Cheap parking in Marseille: where to park in Marseille?
From the Vieux Port to the Calanques, not to mention pastis and petanque, there’s no mistake, you’re in the Phocaean city! To help you spend a hassle-free weekend in the city, read our tips to easily find a car park in Marseille.
Ah, Marseille! With its 57 kilometers of coastline, 300 days of sunshine all year round, its laid-back atmosphere, gourmet specialties, and vibrant culture, the “Phocaean city” appeals to visitors in search of an authentic provençal experience. And it is no coincidence that Marseille and its surrounding area was named European Capital of Culture in 2013: the city is full of surprises.
Just like in other major French cities, the chronic lack of parking space – along with the ever-increasing number of vehicles and the resulting traffic problems – is a major issue. Visitors often have a hard time finding parking in Marseille.
You are wondering where to park in Marseille? To enjoy a stress-free, sunny stay in Marseille, read our tips to help you find a car park in Marseille easily.
Also read : The 13 best things to do in Marseille
The best areas to stay in Marseille
Where to park in Marseille: park on the street
Finding available parking spaces in the streets of the Marseille is not mission impossible, but it can be difficult. Free parking spaces are becoming increasingly scarce, and rates are on the rise.
So, where to park in Marseille? The city has more than 15,000 spaces managed through parking meters. Different parking rates are applicable depending on the color-coded zone. There are three distinct zones: the yellow zone, the orange zone, and the red-marked lanes, which are reserved for short-term parking only.
Parking in the orange zone is charged at €0.50 for 30 minutes, €1.50 for 1 hour, €6 for 3 hours and €17 for 4h30 and more. In the yellow zone, the same rates apply, except that you will pay €5 for 3 hours and €6 for 4 hours. As for the red-marked lanes, you can park there for a maximum of 2h30 for €17. These rates apply from 9 am to 7 pm except on Sundays and public holidays, so take advantage of them! Be careful, however: the prices are doubled on level 1 “ozone alert” days.
Above all, don’t try to beat the odds by not paying the parking meter. Since January 2018, the ScanCars brigade is crisscrossing the streets of Marseille and keeping a sharp eye in search of unpaid parking, with nearly 1,500 license plates scanned per hour. Choosing not to pay your parking in Marseille can easily expose you to an expensive, holiday-ruining fine.
Where to park in Marseille: covered parking spaces
Map of cheap parking lots in Marseille
Contrary to what you might think, many car parks in Marseille offer affordable rates.
A stone’s throw from the Old Port, you will find the “Vieux Port” parking lot. The first 30 minutes are free. Beyond this time, the parking charges €1.80 for 1 hour, €3.60 for 2 hours, and €15.30 for 24 hours. On the other side of the Old Port, go to the Estienne d’Orves car park, offering cheap parking rates: you’ll only pay €12.50 for 24 hours.
The best parking deal in Marseille? Park on supermarket parking lots. Close to the terraces of the port, the “Casino” supermarket offers free parking for a maximum of 2 hours. You can also park at the Super U near the Fort d’Entrecasteaux, and the Simply Market and Darty car parks in the Castellane district. Here’s another tip: try your luck at the small car park (only 16 spaces) on Place Paul Ricard – it’s free!
Cheap parking in Marseille: football fans’ parking lots
Where to park in Marseille for cheap? For football fans, and especially OM fans (“Olympique de Marseille” is the city’s emblematic football club), be aware that there are excellent and inexpensive parking options in Marseille, just a stone’s throw from the Velodrome stadium. Indeed, the Hippodrome car park offers affordable day rates: €1.50 for 24 hours from October to May and €4.50 for 24 hours from June to September.
“Escale P6” and “Restaurant de la Mer” are two other car parks located close to the stadium, on Avenue Pierre Mendès. Both offer advantageous rates: €1 for 24 hours in winter and €4 for 24 hours in summer.
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