Marseille: Special Christmas Boat Ride in the Old Port

Marseille: Special Christmas Boat Ride in the Old Port

This Christmas boat ride in Marseille’s Old Port offers a charming and family-friendly holiday experience that lasts about 1 hour. The tour features a skipper dressed as Santa Claus, festive music, and a warm selection of Christmas tea and local cookies. With a maximum of 10 participants, it provides an intimate and authentic perspective on Marseille’s holiday traditions from the water.

Starting from behind the Mucem, near Fort Saint-Jean, this tour takes you on a semi-rigid inflatable boat to see the city’s iconic coastline, Vallon des Auffes, and learn about Provençal Christmas customs. The experience combines maritime scenery, cultural storytelling, and festive cheer, making it particularly suitable for families seeking a kid-friendly holiday outing. It’s perfect for those wanting a unique perspective on Marseille during the holiday season, with the added bonus of local treats and informative commentary.

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Key Points

• Duration: 1 hour, ideal for a quick yet memorable holiday activity.
• Small group: Limited to 10 participants for a more personalized experience.
• Festive atmosphere: Santa in charge, Christmas carols, and holiday music create a jovial mood.
• Cultural insights: Learn about Provençal Christmas traditions, including the 13 desserts, santons, and fishermen’s rites.
• Local treats: Enjoy Christmas tea, coffee, cookies, and sometimes even wine chaud prepared by the skipper.
• Location: Starts near the Mucem, with scenic views of the Old Port and Vallon des Auffes.

Embarking from the Old Port of Marseille

The tour begins at Bateau Marseille Calanques, located behind the Mucem on the J4 esplanade. The precise meeting point is behind the museum, past the entrance on the right, with the Fort Saint-Jean across the street as a key landmark. The skipper contacts participants directly during the day to guide them to the boat, which approaches the dock shortly before boarding.

This departure point offers convenient access from central Marseille, making it easy for visitors to combine the boat ride with visits to the Old Port or the Mucem beforehand. The small group size enhances safety and allows for more interaction with the guide, who will explain the local traditions and maritime customs in French or English.

The Festive Atmosphere Aboard

Once on board, the semi-rigid inflatable becomes a cozy space filled with Christmas music and cheerful decorations. The skipper, dressed as Santa Claus, sets the tone for a joyful holiday experience. During the cruise, Christmas carols play, and the lively, warm ambiance makes the boat feel like a moving Christmas celebration.

The small group size ensures everyone can enjoy the festivities comfortably, with plenty of space for drinks, cookies, and local treats. The friendly atmosphere encourages conversations about Marseille’s maritime traditions, such as offering to fishermen, decorated boats, and Notre-Dame de la Garde’s significance for sailors.

Discovering Provençal Christmas Traditions

Throughout the cruise, the guide provides explanations about local customs related to Christmas. These include the 13 desserts, symbolizing Jesus and the apostles, the wheat of Sainte-Barbe, and the maritime rites of fishermen around the Bonne Mère. The Marseille nativity scene and crown of kings are also part of the cultural storytelling, adding depth to the holiday experience.

The guide shares insights into maritime offerings during the holidays, including boats decorated for winter and the protective role of Notre-Dame de la Garde for sailors. These authentic details help visitors appreciate the traditions that shape Marseille’s unique Christmas celebrations.

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Scenic Views of Marseille’s Coastline and Vallon des Auffes

The cruise covers several notable locations, starting from the Old Port, then moving toward the Vallon des Auffes. This tiny, picturesque fishing port is known for its traditional boats and cozy ambiance. The 20-minute stop or guided tour in Vallon des Auffes allows close-up views of the colorful boats and coastal scenery.

Traveling along the coast, the boat offers views of fishermen’s boats, historic buildings, and the famous Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica perched atop the hill, which sailors have regarded as a protective landmark for generations. This perspective from the water highlights Marseille’s maritime heritage and the harbor’s lively atmosphere during the holidays.

Enjoying Warm Drinks and Local Holiday Treats

A key part of this experience is the onboard offering of Christmas tea, coffee, or hot drinks. These are served along with cookies and local specialties, creating a friendly, comforting moment during the winter cruise. Some guides even prepare wine chaud (mulled wine) for a festive touch.

The warm beverages paired with delicious cookies, often lawenda-flavored, complement the festive music and seaside scenery, making the experience cozy despite the winter chill. This comforting aspect is especially appreciated by families with children, as it enhances the holiday spirit on a chilly day.

Practical Details and Booking Flexibility

This small-group tour requires advance booking with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour. It departs from behind the Mucem, with guides speaking French and English. The duration is about 1 hour, making it a quick yet engaging activity suitable for all ages.

Participants should note that smoking and alcoholic drinks are not permitted onboard. The tour might be canceled due to weather conditions, but in that case, a full refund is provided. The reserve-and-pay-later option adds flexibility for travelers who want to secure their spot without immediate payment.

Review Highlights and Feedback

The tour consistently receives a 5-star rating based on 5 reviews, emphasizing the punctuality and friendly attitude of the guide, as well as the beautiful scenery and authentic storytelling. Reviewers appreciate the festive music, local cookies, and the skipper’s personal touch, such as offering hot wine and Christmas carols.

The experience is described as magical, with some noting how the morale and warmth onboard made the boat ride especially memorable. The small group size and personalized commentary are also praised, making it a highlight of the holiday season in Marseille.

The Sum Up: A Festive Maritime Tradition in Marseille

The Special Christmas Boat Ride in Marseille offers a unique way to celebrate the holidays from the water. With Santa at the helm, festive music, and local treats, the experience captures the spirit of Provençal Christmas traditions while showcasing the stunning coastline.

This 1-hour cruise is particularly well-suited for families and those seeking an authentic, intimate holiday activity. The small group size, cultural storytelling, and scenic views combine to create a warm and memorable Christmas outing. While weather can influence the experience, the flexible booking policy helps ensure a smooth and enjoyable holiday celebration in Marseille.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly and kid-compatible, with a warm atmosphere and small group setting that makes it accessible for children.

What should I wear for the cruise?
Since the cruise takes place in winter, warm clothing and comfortable layers are recommended. The boat offers an open-air experience, so dress accordingly.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if canceled up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility in case of bad weather or changed plans.

What local treats are served onboard?
Guests are offered Christmas tea, coffee, cookies, and sometimes wine chaud, all aimed at enhancing the festive mood.

Where exactly do we meet?
The meeting point is behind the Mucem, on the J4 esplanade, near Fort Saint-Jean and visible landmarks like the large pond and the museum’s facade.

What language are guides available in?
Guides speak French and English, enabling clear explanations of Marseille’s traditions and local history during the cruise.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby