Updated January 2, 2023

Marseille is a safe place to visit—with a little know-how. Locals helped us put together this guide to staying safe in Marseille, which covers everything from COVID to tips for solo travelers.

Marseille, France, and the COVID pandemic

Wondering whether Marseille is a safe place to visit during COVID? Or if Americans can travel to France right now? We’ve got good news: travel in France right now is similar to how it was before the pandemic. 

Vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers can visit France for vacation (although the CDC recommends getting vaccinated before travel). Negative COVID tests are no longer required for Americans to enter the country. And the government does not currently have a mask mandate either. But masking is still recommended on public transit and indoors in public. 

There’s one exception effective January 5, 2023: if you are traveling from China you will need a negative COVID test and will be required to mask on planes and public transportation. 

Travelers simply need to follow whatever local rules are in place, including masking where required.  

Safety in Marseille

Is Marseille safe? Anthony Bourdain once noted that Marseille is a “victim of bad reputation.” Many are quick to dismiss Marseille as too dangerous to visit. 

But locals tell us that Marseille is safe—as long as you follow a few precautions. The second-largest city in France, Marseille offers visitors excellent cuisine, ocean views, and a fantastic mix of cultures. 

It’s a wonderful place to visit in France if you’re looking to get off the beaten path while still enjoying a big, dynamic city. 

Common scams in Marseille

Although France is a safe destination, locals tell us you may encounter scammers and pickpockets—especially in big cities like Marseille. Common scams in France include: 

• Rigged ATMs: If you withdraw money from an ATM, try to do so from within or directly outside a bank. ATMs in high-traffic areas might be dangerous to use. 
• Fake petitions: You may be approached by someone asking you to sign a petition. It’s best to refuse and walk away. Many petitions are fake. Scammers will ask for money or use your momentary distraction to pick your pockets. 
• Gold ring scam: In this scam, someone will pretend to find a gold ring on the ground. They’ll offer it to you, then demand payment as a finder’s fee. 
• “Free” charms scam: Basically anytime anyone approaches you with a gift—a rose, a bracelet, or anything else—be on your guard. It’s likely a scam, and they will ask for money.
• Pickpockets: Be vigilant. Keep an eye on your belongings—especially you are in a crowd. Make a copy of your passport to carry, don’t flash valuables, and avoid putting your wallet in a back pocket. 

Be on your guard, use common sense, and trust your instincts if something feels off. Locals note that these scams can occur throughout France, so keep them in mind whether you’re traveling to Paris or Marseille.

What solo travelers in Marseille should know

Locals in France tell us that Marseille is safe for solo travelers—but you should definitely keep some things in mind. They suggest: 

• Avoid taking the metro at night. Although transportation in France is generally quite safe, it’s often faster and safer to just call a cab.
• Ignore the cat-callers. Women traveling alone might get unwanted attention from men. If this happens, ignore it—like you would at home. If you feel unsafe, duck into a store or restaurant.
• Keep an eye on your drink. If someone offers to buy you a drink, be sure you see it made.

Important French phrases

No matter where you go in France, it’s good to know a few phrases. Locals tell us that these are some good ones to keep in mind: 

• Hello (morning): Bonjour
• Hello (evening): Bonsoir
• Thank you: Merci (merci beaucoup=thank you very much)
• Please: S'il vous plait
• Excuse me, where is…-Excusez-moi, ou se trouve…?
• I would like...Je voudrais 

As a big city, Marseille is a good place to stay in France if you speak no French. People in restaurants and hotels will speak English. However, don’t expect everyone you meet to speak English. 

At the very least, locals recommend saying bonjour when you enter a store and si’il vous plait and merci when you order something. The effort is deeply appreciated. 

Emergency numbers to know

Although it’s unlikely, here are some good numbers to have on hand in case you run into trouble in France—whether you’re in Marseille, Lyon, Paris, or somewhere else: 

• Emergency - 112 (European emergency number like 911 in the US)
• Police (24/7) - 17
• Health emergencies - 15
• US Embassy Paris - +(33)(1) 43-12-22-22, enter zero "0" after the automated greeting. Website - U.S. Embassy Paris