From hotel bars with panoramic views to neighbourhood bistros where you can taste delicious panisses, there is no shortage of places to relax and enjoy Marseille’s vibe. Here is a guided tour of the best places to go to once the sun sets!
Panoramic hotel bars
The Bar of the Sofitel Vieux-Port: Dantès Skylounge
With its 150 sq metres of panoramic terrace offering a sweeping view of Marseille's harbor, from the iconic Mucem to the Bonne Mère, the "Dantès Skylounge" is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful venues in the city. You’ll take your time to settle comfortably in the deep armchairs, before reading the very long drink menu where traditional cocktails, signature cocktails as well as a nice selection of wines, champagnes and brandies are recommended.
The bar of the Intercontinental Hôtel Dieu: the Capian
A magnificent terrace overlooking the Old Port, under the watchful eye of the Notre Dame de la Garde, best describe the setting of the [Capian] in this 5-star hotel housed in a former hospice whose architecture dates back to 1000 years. The head bartender, who has won awards in France and abroad for the quality of his cocktails, offers about 50 creations on the menu. Cheers!
The rooftop bar of the hotel les Bords de Mer
This hotel perched above the Catalan beach is aptly named! On the top floor, on the rooftop, the bar of the hotel Les Bords de mer invites you to soak in an incredible view of the sea. Its menu bears hallmarks of the French art of living, with its a selection of wines from the region and the best French vintages.
Ideas for aperitifs and tapas in the vibrant Endoume district
Le café de l’Abbaye
At a few metres from the magnificent Saint Victor's Abbey is a small bar that may not catch your attention at first glance, but as soon as the aperitif hour approaches, the terrace of the [Café de l'abbaye] fills up in no time. Their secret? An unmissable view of the harbor, a gorgeous sunset and homemade panisses to relish.
La Relève
This is the historic bar of the Endoume revival. It was the first to open in this corner of the city, and has paved the way for many bars and restaurants to take over the neighbourhood. At [la Relève], the tapas are a must-try and the atmosphere very lively!
La Ruche
With its long counter reminiscent of the 70's, lively atmosphere and a space that allows for intimate gatherings, la Ruche is a tapas bar, which has established itself in a few years as a safe bet in the Endoume district. The flavour of the tapas is deliciously Mediterranean and the drinks menu offers a nice selection of organic and natural wines.
Secret cocktail bars
Gaspard
Azure blue ceiling, beautiful lights, tropical birds... The décor of this small intimate cocktail bar was entrusted to a renowned decorator of the region. We like the dark wall on the first floor, decorated with gold and bamboo in a very retro tiki spirit. As a true purist, the menu of Gaspard proposes exclusively cocktails accompanied by dainty "nibbles".
Le Carry Nation
You won't come across this bar by chance. Sheltered from passers-by and the general public, the Carry Nation claims to be a clandestine cocktail bar created in the style of American bars during the prohibition era. It is a highly secret underground address, which can only be accessed by reservation. The menu offers a wide choice of spirits and authentic cocktails.
Le Directoire
A neighborhood brasserie at lunchtime, and a cocktail bar at night for the initiated. Known for his bartending skills, the manager of the Directoire offers you a drinks menu that on reading explains how seriously they take their drinks here. The gin is infused with Lapsang Souchon smoked tea, the vodka with lemongrass and the ginger beer is homemade!
A 100% local craft beer bar
What makes Zoumaïspecial? It is both an independent brewery that produces its own craft beer and a bar that has a street corner! Beer lovers gather in large numbers to discover the new creations added to the menu each season: original, organic and gourmet beers brewed on site.
Find out more: Visit Marseille Plan your stay in Provence
By Clara Sfadj
Shake up popular ideas about Marseille and give voice to a trendy and dynamic community! This is the objective that Clara set herself 5 years ago by founding her lifestyle webzine «Les Marseillaises» in which she shares her good addresses and ideas for cultural outings.
