Marseille - stairs to Le Panier district

There are indeed steep stairs to get to the top (as I can sadly vouch for since I was in Marseille recently with a somewhat-recently broken ankle). If stairs are a problem for you, the little tourist train has two routes, one is to Le Panier. The tourist trains now leave from the far north end of the Vieux Port (not near the TI, as Rick's book indicates.) I recommend both routes! Also, be aware that the Panier area is a bit sketchy after dark, in my opinion.

The most direct route up from the Port to the Panier is up quite a long staircase with a good 20 or 30 steps. Not incredibly steep but watch out for crumbling edges. There are other stairs within the Panier district. You can avoid the steps by taking streets that wind back and forth along the hill, but it's further to walk.