-
Where is Marseille located?
- Marseille is a popular destination located on the coast of Provence, France, offering a host of tourist attractions and activities.
-
What historical significance does Marseille have?
- The city was once the maritime gateway to Europe and is full of interesting historic and architectural attractions.
-
What are the must-visit attractions in Marseille?
- Many of the city’s most popular attractions and restaurants are located in the Old Port, where you will find Fort St. Jean, the St. Laurent Church, and the Opera de la Marseilles.
- Other major attractions include the imposing Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde, which towers over the city, and Cours Julien, the city’s arty bohemian quarter.
-
How can visitors explore the coastline of Marseille?
- Embarking on a scenic boat trip from the Old Port is an excellent way to see the beautiful coastline.
This post may include affiliate links. Click here for Affiliate Disclosure.
1. Corniche Kennedy
Named in honor of the late John F. Kennedy, Corniche Kennedy is a long beach-side walk way located in the 7th arrondissement of Marseille. Bordering the charming little streets of the area, the walkway stretches about 3km from Catalans Beach to Prado Beach, right along the edge of the Mediterranean Sea. Along the way you will come across the longest bench in the world – this marvelous amenity is no less than 3km long, offering everyone a place to sit and relax while taking in the brilliant view of the offshore islands. The cornice is dotted with restaurants where you can sip a drink and watch a fabulous sunset.
Corniche du President John F. Kennedy, 13007, Marseille
2. Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde (Church of Our Lady of the Guard)
When you step inside the entrance of the beautiful Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde (Church of Our Lady of the Guard), you start a journey through no less than 800 years of history. The original chapel on this site was built in 1214, and has been enlarged and improved many times over the centuries. During the 16th century the church was fortified to provide defense for the city and in the 19th century the entire church was re-built in the Roman-Byzantine style you will see today; it was consecrated in 1864. The interior is sumptuously decorated in mosaics and the tall tower is topped by a statue of the Madonna and Child in gold-gilded copper.
Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde, Rue Fort du Sanctuaire, 13006 Marseilles, Phone: +33-491-13-40-80
3. Le Vieux Port (The Old Port)
_158907.jpg)
Marseille’s beautiful Old Port area forms the lively heart of the city, where locals and visitors meet and mingle as they absorb the atmosphere. There is always something on the go at the Le Vieux Port (The Old Port) – this is where you can catch the ferry to the offshore islands, visit the bustling Fish Market or just find a bench and soak up some sun. Most of the area has been pedestrianised which means that it is easy to stroll around and see all the sights. Tourist attractions in the Old Port include Fort St. Jean and the St. Laurent Church and the Opera de la Marseilles and there are many pavement cafes, bars and restaurants.
Le Vieux Port, 13001 Marseille, France
4. Le Grand Roue de Marseille
One of the most prominent and controversial features of the Old Port is Le Grand Roue de Marseille, a 55m high giant ferris wheel. The attraction was constructed in Italy and has stood tall and proud in the Old Port since 2017. It is controversial in that many locals feel that it is too intrusive in the Old Port area. The massive ferris wheel (the second tallest one on France) can carry more than 200 guests at a time and features a VIP cabin where you will enjoy a glass of champagne as you set off on your ride. The ferris wheel is open daily from 10.30am to 11pm, weather dependent, and children under the age of 2 ride for free.
Le Grand Roué de Marseille, 137 Chemin de la Madrague-Ville, 13002 Marseille, France, Phone: +33-491-02-88-61
5. Cours Julien
Cours Julien is located alongside a long concrete square or park area, shaded by pleasant trees. Known for its wealth of street art, this is the pulsating heart of Marseille’s bohemian quarter. The park area is surrounded by shops, bars and restaurants and if you care to stroll along the smaller side streets you will find many ethnic restaurants servicing authentic food from all corners of the globe. The park area is home to several weekly markets including the very popular Wednesday Farmer’s Market and the weekly Flower Markets. Shops include thrift stores, book dealers, art shops and much more. Soak up the vibrant atmosphere at one of the many outdoor cafes.
Cours Julien, 13006 Marseille, France
6. Parc Borely
Parc Borely is a popular green space located in Marseille’s 8th arrondissement, quite close to the Prado Beaches. The large park covers over 17 hectares and is home to several themed gardens, ponds, fountains and classic statues. When you need a break from sight-seeing you can come and spend some time enjoying the tranquility and exploring the various gardens. Compare the styles of the formal French Garden with the more-flowing lines of the pretty English Garden and the calming effect of the Chinese Garden. There is also a beautiful Rose Garden to admire. Parc Borely is free to enter and is easily accessible via the Metro or by bus.
Parc Borely, Avenue du Parc Borely, Marseille, France, Phone: +33-491-76-59-38
7. The Museum of the Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean (MuCEM)
As the world’s first museum dedicated to Mediterranean cultures, The Museum of the Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean (MuCEM) is a unique concept which visitors should not miss seeing. The actual museum is spread over three separate buildings, all of which should be seen to fully appreciate the story. In the Old Port area you will find the ultra-modern J4 building and the ancient Fort St Jean which are linked by two footbridges symbolizing the links between various Mediterranean countries. Here you can admire permanent and temporary exhibitions and wonderful views of the Old Port and beyond. The third site belonging to MuCEM is located in the city center where it safeguards and showcases a collection of over 1 million objects.
MuCEM, 1 Esplanade J4, 13002, Marseille, France, Phone: +33-484-35-13-13
8. Fort St. Jean
Now one of the three sites which make up MuCEM, Fort St. Jean is an ancient defensive fort which was built in the 14th century. Prior to the establishment of MuCEM, Fort St Jean was strictly off limits to the public, which was a great shame as the building offers unsurpassed views of the Old Port and its surrounds, and also hides a magnificent garden. Today visitors can admire various temporary and permanent exhibitions which relate to European and Mediterranean civilizations inside the fully-renovated fort and take a walk through the Gardens of Migrations. The garden contains 15 themed areas, each of which is reminiscent of a Mediterranean country.
Fort St. Jean, Promenade Louis Brauquier, 13002 Marseille, France, Phone: +33-496-13-80-90
9. Cathedrale La Major
Conveniently located close to the tourist hot-spots of the Old Port, the catholic cathedral of Saint Marie-Majeure is a prominent Marseille landmark. Of great interest to history and architecture enthusiasts, this massive cathedral was built on a grand scale and boasts dimensions to almost rival St. Peter’s in Rome. The stunning building is unique in that it merges two separate church buildings into one. The old church was built as far back as 4th century in the Romanesque style while the new cathedral was built in the Byzantine style in the 19th century. There is no doubt that it was intended to impress and proclaim the power of the city. The cathedral is included in just about all tours of the city.
Cathedrale La Major, Place de la Major, 13002 Marseille, France, Phone: +33-491-90-52-87
10. La Panier
One of the most charming areas in Marseille, La Panier is made up of a network of tiny cobbled streets leading to pleasant sun-baked squares in the oldest part of town. You will find La Panier in the heart of the city where it attracts visitors and locals to come and enjoy its Provencal village-like atmosphere. You can admire street art, visit a variety of artisanal shops and crafters or just sit at a pavement café and enjoy the passing parade. The beautiful faded facades of the old buildings which surround you hide a multitude of myths and legends which date back to around 600BC. The best way to unlock the past of La Panier is to join a guided walking tour.
La Panier, 13002 Marseille, France
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Corniche Kennedy
- 2. Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde (Church of Our Lady of the Guard)
- 3. Le Vieux Port (The Old Port)
- 4. Le Grand Roue de Marseille
- 5. Cours Julien
- 6. Parc Borely
- 7. The Museum of the Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean (MuCEM)
- 8. Fort St. Jean
- 9. Cathedrale La Major
- 10. La Panier