Marseille Key Attractions

Marseille is full of great attractions to suit all ages, with a selection of grand old palaces, spectacular churches, quality museums and art galleries, and charming mazes of narrow sloping lanes. And then there is the magnificent coastline with a few decent beaches and the unforgettable Calanques.

Vieux Port

The thriving heart of Marseille is the Old Port, or Vieux Port. Flanked on both sides by soaring defensive forts, the old port area is still in use to this day, and the old buildings are a delight to observe. The early morning fish market operates as it has done for millennia and there are plenty of street side cafés in which to enjoy a refreshing drink while people-watching. The north part of Vieux Port is known as Le Paniers and is where the immigrant quarters are located. The maze of narrow streets winding their way uphill is a great place to explore during the day, with surprises around every corner. Several of the city’s most important landmarks are located here such as Abbeye Saint Victor and Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde.

Abbeye Saint Victor

An important place of pilgrimage for Christians, the Abbeye Saint Victor dates from the 5th century and is centred on the tomb of Saint Victor, an important figure in early Christendom. The church was fortified in the 14th century. One of the highlights is the tour of the catacombs and crypts, which play host not only to bodily remains but also to classical music concerts. Phone: +33 496 11 2260.

Place aux Huiles

This square is the largest pedestrianised area in the city and is a vibrant centre of shopping, eating and partying. The square is lined with shopping malls, cafés, restaurants, clubs and bars, and is a great place to become acquainted with the local ambience. The square covers the site of the former Arsenal des Galères prison.

Palais du Pharo

Occupying a magnificent setting overlooking the Château d'If and the port entrance, this palace was a gift from the city to Napoleon III, although he never stayed in the palace. The building is an excellent example of late 19th century architecture and the interior has spectacular antique décor and furnishings. Once you’ve finished touring the palace, be sure to spend some time admiring the gardens and stunning coastal views. Phone: +33 491 55 1575.

Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde

Towering over the Vieux Port, the Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde is perched on the highest point of the city and commands great vistas of the harbour, city, coastline and hinterland. The foundations date from the early 13th century, when a fortified observation tower was built, with the most recent addition being the iconic statue of the Virgin and Child, which was erected atop the basilica in 1870. Phone: +33 491 13 4080.

Vieille Major Cathedral

With sections dating from the 5th century and the main façade dating from the 12th century, this cathedral is an important example of Medieval religious architecture. The style is Provençal Romanesque and the façade is famed for its use of stones with a pink hue.

Chateau d'If

Made famous as the prison setting of the famous novel, Count of Monte Cristo, this 16th century island fortress and prison is located on an island of the same name, just offshore of Marseille. Ferries regularly make the trip between Marseille harbour and the island, taking about 20 minutes. The chateau affords great views and is historically very interesting.

Calanques

These magnificent fjord-like gorges are located just along the coast from Marseille and provide a great destination for boat trips. Apart from stunning natural scenery, the Calanques provide a great location for bird watching, diving, snorkelling, fishing and hiking. There are numerous underwater caves and soaring limestone cliffs to explore. Boat cruises typically last around 4 hours and take visitors from Marseille to Cassis, from where you can return to Marseille by road or boat. Phone: +33 491 55 5009.

Museums

Marseille has an astonishing array of museums and galleries – over 85 in all! The city’s 15 museums can all be visited on the City Pass system over one to three days. The best place to begin is the Musée d'Histoire de Marseille, which has some great exhibits lending insights into the history of this important port city. Museums with a more regional focus include the Musée du Vieux Marseille and Musée des Arts et Traditions, which have excellent exhibits from across Provence. Musée de la Faïence has a superb collection of ceramics, while Musée de la Marine documents the city’s maritime past, with emphasis on the Phoenician age.

Historic artworks are housed in the Musée Grobet Labadie and Musée des Beaux Arts. There are many art galleries around the city specialising in different periods and schools. The best of these is the stunning Musée d'Arts Africains, Océaniens, Amérindiens, which features ethnic art from all over the world. Also popular are the Vieille Charité, Galerie Jean-Pierre Sylvestre and Galerie Jouvene galleries.