Marseille City Guide
Marseille is France's second-largest city and the country's largest Mediterranean port — a 2,600-year-old Greek-founded settlement (Massalia, 600 BC, France's oldest city) that today combines deep multicultural character with the country's strongest urban yield + capital growth combination. Population approximately 870,000 (city) / 1.6M (metro). Marseille's average apartment prices €3,388-€3,750/m² in 2025 — materially below Paris (€9,924+/m²) and Nice (€5,771/m²) — but with the highest gross rental yields of any major French city at 5.45% average (Studios 6.47%, select districts up to 7%). Buyer demand exceeds available properties by 18%, supporting continued appreciation. The city's Mediterranean climate, port economy, MUCEM cultural complex, and the 2023 Calanques National Park UNESCO inscription continue to drive long-term lifestyle migration from northern French cities.
Figures are indicative and subject to change. Regulations, taxes and market conditions vary by jurisdiction. Do your own due diligence and seek independent legal and financial advice.
