MARSEILLE
Cool Noons in Marseille: a social and environmental challenge
Marseille’s Climate and Tourist background
Located in the South of France, Marseille is a land of varied and surprising landscapes, from the Old Port to the Calanques, via the “Bonne Mère”. Green and natural spaces stretch as far as the eye can see around the city. The traces of its rich history are omnipresent in its architecture, culture and people.
With its long history, distinctive culture, strong identity and ethnic mix, Marseille is now one of the most cosmopolitan cities in France.
Marseille’s Climate Challenge
With the Mediterranean basin warming 20% faster than the global average, Marseille is suffering the consequences of climate change, which are set to intensify over the coming years. In addition to rising sea levels, flooding and the loss of biodiversity, the increase in heat waves and their intensity is a major challenge to which the city must adapt as a matter of urgency: tourists are particularly affected by thermal discomfort, as high temperatures make cultural visits in Marseille museums, the old port and districts such as the Panier or Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde difficult, especially in the middle of the day.
When in search of coolness, tourists flock to the urban beaches, leading to saturation, sometimes as early as in the morning.
What’s more, the health risks are exacerbated: elderly tourists and children can suffer from heatstroke, forcing some to cut short their stay or limit their outings.
Cool Noons Solutions in Marseille
Marseille’s future is rooted in sustainable development, as demonstrated by the “Marseille 2030 Objectif Climat” approach, which is now being applied to all the city’s public policies. In this respect, the new tourism strategy “Marseille, a sustainable and attractive destination: 2024-2030 strategy for the responsible development of tourism and leisure” provides the framework for renewed action by the city, structured around 4 guidelines: ‘Marseille, a responsible destination’, ‘Marseille at any time and in any season’, ‘Marseille for everyone’, ‘Marseille, an innovative destination and ’tourist factory”.
Cool Paths
Marseille mapped two Paths: the first is named “Historical city center path”: from the MUCEM to the Longchamp Palace. It leads visitos through the city center, among points of interest and refreshening shaded areas.
The second path “Escapade in Endoume” is a loop, that from the Catalans Beach leads to the Valmer Park. This path is divided into two distinct sections: the first is an easy seaside section along the Corniche Kennedy, taking in the Malmousque peninsula before reaching the Villa Valmer park. Then there’s a second, more challenging section that explores the heights of the Endoume district.
 |
Pergolas, tables and seats: shading structures with integrated seating along tourist paths, particularly
|
|
 |
|
Pedestrian routes and car-speed reduction zones: pedestrianisation and speed reduction as low-cost
|
Read more about Marseille Pilot City
Cool Noons in Marseille
Climate change in Marseille With the Mediterranean basin warming 20% faster than the global average, Marseille is already suffering the consequences of climate change, which are set to intensify over the coming years. In addition to rising sea levels, flooding and the...
Marseille: the climate is changing, and the city is responding. With people, for people
How can we rethink the future of Mediterranean cities in an increasingly warmer world? Marseille has chosen to face the climate challenge with a structured, inclusive, and strongly participatory approach. As part of the European project Cool Noons, the city has...
Marseille and Climate Change: A Social and Environmental Challenge
Marseille, one of the Pilot Cities involved in the Cool Noons project, serves as a striking example of the challenges posed by climate change in Mediterranean cities. Recent discussions with local representatives highlighted two key issues: the environmental impact of...
Marseille and the Cool Noons Project: Sustainable Routes for Responsible Tourism
Marseille, the second most populous city in France, is dedicated to transitioning toward a greener, more inclusive future, guided by the “Marseille 2030 Climate Objective.” As part of the Cool Noons project, Marseille has collaborated with the Tourist Office to create...
Lisbon pilot partner
Ville de Marseille is the partner responsible for Marseille as pilot city.
Learn more about Ville de Marseille on the official website:
