For all of its charms, Marseille can be tricky to navigate as a new expat. This article is a guide to expat life in Marseille, including accommodation, work visas, study opportunities, and much more.
9 min read
Second city in France, lively and cosmopolitan, Marseille is a destination of choice for expatriates from all over the world. Ideally located by the sea, the Phocaean city offers economic dynamism and the sweetness of life. Immerse yourself in the unique experience of Marseille life: its historic port, its picturesque neighborhoods, its sunny beaches, its artistic scene and even its Mediterranean flavors.In this article, discover our complete guide to expat life in Marseille: accommodation, work, studies, cost of living, culture, it's all there!
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Marseille is a dynamic metropolis with a Mediterranean art of living. A favorite city for expatriates due to its cultural richness, geographic location and economic dynamism, Marseille attracts professionals from all over the world. Groups and associations facilitate integration by offering events, meetings and resources to share advice and experiences. Whether through cultural events or professional meetings, the expatriate community in Marseille offers a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Marseille is a city particularly popular with expatriates from all over the world for:
its professional opportunities: Marseille is a growing economic centre, with sectors such as trade, logistics, tourism, research and development.
its climate and geographical location: Marseille benefits from a pleasant Mediterranean climate and a privileged location by the sea.
its cultural and social life: the Phoenician city is rich in history and benefits from great cultural diversity. It also offers tasty Mediterranean cuisine, bustling markets and a dynamic arts scene
its public transport network: well developed, it facilitates travel in the city and its surroundings.
Finding accommodation in Marseille
The rental market in Marseille is very competitive, which can be a challenge for expats trying to get a foot in the (literal) door. To increase your chances of finding your dream apartment, be methodical and organised — and patient.
Relocating to Marseille
Your first and most important task is to define your apartment search criteria, including your preferred “arrondissements” (districts), budget, and public transport connections. Online platforms like Le Bon Coin, SeLoger, and Pap.fr have a variety of real estate listings, while social media and expat forums are another useful source of advice and insider recommendations. You can also contact real estate agencies, though this tends to be more expensive. Don't be afraid to ask your expat colleagues and other local residents for help, too — they often have invaluable advice or connections.
You’ll also need to carefully prepare all the essential documents, such as proof of income and supporting guarantors. As much as possible, stay calm and patient while you search. It’ll make the process easier in the long run.
Popular Marseilleian districts for expats
Each Marseilleian arrondissement has its own charm and attractions. So, it’s essential to figure out your personal needs and preferences when it comes to housing and lifestyle.
Some neighbourhoods that are particularly popular with expats include:
The Old Port: historic heart of the city, it offers a Mediterranean atmosphere, restaurants, shops and a lively nightlife.
Le Panier: this picturesque and historic district, located near the Old Port, is known for its narrow streets, colourful facades and bohemian atmosphere.
La Joliette: this booming district is the business centre of Marseille. It attracts more and more expatriates due to its recent development, its modern spaces and its easy access to the Old Port.
Les Cinq-Avenues: this pleasant residential area close to the city centre has a calm and family atmosphere.
Le Roucas-Blanc: this area on the heights of Marseille offers a panoramic view of the sea and is very popular with those looking for tranquillity while remaining close to the city centre.
Endoume: this popular residential area, close to the sea and the Calanques national park, offers a pleasant quality of life with access to the seaside.
Le Prado-Périer: located in the 8th arrondissement, this district is appreciated for its large avenues, its parks and its sports facilities.
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The job market in Marseille
Marseille is a major economic centre with a diverse mix of industries, including finance, fashion, health, and tourism. Many national and international companies have their headquarters or regional offices in Marseille, which can mean more opportunities for experienced professionals — especially if you’re multilingual. If you’re trained in an in-demand field such as IT, engineering, finance, or marketing, you’ll generally have good employment prospects. However, the Marseilleian job market is also very competitive, and you’ll need to be smart about how you search.
Finding a job in Marseille
Job hunting in Marseille isn’t impossible, but it’s not always easy. Here are our tips for how to give yourself the best chance. • Optimize your CV: Adapt your CV to match French standards and be sure to highlight all your relevant skills and experience. • Search online opportunities: Explore online platforms such as LinkedIn, Monster, and similar international job sites. • Use social networks: Join professional associations and attend networking events where you can connect with industry professionals. • Use recruitment agencies: You can even look for ones that specialize in jobs for expats. • Learn French: Although many Marseille businesses use English, mastering French will open a lot more doors to you.
And last but not least, stay patient but persistent — job hunting can take time!
Work visas for France
If you aren’t a European Union citizen, you’ll need a visa to live and work in France as an expat. The precise work visa you need depends on your nationality, your particular type of employment, and how long you plan to stay. Typically, though, you’ll fall into the broad category of “long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit” (visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour in French, or VLS-TS).Here are a few of the common visas available for working in France: • Employee visa: Intended for foreign workers who aren’t European Union nationals, this visa is generally issued for a fixed period and is linked to your employment contract. This visa has a longer validity period (one year or more). • Temporary worker visa: There are different short-term visas designed to allow certain workers to live in France for up to 12 months. • Talent passport: There’s a wide range of professional categories that fall under this 12-month visa, including business investors, performing artists, and highly skilled workers.Note that there are also specific visa options for students and academic researchers. Before starting any application procedure, visit the official website for the French consulate in your home country first. They’ll have the most accurate information about the kinds of visas that are currently available and the right application process.
The cost of living in Marseille
Good news, compared to Lyon, Bordeaux or Paris, Marseille is a much more affordable city! The cost of living in Marseille varies depending on lifestyle, area of residence and personal habits. It is therefore recommended to plan your budget according to your lifestyle to adapt to the cost of living in the South. You can decide to open a bank account in France to facilitate your payments there.Rents can represent a significant budget, especially in central districts, but less expensive options exist on the outskirts, moving away from the center. Public transport, although well developed, can represent a significant part of the budget. Food spending depends on purchasing habits, but some restaurants and cafes in Marseille remain relatively affordable rents can represent a significant budget, especially in central districts, but less expensive options exist on the outskirts, moving away from the center. Public transport, although well developed, can represent a significant part of the budget. Food spending depends on purchasing habits, but some restaurants and cafes in Marseille remain relatively affordable.
The Marseilleian healthcare system
France is known for its universal healthcare system and high-quality care. Expats in Marseille qualify for the basic health cover provided by France’s public health insurance. For most people, however, it’s wise to take out supplemental (“mutuelle”) insurance to cover any costs that aren’t reimbursed under the basic scheme. You can choose from a range of additional insurance options to suit your specific personal needs. And if your French isn’t fluent yet, rest assured that many Marseilleian healthcare professionals do speak English.
The Marseilleian education system
The French education system has several options open to expats with school-age children, all the way up to university level.
Sending your kids to school in Marseille
If you have kids, there are international schools offering educational programs in English or other languages. These schools generally follow an international curriculum model such as the IB (International Baccalaureate) or the UK curriculum, which might make life a little easier for children as they integrate into a new educational environment.
The French education system also offers public and private school education from kindergarten to university. French public schools are free, but they teach in French, which can be a challenge for kids from non-French-speaking families. Alternatively, you could explore bilingual private schools that offer teaching in several languages while still following the French educational program.
Marseilleian universities
At the university level, France is home to renowned academic institutions with a whole range of post-secondary programs. As long as foreign students meet the admission requirements — including French-language proficiency, in some cases — they can access these programs.
Getting around in Marseille
The metro in Marseille is one of the oldest and well-established in Europe. But beyond the picturesque old-world metro stations, Marseille boasts a whole network of relatively affordable public transport.You can choose between several transport options for getting around in the French capital: • Metro: Fast and cheap, the Marseille metro has 14 lines to help you move freely around the city. • Bus and tram networks: These are often slower, but they connect you to other parts of the city not serviced by the metro. • RER (Réseau Express Régional): The fast train network links Marseille to the suburbs. • Cycling: Thanks to cycle paths and self-service bike-share stations called Vélib, biking is becoming very popular in Marseille.Taxis and VTC (Vehicule de Tourisme, or passenger vehicle) solutions, such as Uber, are also available to get around in Marseille.
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