying about maps or directions.
And perhaps most importantly, you’ll begin to feel at home.
Because after your first journey through Marseille, many of the places that once felt unfamiliar will soon become part of your everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do the Little Tourist Trains depart from?
The trains depart from the Old Port, near Marseille City Hall, making them easy to find for visitors staying in the city centre.
What routes are available?
Visitors can choose between a route to Notre-Dame de la Garde or a route exploring Old Marseille, including Le Panier, Mucem and Les Terrasses du Port.
Are the tours available in English?
Yes. Multilingual audio commentary is available, making the tours accessible for international visitors.
Is the Little Tourist Train worth it for students?
Absolutely. It’s an excellent introduction to Marseille, especially during your first weeks in the city, helping you discover the main landmarks before exploring them on your own.
Should I take the train at the beginning or end of my stay?
Most students benefit from taking it early. It provides a useful overview of Marseille and helps you decide which neighbourhoods and attractions you’d like to revisit later.
