Tour of Marseille by private vintage Citroen

Imagine cruising through the lively streets of Marseille in a charming, vintage Citroen 2CV—an experience that promises both a slice of local life and a touch of nostalgia. This private tour, offered by La Petite Frenchie, is designed to give you an intimate glimpse of the city’s most emblematic sights, all from the comfort of a classic car. We’ve looked into it thoroughly to see if this is the sort of experience that fits your travel style.

What really caught our eye? First, the way this tour combines sightseeing with the charm of riding in a vintage vehicle—an experience that feels both personal and fun. Second, the flexibility of a private tour means your guide can tailor the stops based on your interests. However, one thing to keep in mind is the tour’s short duration—just 30 minutes—which might leave you wanting more if you’re eager to see everything.

This experience is ideal if you’re after a relaxed, personal introduction to Marseille’s highlights, especially if you love quirky, photo-worthy moments. But it’s not designed for those with mobility issues or looking for a full-day deep dive. Still, for a quick, charming overview, it hits many of the right notes.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: The private tour with a local guide offers tailored insights and flexibility.
• Iconic Landmarks: You’ll see Marseille’s most famous sites, like the Old Port and Notre Dame de la Garde.
• Stunning Views: Drive along the Corniche Kennedy with scenic vistas of the Frioul Islands.
• Unique Transportation: Riding in a vintage 2CV adds a nostalgic touch to your sightseeing.
• Short & Sweet: The 30-minute duration makes it a quick highlight, ideal for a busy itinerary.
• Additional Options: Pickup from the cruise terminal is available for an extra fee.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Core of the Experience: What You Can Expect

From the moment you meet your guide at the Old Port, this tour feels like catching up with a friend who just happens to know Marseille inside out. Your ride in a classic Citroen 2CV immediately sets a relaxed, fun tone. It’s not a stuffy bus ride but an intimate, personal way to see the city.

The itinerary covers Marseille’s most iconic sights. First, you’ll head to the Cathedral of the Major, an impressive 19th-century structure that’s comparable in size to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. It’s a striking building that commands attention, and your guide will share insights about its history and architecture.

Next, you’ll explore Le Panier, Marseille’s oldest neighborhood, where narrow, winding streets harbor colorful buildings and local charm. This district is often the heart of local life, and being in a small car makes it easier to navigate tighter corners.

Then, the tour continues to Cours Julien, a lively district dedicated to street art. Think vibrant murals, quirky cafes, and a creative buzz that captures Marseille’s youthful spirit. Your guide might point out some of the most famous murals and tell stories behind them.

One of the standout moments is the drive up to Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde. Perched atop a hill, this basilica offers breathtaking panoramic views of the entire city. It’s a place you’ll want to linger at—perfect for photos and soaking in Marseille’s sprawling beauty.

The drive along the Corniche Kennedy is likely to be one of the highlights. You’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Frioul Islands and Castle d’If, both iconic symbols of Marseille’s maritime history. The scenery here is truly picture-perfect, especially with the Mediterranean sun casting its glow.

Finally, a stop at Vallon des Auffes offers a peaceful, picturesque fishing port, contrasting the bustling city and giving you a taste of local life by the sea.

Throughout the journey, your guide provides commentary, sharing local stories and background that turn a simple drive into a memorable storytelling experience. The short duration means you won’t get deep into every single detail but will leave with a nice overview and plenty of photo opportunities.

Price and Value

At $269 per group (up to three people), this tour is priced as a private experience, which means you get personalized attention. For what you get—a scenic, guided ride in a vintage vehicle with flexible stops—the price is reasonable. It’s a good way to add a unique, memorable touch to your Marseille visit, especially if you’re a fan of quirky transportation or want a relaxed way to see the city without the hustle of walking or large group tours.

Keep in mind that an optional pickup from the cruise terminal is available for an extra 20 euros. That could be worthwhile if you’re arriving by cruise ship and want to skip the hassle of getting to the Old Port on your own.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The vintage Citroen itself is a major draw. Riding in a classic car transforms a standard city tour into something more memorable and fun. It’s a photo magnet and a conversation starter, making it a hit for those looking to add some flair to their sightseeing.

The scenic drives along the Corniche and the visit to Notre Dame de la Garde offer truly stunning views. Many reviews highlight how captivating the vistas are, especially with the Mediterranean backdrop. It’s a chance to experience Marseille from a different perspective—more intimate than a bus or walking tour.

The flexibility of a private tour also means your guide can adjust the pace or focus on areas you’re particularly interested in, which is a big plus for those who like a tailored experience.

The Less Glowing Aspects

Given the tour is only 30 minutes long, it’s quite brief. If you’re hoping for a comprehensive deep dive into Marseille’s history or culture, this might feel more like a quick teaser. It’s best seen as an introduction or a fun add-on to a day filled with other activities.

The short duration also means you won’t have much time to explore each stop — for example, you’ll get great views at Notre Dame but probably won’t have time for an extensive visit inside.

Another thing to consider is that the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues, as there’s no mention of accommodation for guests with special needs.

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Who Will Love This Experience?

This private vintage Citroen tour is perfect for couples, small groups, or friends seeking a quirky, relaxed way to see Marseille’s highlights. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate a personal touch and want some memorable photos in a charming vehicle.

If you’re arriving on a cruise and want a quick, scenic overview before continuing your exploration, this tour can fit neatly into your schedule. It also appeals to those who love vintage cars or enjoy discovering a city with a local guide in a more intimate setting.

However, if you’re after a longer, more in-depth experience or are traveling with mobility challenges, you might want to look elsewhere for a more comprehensive tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Since the tour involves a vintage car and a short duration, it might be more suitable for older children or teenagers. It’s not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, and small children could find the ride or stops less engaging.

Can I customize the stops?
As a private tour, there’s some flexibility, but the standard itinerary covers key landmarks. You can discuss your preferences with the guide beforehand, especially if you want to focus on certain areas.

What if I arrive on a cruise?
Pickup from the cruise terminal is available for an extra 20 euros. You’ll need to provide full names to facilitate the organization.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 30 minutes, making it a quick, scenic overview rather than an in-depth exploration.

Is it wheelchair accessible?
No, this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, as there’s no indication of accommodations for mobility restrictions.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers private transportation in a vintage Citroen 2CV and the guide’s commentary. Extras like pickup from the cruise terminal are optional and incur an extra fee.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add a dash of fun and charm to your Marseille visit, this private vintage Citroen tour offers a delightful way to see the city’s most iconic sights with a personal touch. The combination of scenic drives, stunning vistas, and a nostalgic vehicle makes it stand out from more generic city tours.

It’s a great choice for couples or small groups eager for a relaxed, photo-worthy experience that captures the essence of Marseille in a memorable way. Keep in mind the short length—if you’re craving a full day of exploration, this might be more of a highlight than the whole story.

Overall, it’s a neat, enjoyable way to get a taste of Marseille’s vibrant neighborhoods and scenic coastlines without feeling rushed. Just be ready to soak it all in with a smile and a camera in hand.

You can check availability for your dates here: