7 Best Bars in Marseille, Provence

Restaurant by day, cocktail club and tapas bar by night, this Marseille institution harks back to prewar jazz clubs, but without the smoke. There are great views over the port and live music two nights a week.

The music is live, and the crowd is lively at this fashionable cabaret-bar that's a Marseille institution.

Delicious ambrosias like the Japan Airlines (mezcal, coriander, and ginger) or the Sans Nom (gin, yuzu, ginger and exotic spices) served in the half-light of this atmospheric spot—a kind of chic Mediterranean-style tiki bar—are a big draw in town. A menu of small gourmet plates that are as creative as the drinks changes by the week.

At this vast venue, host to the Fiesta des Suds each autumn, you'll find world and Latin music year-round.

For rap and techno, try L'Affranchi.

Atop the Terrasses shopping center, Le Réctoire and its terrace, Le Rooftop—together called R2—are a popular restaurant by day and a chic cocktail bar and club by night. Dance on the rooftop to live music and DJ beats, or sip a drink on the sprawling terrace while taking in spectacular views of the J4 Pier (home of MuCEM) and Marseille's big-ship port. Both establishments are open until 2 am six days a week (they close at 7 pm on Monday), a rarity in Marseille.

This bar is a mecca for English speakers, who pour onto the sidewalk, beer in hand, pub style. There's live music, DJs on the weekend, and a lounge for the die-hard rugby and soccer fans who can't go without watching a game.