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95% of hotels fully booked: this southern city is attracting more tourists than Paris this summer!

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The Editor

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The second largest city in the Hexagon attracts more and more travelers each year. Even though Paris remains the most visited city in the world, the French prefer Marseille for a summer getaway in the South. Climate, landscapes, or culture: these are the real reasons behind this trend.

According to Booking, Marseille is taking the lead in the ranking of the most sought-after French cities in July 2026 with a hotel occupancy rate close to 95%. Whether it's for its unique atmosphere, festive and cultural events, or for more practical reasons, the Phocaean city is increasingly winning the hearts of the French.


This Summer, the "Plan B" is Becoming More Attractive

Given the tense international context and the resulting financial instability, the French are going on vacation less and traveling not as far. That's why 69% of them have chosen to stay in France this summer: a phenomenon often referred to as the “summer of the Plan B.” So when it comes time to choose their summer destination, it's hard to resist the Mediterranean climate, the coastline, and a culturally rich heritage recognized around the world! It's no surprise that the idea of visiting the Mucem or taking a stroll in the calanques or a panisse enjoyed on a terrace charm so many people.


Events That Boost Attendance

This increase in demand in Marseille didn’t come out of nowhere. Just the concert by Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny on July 1 at the Velodrome attracted over 60,000 spectators. Later in the month, there’s the Delta Festival, on Prado beach, expecting 150,000 festival-goers between July 23 and 26. Finally, Marseille's Summer, featuring free concerts by artists like Julien Clerc and Sébastien Tellier, also plays a key role. While Marseille is already incredibly appealing on its own, these big events have greatly contributed to filling the city.


A Spectacular Comeback

This amazing surge in the rankings is no coincidence. Over the years, Marseille has successfully reinvented its image, transforming from a popular port city marked by drug trafficking into a true unmissable cultural and festive capital. It’s becoming more and more accessible thanks to daily train connections from Paris and Lyon, or by a quick 20-minute shuttle from the airport to downtown. So, far from just being a stroke of luck, Marseille has truly earned this top spot in July. And the momentum doesn’t stop there, as the August 2026 ranking already puts the Phocaean city ahead of Nice, in second place among the most popular cities in France.