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STROLLS
Overview Table
| Name | Appeal | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Vieux Port | ✦✦✦✦✧ | Marina |
| Le Panier | ✦✦✦✦✧ | Neighborhood |
| Cours Julien | ✦✦✦✧✧ | Street/Square + Stairs |
| La Plaine | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Square |
| Corniche Kennedy | ✦✦✦✧✧ | Ledge |
| Vallon des Auffes | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Marina |
| Endoume | ✦✦✦✧✧ | Coastal Path |
Vieux Port
In Video Yes
Appeal ✦✦✦✧✧
Type Marina
Full Name
Vieux-Port
The Old Port is the most obvious place to start if you want to get a feel for Marseille, because the whole city still seems to revolve around its harbor. A walk here blends history, sunshine, and the city’s everyday buzz. The rows of boats, lively facades, urban silhouettes, and the constant presence of the sea create a setting that feels unmistakably Marseille.
In the morning, the fish market is a reminder that this place is still deeply connected to fishing and maritime life, even right in the heart of the city. You can simply stroll along the waterfront, watch the boats come and go, people watch, stop for a drink at a terrace café, or cross from one side to the other on the famous ferry boat, known for its incredibly short route.
After years of having a rougher look, the Old Port has been redesigned and now feels more polished and much more welcoming for pedestrians. Even so, it still has the atmosphere of an open air stage, where tourists, fishermen, locals, cafés, and piers all come together in a constant flow of activity.
At sunset, the light completely transforms the waterfront and gives the whole area a warm, lively atmosphere that feels distinctly Marseille.
Le Panier
In Video Yes
Appeal ✦✦✦✦✧
Type Neighborhood
Full Name
Le Panier
Le Panier is the old Marseille of narrow streets, stairways, and little squares, a neighborhood that’s meant to be explored slowly rather than simply crossed. It’s considered the oldest part of the city and also one of the places where a genuine Marseille spirit still survives.
Its history is rich and layered. For generations, it was the first stop for people arriving through the port, welcoming Italians, Corsicans, Algerians, Vietnamese communities, sailors, and working class families. That heritage gives the area a special depth, even though it has changed a lot over the years.
The neighborhood was also known for a rougher side, with a reputation tied to petty criminals and notorious gangsters, and it suffered major destruction during WW2. Today, though, the walk reveals a very different face, with freshly painted facades, plants hanging from windows, trendy shops, cafés, artists’ studios, and colorful street art murals.
Gentrification is noticeable, but it hasn’t completely erased the neighborhood’s working class soul. People come here to wander through the sloping streets, move from one hidden passage to the next little square, and soak up the mix of historic architecture, local life, vibrant colors, and traces of the past. It’s like a village within the city, picturesque, lively, and unmistakably Marseille.
Cours Julien
In Video Yes
Appeal ✦✦✦✧✧
Type Street/Square + Stairs
Full Name
Cours Julien
Cours Julien and neighboring La Plaine make up one of Marseille’s liveliest and most alternative districts. The main reason to come here is the atmosphere, with walls covered in street art, independent shops, cafés, trendy restaurants, bars, and a constant flow of people from all kinds of backgrounds.
The area is home to much of Marseille’s nightlife, especially on weekends, but it’s just as interesting during the day thanks to its painted facades, stairways, terraces, and its feel of an urban creative hub.
With its mix of hipsters, artists, students, and night owls, Cours Julien offers a side of Marseille that is less about monuments and more about freedom, creativity, color, and a touch of organized chaos.
La Plaine
In Video Yes
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Type Square
Full Names
La Plaine
Place Jean Jaurès
Around this square, the atmosphere feels very bohemian and alternative. The streets are full of cafés and restaurants often visited by a young and creative crowd.
The area is also known for its nightlife, with lively bars and friendly places where you can grab a bite or have a drink late into the night.
La Plaine and Cours Julien together create a dynamic urban area where alternative culture, simple food and a popular local vibe mix together. It is a great place for you to feel the contemporary energy of Marseille while enjoying a relaxed and authentic atmosphere.
Corniche Kennedy
In Video Yes
Appeal ✦✦✦✧✧
Type Ledge
Full Name
Corniche du Président John-Fitzgerald Kennedy
Corniche Kennedy is Marseille’s great seaside promenade. It runs along the coast like a balcony above the sea, with the city and its apartment buildings on one side, and the horizon, rocky shoreline, and offshore islands on the other.
People mainly come here for the light, the salty air, and the wide open views over the Mediterranean. The walk reveals a different side of Marseille, less crowded than the city center and more connected to the sea.
With its benches, small spots where you can access the water, joggers, walkers, and constant traffic, the Corniche still feels very much part of the city, while offering a real sense of space and fresh air.
Vallon des Auffes
In Video Yes
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Type Marina
Full Name
Port du Vallon des Auffes
Vallon des Auffes is a tiny fishing harbor tucked away beneath Corniche Kennedy, almost hidden among the rocks. Walking around here feels like leaving Marseille without ever really leaving it. With its traditional fishing boats, little fishermen’s houses, nets, tightly packed facades, and village atmosphere, the place has a charm all its own.
It’s an especially photogenic spot, particularly when the light falls on the boats and colorful houses. People come here to wander, enjoy a drink, watch life unfold around the harbor, and experience a more humble, traditional side of Marseille, one that remains deeply connected to the sea.
Endoume
In Video Yes
Appeal ✦✦✦✧✧
Type Coastal Path
Full Names
Endoume
Pointe Cadière
Maldormé
Fausse Monnaie
Endoume is often described as a village like neighborhood of Marseille, facing the sea. The atmosphere is calmer than in the city center, with residential streets, small local shops and a very local feel.
In this district you will also find typical neighborhood cafés. Some of them, especially those near the small port or along the streets going down toward the sea, attract locals who come to enjoy the view and watch the sunset over the Bay of Marseille.
Endoume has kept a very authentic spirit, mixing everyday life, friendly little addresses and immediate proximity to the coastline. It’s a good place for you to discover Marseille’s maritime side while enjoying a quieter setting.
FOOD MARKETS
Overview Table
| Name | Appeal | Opening | Setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capucins | ✦✦✦✧✧ | Mon > Sat a.m. | Outdoor |
| Vieux Port | ✦✦✦✧✧ | Sun a.m. | Outdoor |
| Cours Julien | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Wed a.m. | Outdoor |
| La Plaine | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Tue-Thu-Sat a.m. | Outdoor |
| Joliette | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Mon > Fri a.m. | Outdoor |
| Prado | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Mon > Sat a.m. | Outdoor |
Capucins
In Video Yes
Appeal ✦✦✦✧✧
Opening Monday to Saturday mornings
Setting Outdoor
Full Names
Marché des Capucins
Marché Noailles
Lively and deeply rooted in local life, the Capucins Market brings together fruits, vegetables, herbs, fish, and exotic produce in a bustling, colorful atmosphere that feels unmistakably Marseille.
Vieux Port
In Video Yes
Appeal ✦✦✦✧✧
Opening Sunday mornings
Setting Outdoor
Full Name
Marché du Vieux Port
The market at the Old Port is one of Marseille’s must see experiences, especially for fresh fish. Here you’ll find fishermen, local accents, simple stalls, and the city’s enduring maritime spirit.
Cours Julien
In Video No
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Opening Wednesday mornings
Setting Outdoor
Full Name
Marché Paysan du Cours Julien
At Cours Julien, the market has a more local and creative feel. Farmers, organic produce, handmade goods, and the surrounding street art make it a lively stop in this alternative neighborhood.
La Plaine
In Video No
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Opening Thuesday, Thursday, Saturday mornings
Setting Outdoor
Full Name
Marché de la Plaine
The market at La Plaine reflects everyday Marseille, popular, sprawling, noisy, and full of variety. Food stalls, clothing vendors, and a genuine neighborhood atmosphere give it plenty of character and energy.
Joliette
In Video No
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Opening Monday to Friday mornings
Setting Outdoor
Full Name
Marché de la Joliette
In La Joliette, the market fits into a redeveloped district surrounded by docks, shops, offices, and the port. The atmosphere here feels more urban, modern, and practical.
Prado
In Video No
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Opening Monday to Saturday mornings
Setting Outdoor
Full Names
Marché du Prado
Marché Castellane
Prado Market is one of Marseille’s largest and busiest markets. Wide ranging and popular with locals, it’s a great place for clothes, accessories, fresh produce, and everyday shopping.
CHURCHES
Overview Table
| Name | Appeal | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Marseille Cathedral | ✦✦✦✦✦ | Cathedral |
| Notre-Dame de la Garde | ✦✦✦✦✦ | Basilica |
| St-Vincent de Paul | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Church |
| St-Victor | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Abbey |
| Sacré-Cœur | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Basilica |
| St-Laurent | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Church |
Marseille Cathedral
In Video Yes
Appeal ✦✦✦✦✦
Type Cathedral
Full Names
Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-Majeure
Cathédrale de La Major
Marseille Cathedral, also known as the La Major, immediately stands out because of its sheer size and its commanding position at the entrance to the harbor. Built in the 19th century, it has become a major landmark in the city’s skyline, with its massive proportions and striking combination of green stone from Florence and white stone.
It was the first cathedral built in France after more than two centuries without the construction of a cathedral, and its dimensions have often been compared to those of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Unlike most churches, which traditionally follow an east west orientation, La Major was built along a north south axis.
Its architecture deliberately combines several styles, Byzantine in its interior decoration, Romanesque in its elevation, and Gothic in its overall layout.
Although it doesn’t occupy the same place in the popular imagination as Notre-Dame de la Garde, La Major is well worth a visit for its scale, its unique character, and the richness of its design.
Notre-Dame de la Garde
In Video Yes
Appeal ✦✦✦✦✦
Type Basilica
Full Names
Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde
La Bonne Mère
Perched on a limestone hill rising 160 meters above the city, the “Good Mother” overlooks all of Marseille and can be seen from many different neighborhoods. Traditionally regarded as the protector of sailors and fishermen, it holds a deeply emotional place in the city’s identity.
The site has a long history, with a first chapel being built here in the 13th century. The present basilica dates from the 19th century, when the old chapel was demolished to make way for a much larger building.
Its Romano Byzantine style features richly colored marble, mosaics, and luminous decorative details. At the very top stands the gilded statue of the Virgin Mary, over eleven meters tall, reinforcing the basilica’s role as a protective landmark watching over the city.
Inside, the ex votos and model ships hanging from the nave reflect a distinctly Mediterranean form of faith, popular, practical, and deeply connected to the sea.
⚙️ Hours (Tourist Office Website)
In the basement of the basilica, there is a small museum dedicated to the history of the site even before the basilica was built, showcasing a collection of various artifacts. There may also be temporary exhibitions.
The museum is explored through a self-visit and requires an entrance fee.
St-Vincent de Paul
In Video No
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Type Church
Full Names
Église Saint-Vincent-de-Paul
Église Les Réformés
Saint Vincent de Paul Church is best known for its striking vertical silhouette, with two tall towers rising above the avenue. Built in the 19th century, it was designed in a style inspired by the great medieval churches, featuring soaring lines, pointed arches, and an imposing facade.
Inside, the atmosphere is more restrained than in some of Marseille’s other landmarks, but the stained glass windows bring warmth, color, and light to the space.
St-Victor
In Video No
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Type Abbey
Full Name
Abbaye Saint-Victor
St. Victor Abbey is a historic site in Marseille with a rich religious heritage, dating back to the early Christian period. The abbey’s architecture reflects its long history, with elements ranging from Romanesque to Gothic styles.
The abbey was founded in the 5th century in honor of Saint Victor, a Christian martyr from the 3rd century. It has undergone numerous changes and renovations over the centuries, including its fortification in the 14th century.
Notable features of St. Victor Abbey include its paid ancient crypts, which house a collection of religious artifacts that provide insights into its past.
Sacré-Cœur de Jésus
In Video No
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Type Basilica
Full Name
Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Jésus
Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Marseille was built in the early 20th century after WW1. Its design incorporates elements of Neo-Romanesque and Neo-Byzantine architecture, contributing to its distinctive appearance.
The building was constructed to commemorate the 1720 plague that severely affected Marseille and to serve as a memorial for WW1.
St-Laurent
In Video No
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Type Church
Full Name
Église Saint-Laurent
St. Laurent Church is a Romanesque-style church from the 13th century, historically associated with the fishermen of Marseille.
MUSEUMS
Overview Table
| Name | Appeal | Theme | € |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUCEM | ✦✦✦✦✧ | The Mediterranean | €11 |
| Cosquer | ✦✦✦✦✧ | Parietal Art | €18 |
| Histoire de Marseille | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Local History | 0* |
| Fine Arts | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Fine Arts | 0* |
| Natural History | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Nat. History | 0* |
| Regards de Provence | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Classic & Modern Art | €8.50 |
| Cantini | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Modern Art | 0* |
| Frac Sud | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Contemporary Art | €5 |
| MAC | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Contemporary Art | 0* |
| Château Borely | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Faience & Fashion | 0* |
| Savon de Marseille | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Soap | €3 |
| Savon de Marseille | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Soap Factory | 0 (Guided) |
| Maison Yellow | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Anise | 0 |
| La Boule Bleue | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Petanque | 0 |
| Marcel Carbonel | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Local Figurines | 0 (Guided) |
| Archéologie Méditerranéenne | ✦✧✧✧✧ | Archeology | 0* |
| MAAOA | ✦✧✧✧✧ | World Arts | 0* |
| Marseille Illusion | ✦✧✧✧✧ | Optical Illusion | €13 |
| Préau des Accoules | ✦✧✧✧✧ | Art for Kids | 0* |
| Deportation Memorial | ✦✧✧✧✧ | WWII Deportation | 0* |
| La Friche | ✦✧✧✧✧ | Cultural Center | €8 |
| Le Corbusier | ✦✧✧✧✧ | Modernist Housing Block | €18 (Guided) |
| Moto | ✦✧✧✧✧ | Motorbike | 0 |
0* = Free for the permanent exhibitions and paid for the temporary exhibitions.
MUCEM
In Video Yes
Appeal ✦✦✦✦✧
Theme The Mediterranean
Price €11
Full Names
Musée des Civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée
MUCEM
The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations (MUCEM) is a modern architectural marvel located at the entrance of Marseille’s Old Port. This museum is dedicated to exploring the rich cultural heritage of the Mediterranean region, offering a wide range of exhibits that span history, art, and anthropology.
The MUCEM was inaugurated in 2013 as part of Marseille’s designation as the European Capital of Culture.
Notable features of the MUCEM include its latticework facade, which casts intricate shadows on the interior spaces, and the panoramic views from its rooftop terrace.
The adjoining Fort St. Jean, connected to the museum by a footbridge, adds a historical dimension to the visit, offering insights into Marseille’s military past.
⚙️ Hours & Prices (Official Website)
Cosquer
In Video Yes
Appeal ✦✦✦✦✧
Theme Parietal Art
Price €18
Full Name
Cosquer Méditerranée
The Cosquer Museum is a fascinating cultural site that recreates the prehistoric Cosquer Cave, which lies submerged off the coast of Marseille. The museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore replicas of the cave’s ancient paintings and carvings, which date back over 27,000 years.
The original Cosquer Cave was discovered in 1985 and quickly became a site of immense archaeological importance. The cave’s artworks provide valuable insights into the lives of the people who inhabited the region during the Upper Paleolithic period. Due to rising sea levels, much of the cave is now underwater, making the museum an essential preservation effort to showcase this priceless heritage.
The museum also features exhibits related to prehistory.
Histoire de Marseille
In Video No
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Theme Local History
Price Free*
Full Name
Musée d’Histoire de Marseille
The Museum offers an overview of the city’s history and development through various exhibits and artifacts. It aims to document and interpret the city’s rich past, from its founding around 600 BC to the present day, with a focus on its maritime history and its role as a key Mediterranean port.
Fine Arts
In Video No
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Theme Fine Arts
Price Free*
Full Names
Musée des Beaux-Arts
MBA
The Fine Arts Museum, established in the early 19th century is located in one of the wings of Longchamp Palace. Ithouses works ranging from the Renaissance through the 19th century. Its collection includes paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.
Natural History
In Video No
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Theme Natural History
Price Free*
Full Name
Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle
The Natural History Museum established in the 19th century is located in one of the wings of Longchamp Palace.
It features a collection that spans various aspects of the natural world, including fossils, minerals, and animal specimens.
Regards de Provence
In Video No
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Theme Classic & Modern Art
Price €8.50
Full Names
Musée Regards de Provence
Fondation Regards de Provence
Regards de Provence is a museum dedicated to the art of the Provence region, showcasing a variety of works, including paintings and sculptures, from both the classic and modern periods.
Cantini
In Video No
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Theme Modern Art
Price Free*
Full Name
Musée Cantini
The Cantini Museum focuses on modern art, featuring a diverse collection of works primarily from 1900 to 1960, including major artistic movements such as Post-Impressionism, Fauvism, and Cubism.
The museum is housed in a 17th-century manison.
Frac Sud
In Video No
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Theme Contemporary Art
Price €5
Full Names
FRAC Sud
Cité de l’Art Contemporain
FRAC, which stands for “Regional Fund for Contemporary Art,” is an official French label granted to cultural institutions that build collections of contemporary artworks. Its mission is to support contemporary art and raise public awareness of it.
MAC
In Video No
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Theme Contemporary Art
Price Free*
Full Name
MAC
Musee d’Art Contemporain de Marseille
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) in Marseille offers a range of contemporary art exhibits from 1960 to today.
Château Borely
In Video No
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Theme Faience & Fashion
Price Free*
Full Names
Château Borély
Musée des Arts Décoratifs, de la Faïence et de la Mode
Château Borély, located in the park of the same name, is a historic building constructed in the 18th century. It now serves as a museum dedicated to decorative arts, faience, and fashion.
Savon de Marseille
In Video No
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Theme Soap
Price €3
Full Names
Musée du Savon de Marseille
Savonnerie Marseillaise de la Licorne
The museum provides insight into the history and craftsmanship of this iconic product, which has been a staple of local culture for centuries.
⚙️ Hours & Prices (Official Website)
La Licorne is a company dedicated to the production of traditional Marseille soap. They operate shops, a factory, and a museum. The two locations are within walking distance of each other, and both have shops where visitors can buy the traditional soap.
Savon de Marseille (Factory)
In Video No
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Theme Soap Museum & Factory
Price Free (Guided Visit only)
Full Name
Atelier de Fabrication de la Savonnerie de la Licorne
The factory showcases the soap-making process, including the techniques and ingredients used in the production of Marseille soap.
Maison Yellow
In Video No
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Theme Anise (Museum, Shop & Bar)
Price Free
Full Names
Maison Yellow
Musée de l’Anis
Maison Yellow is a unique museum and shop dedicated to the exploration of anise, the key ingredient in the famous traditional Provençal liqueur known as Pastis. The museum offers an in-depth look at this aromatic herb and liqueur.
The place also functions as a shop, bar, and restaurant.
La Boule Bleue
In Video No
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Theme Petanque (Museum & Shop)
Price Free
Full Names
La Boule Bleue
La Maison de la Boule
La Boule Bleue is a Marseille institution linked to pétanque, the iconic game of southern France. This family company has been producing pétanque balls since the early twentieth century and today it remains the last artisanal manufacturer of its kind in Marseille.
The company first became known for selling the original wooden balls covered with nails, before creating in 1947 the famous bluish steel ball that gave the brand its name. Today it still produces high end competition balls made of stainless steel or carbon steel.
Part of the production is still personalized. You can order a set of three balls engraved with your name. On site, a small demonstration pitch even lets you practice your pointing technique, while a slideshow presents the history of this company founded in 1904.
Marcel Carbonel
In Video No
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Theme Local Figurines (Workshop & Shop)
Price Free (Guided Visit only)
Full Name
Ateliers Marcel Carbonel – Santons & Art de Vivre Provençal
This workshop is one of the best known Santon makers in Marseille. It has kept the tradition of Provençal santons alive since 1935. These small painted clay figurines are used to create traditional Christmas nativity scenes.
You can see the different stages of production, molding, drying, firing and finally painting the figurines.
The creations stay faithful to traditional models, pastoral characters, village figures and scenes from everyday Provençal life. This workshop shows how lively this local craft still is and how deeply it remains rooted in Provençal culture.
Archéologie Méditerranéenne
In Video No
Appeal ✦✧✧✧✧
Theme Archeology
Price Free*
Full Names
Musée d’Archéologie Méditerranéenne
MAM
The Mediterranean Museum focuses on the archaeology and history of the Mediterranean region. It provides insights into ancient civilizations and their interactions with the Mediterranean Sea. The collection notably includes items from ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt.
It’s located inside the Old Charity historic building.
MAAOA
In Video No
Appeal ✦✧✧✧✧
Theme World Arts
Price Free*
Full Names
MAAOA
Musée des Arts Africains, Océaniens et Amérindiens
The MAAOA Museum is dedicated to the art and cultures of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. The museum’s collection offers a diverse array of artworks and artifacts, including masks, sculptures, and textiles from various indigenous cultures.
It’s located inside the Old Charity historic building.
Marseille Illusion
In Video No
Appeal ✦✧✧✧✧
Theme Optical Illusion
Price €13
Full Name
Musée de l’Illusion Marseille
The Marseille Illusion Museum offers a fun and mind-bending experience with a variety of optical illusions and interactive displays.
Préau des Accoules
In Video No
Appeal ✦✧✧✧✧
Theme Art for Kids
Price Free*
Full Names
Préau des Accoules
Musée des Enfants
Préau des Accoules is a museum for children in Marseille, designed to offer educational and interactive experiences for younger audiences. Adults are also welcome.
A variety of themes are explored here, including archaeology, regional heritage, history, photography, fine arts, African and American cultures, contemporary art, and more.
The museum is housed in an early 18th-century building constructed by Jesuits.
Deportation Memorial
In Video No
Appeal ✦✧✧✧✧
Theme WWII Deportation
Price Free*
Full Name
Mémorial des Déportations
The Deportation Memorial is a museum dedicated to honoring the victims of WWII deportations, providing a somber reflection on the impact of the Holocaust and wartime persecution. It was inaugurated in 1995 on the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the concentration camps.
La Friche
In Video No
Appeal ✦✧✧✧✧
Theme Cultural Center
Price €8
Full Names
La Friche
Friche la Belle de Mai
La Friche is a cultural center established in 1992. It’s housed in a former tobacco factory, which has been repurposed to serve as a hub for artistic and cultural activities. The center offers a range of events, including concerts, theater performances, and art exhibitions.
Le Corbusier
In Video No
Appeal ✦✧✧✧✧
Theme Modernist Housing Block
Price €18 (Guided Visit only)
Full Names
Le Corbusier
Cité radieuse
Unité d’Habitation
Maison du Fada
Le Corbusier’s modernist housing block, built in the mid-20th century, is a pioneering example of architectural innovation from that era.
This residential complex embodies architect Le Corbusier‘s vision of urban living and architectural functionality, characterized by its use of raw concrete and modular design.
The building also features a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Marseille.
Moto
In Video No
Appeal ✦✧✧✧✧
Theme Motorbike
Price Free
Full Name
Musée de la Moto
The Motorbike Museum showcases a collection of vintage and contemporary motorcycles, reflecting the evolution of motorcycle design and technology.
LANDMARKS
Overview Table
| Name | Appeal | Type | € |
|---|---|---|---|
| St-Jean Fort | ✦✦✦✧✧ | Fort | 0 |
| Palais Longchamp | ✦✦✦✧✧ | Monument + Fountains | 0 |
| St-Nicolas Fort | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Fort | €12 (Guided) |
| Vieille Charité | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Former Almshouse | 0 |
St-Jean Fort
In Video Yes (in the Museums category)
Appeal ✦✦✦✧✧
Type Fort
Price Free
Full Name
Fort Saint-Jean
Fort Saint-Jean is a historic fortification constructed in the 17th at the entrance of Marseille’s Old Port, serving as a testament to the city’s military past. The fort’s imposing walls and strategic position made it a key defense point throughout Marseille’s history.
Notable elements of Fort Saint-Jean include its watchtowers, which offer panoramic views of the Old Port and the Mediterranean Sea.
It is now integrated into the MUCEM museum complex via a footbridge.
Palais Longchamp
In Video Yes (in the Gardens category)
Appeal ✦✦✦✧✧
Type Monument + Fountains
Price Free
Full Name
Palais Longchamp
Longchamp Palace, located in Marseille, is an architectural landmark known for its distinctive blend of Renaissance and Baroque styles. The palace is most famous for its grand water tower and park.
Constructed in the mid-19th century, Longchamp Palace was designed to celebrate the completion of a new water supply system for Marseille.
It houses two museums, one in each of its lateral wings: the Fine Arts Museum and the Natural History Museum, detailed in the corresponding category.
St-Nicolas Fort
In Video No
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Type Fort
Price €12 (Guided Visit only)
Full Names
Fort Saint-Nicolas
Citadelle de Marseille
Opposite St. Jean Fort, St. Nicolas Fort guards the Old Port and provides impressive views of the city. It has a more rugged feel compared to its counterpart and is less crowded. A quieter spot for those interested in Marseille’s maritime defense history.
The ramparts are freely accessible at no cost. The inner part of the castle can only be visited through a paid guided tour.
Vieille Charité
In Video No
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Type Former Almshouse
Price Free
Full Name
Centre de la Vieille Charité
The Old Charity is a historic building from the 17th century that originally served as an almshouse and now functions as a cultural center.
It houses two museums: the Mediterranean Archaeology Museum on the first floor and the Museum of African, Oceanian, and American Art on the second floor. Both are detailed in the corresponding section.
PARKS
Overview Table
| Name | Appeal | Type | € |
|---|---|---|---|
| Borély | ✦✦✦✧✧ | Park | 0 |
| Magalone | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Park | 0 |
| Longchamp | ✦✧✧✧✧ | Park | 0 |
| Pharo | ✦✧✧✧✧ | Park | 0 |
Borély
In Video Yes
Appeal ✦✦✦✧✧
Type Park
Price Free
Full Name
Parc Borély
Jardin Borély
Borély Park is one of Marseille’s major green spaces. It offers several different atmospheres, with a formal French garden, an English style garden, a rose garden, a botanical garden, and a lake. It’s a pleasant place for a walk, a family outing, or simply to relax and enjoy some peace close to the beaches.
⚙️ Hours (Tourist Office Website – Fr)
Behind the park, there is a botanical garden.
However, access to it is only available by registration through this page (Fr).
Magalone
In Video No
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Type Park
Price Free
Full Name
Jardin de la Magalone
Magalone is a discreet and lesser known garden, laid out around a traditional Marseille country house. The park has an elegant feel, with carefully arranged perspectives, geometric shapes, and a peaceful atmosphere that almost feels hidden away from the city around it.
Longchamp
In Video Yes
Appeal ✦✧✧✧
Type Park
Price Free
Full Name
Parc Longchamp
Parc Longchamp surrounds the palace of the same name and is one of the main green spaces in central Marseille. It is a protected site and very popular with locals, who often come here to relax in the sun or go for a walk.
The park has wide lawns and pleasant paths that invite you to wander around in an elegant setting dominated by the monumental architecture of the palace.
Pharo
In Video No
Appeal ✦✧✧✧✧
Type Park
Price Free
Full Names
Jardin du Pharo
Parc Émile Duclaux
The Pharo park, also called Emile Duclos park, is located on a promontory overlooking the Old Port and the Mediterranean Sea. This lush green space offers panoramic views of Marseille’s coastline, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking a tranquil escape.
The garden is named after the nearby Palais du Pharo, a grand palace built by Napoleon III in the 19th century as a gift for his wife. It’s closed to public.
BEACHES
Overview Table
| Name | Appeal | Type | Length | € |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catalans | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Sand | 100m (330ft) | Public |
| Prophète | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Sand | 180m (600ft) | Public |
| Prado Nord | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Coarse Sand | 250m (820ft) | Public |
| Prado Sud | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Coarse Sand | 250m (820ft) | Public |
| Bonneveine | ✦✦✦✧✧ | Coarse Sand | 430m (1400ft) | Public/Private |
| Pointe Rouge | ✦✦✦✧✧ | Sand | 250m (820ft) | Public/Private |
Catalans
In Video Yes
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Type Sand
Length 100m (330ft)
Ownership Public
Full Name
Plage des Catalans
Prophète
In Video Yes
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Type Sand
Length 180m (600ft)
Ownership Public
Full Name
Plage du Prophète
Prado Nord
In Video Yes
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Type Coarse Sand
Length 250m (820ft)
Ownership Public
Full Names
Plage du Prado Nord
Plage du Roucas Blanc
Prado Sud
In Video Yes
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Type Coarse Sand
Length 250m (820ft)
Ownership Public
Full Names
Plage du Prado Sud
Plage de David
Bonneveine
In Video Yes
Appeal ✦✦✦✧✧
Type Sand
Length 430m (1400ft)
Ownership Public and Private
Full Name
Plage de Bonneveine
Pointe Rouge
In Video No
Appeal ✦✦✦✧✧
Type Coarse Sand
Length 250m (820ft)
Ownership Public and Private
Full Name
Plage de la Pointe Rouge
VIEWPOINTS
Overview Table
| Name | Appeal | Type | € |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notre-Dame de la Garde | ✦✦✦✦✦ | Basilica | 0 |
| Pharo Park | ✦✦✦✧✧ | Parc | 0 |
| St. Jean Fort | ✦✦✦✧✧ | Fort | 0 |
| St. Nicolas Fort | ✦✦✦✧✧ | Fort | 0 |
Notre-Dame de la Garde
In Video Yes
Appeal ✦✦✦✦✦
Type Basilica
Price Free
Full Names
Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde
La Bonne Mère
From the basilica perched on the city’s highest central hill, the view stretches across all of Marseille, taking in the harbor, the sea, the islands, the neighborhoods, and the surrounding hills.
Pharo
In Video Yes
Appeal ✦✦✦✧✧
Type Park
Price Free
Full Names
Jardin du Pharo
Parc Émile Duclaux
This park offers one of the finest viewpoints over the entrance to the harbor. From here, you can admire the boats, the historic forts, the old town, and the open sea.
St-Jean Fort
In Video Yes
Appeal ✦✦✦✧✧
Type Fort
Price Free
Full Name
Fort Saint-Jean
From this historic fort, the view looks down over the harbor, the waterfront, the neighboring museum, and the Mediterranean beyond.
St-Nicolas Fort
In Video No
Appeal ✦✦✦✧✧
Type Fort
Price Free
Full Names
Fort Saint-Nicolas
Citadelle de Marseille
Facing the fort opposite, this site provides sweeping views of the harbor entrance, the boats, and the ramparts.
The ramparts are freely accessible at no cost. The inner part of the castle can only be visited through a paid guided tour.
ISLANDS
Overview Table
| Name | Appeal | Type | € |
|---|---|---|---|
| Château d'If | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Island/Fort | €7 |
| Frioul | ✦✦✦✧✧ | Archipelago | 0 |
Château d'If
In Video Yes
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Type Island/Fort
Price €7
Full Names
Château d’If
Île d’If
Located on a rocky islet at the entrance of Marseille’s harbor, the Château d’If stands facing the city and forms one of the most recognizable landmarks of the Marseille seascape. From the coastline you can easily see its isolated silhouette in the middle of the sea, next to the islands of Frioul.
The site is strongly linked to literary imagination thanks to Alexandre Dumas. In his famous novel The Count of Monte Cristo, he places the imprisonment of Edmond Dantès in the Château d’If. This connection helped make the place famous around the world.
Even today this fortress in the middle of the Mediterranean keeps a specific atmosphere. Its isolated position and its story, mixing real history and literary legend, make it one of the excursions you can take from Marseille.
Frioul
In Video Yes
Appeal ✦✦✦✧✧
Type Archipelago
Full Names
Archiepel du Frioul
Île Ratonneau
Île Pomègues
The Frioul archipelago, mainly made up of the islands of Pomègues and Ratonneau, lies just opposite Marseille. Connected by a dike since the early nineteenth century, these islands now form a maritime district of the city.
The landscape is very mineral. The former forests disappeared over time, leaving bare rock shaped by the wind and scattered with a few shrubs. The islands are relatively flat, which makes them ideal for walking and day trips.
You can discover small hidden coves with clear water that are often quiet, as well as impressive views over Marseille and its harbor. On Ratonneau island you can also see the ruins of the Caroline hospital, built to isolate contagious patients, along with military remains such as blockhouses built during the Second World War.
OTHER THINGS TO DO IN PROVENCE
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Things to Do in Camargue Natural Park
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