Marseille: what to visit in the city on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea

Another hallmark of Marseille is the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, a majestic cathedral that towers over the city, offering incredible views of Marseille and the Mediterranean Sea. This religious complex is one of the most famous symbols of the city.

Among other notable places, it is worth noting La Canebière - the main boulevard of Marseille, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations, as well as the picturesque islands of Friuli with the fortress of If - the setting of the novel "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas.

Check train connections to Marseille in France:

Landmarks of Marseille

Old Port (Vieux-Port)

The Old Port of Marseille (Vieux-Port) is one of the most famous and attractive places in this French city. Located in the heart of Marseille, this historic port attracts tourists with its unique atmosphere and picturesque views.

Here you can walk along the quays, admiring the yachts and fishing boats moored to the ancient stone piers. Around the port there are picturesque restaurants, cafes and shops where you can taste traditional Provençal cuisine, buy souvenirs or just enjoy the atmosphere.

In addition, various cultural and artistic institutions are located on the embankments of the Old Port, where exhibitions, concerts and other artistic events are regularly held. This makes the Old Port one of the most important cultural centers of Marseille.

Fort Saint-Jean and Fort Saint-Nicolas

The central element of the Old Port are two fortresses - Fort Saint-Jean and Fort Saint-Nicolas, which guarded the entrance to the harbor. These majestic buildings, built in the 17th century, add a special charm and historical significance to this place. Tourists can visit the fortresses to learn more about Marseille's rich history.

Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde

The Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde is a Roman Catholic basilica that sits atop the Garde Hill in Marseille, France. It is one of the most famous attractions of the city, which attracts millions of visitors every year.

Built in the 19th century in the neo-Byzantine style, the basilica impresses with its grandeur and unique architecture. Her golden statue of the Virgin Mary, which towers atop the 57-meter bell tower, is a symbol of Marseille and one of the city's most recognizable silhouettes.

The basilica complex itself impresses with its mosaic interiors, carved wooden choirs and bronze doors, creating an atmosphere of grandeur and spirituality. Numerous chapels and altars are decorated with marble, and the walls and ceilings are covered with luxurious patterns and images of saints.

Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations (MuCEM)

The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations (MuCEM) is a unique cultural center located in Marseille. The museum building, designed by the famous architect Rudi Ricotti, is an architectural masterpiece that combines modern technology and historical traditions.

The museum exhibits are dedicated to the cultural heritage of Europe and the Mediterranean, presenting visitors with a variety of artifacts, works of art, interactive exhibits, and multimedia presentations. Here you can get acquainted with the history, traditions, crafts, religion and everyday life of the peoples who inhabited this region for centuries.

A theme park located on the roof of the building occupies a special place in the museum. Here, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Marseille and the Mediterranean Sea, take a walk among green spaces, visit cafes or restaurants.

Chateau d'If

Chateau d'If is one of the most famous historical monuments of Marseille. It is a fortress that was built in the 16th century and is located on the island of If in the Mediterranean Sea. The fortress has majestic walls, towers and bastions, which give it a formidable and impregnable appearance. Located on a rocky island, Chateau d'If rises above the sea waves, giving a feeling of complete isolation and separation from the outside world.

One of the most famous prisoners of Chateau d'If was the Count of Monte Cristo, the hero of the novel of the same name by Alexandre Dumas. It was in these gloomy cells that he spent many years in prison before he was able to make his famous escape.

Longchamp Palace (Palais Longchamp)

Longchamp Palace is a majestic architectural ensemble located in the city of Marseille, France. This monumental complex was built in the 19th century by order of Emperor Napoleon III to commemorate the successful completion of the canal that supplied water to the city.

Longshan Palace impresses with its grand size and neoclassical style. The central part of the ensemble is a majestic fountain decorated with sculptures, allegorical figures and bas-reliefs. The fountain is located at the top of a wide staircase leading to the lower level of the complex.

On both sides of the fountain there are two symmetrical wings of the palace, each of which is crowned with domes. The buildings of the palace are decorated with numerous columns, arches and decorative elements characteristic of the neoclassical style.

Le Panier quarter

Le Panier is an old quarter of Marseille, located in the northwest of the city. It is one of the oldest districts of Marseille that has preserved its authentic atmosphere and architectural heritage.

Narrow streets decorated with colorful houses, quiet squares and cozy cafes create a unique feeling of the Mediterranean flavor. Here you can see traditional local architecture with characteristic balconies, arcades and windows decorated with flowers.

Marseille Palace of Justice

The palace building, erected in the middle of the 19th century, is characterized by a symmetrical composition, with two wings extending in both directions from the central entrance. The main facade is decorated with majestic columns and sculptural compositions.

Inside the palace, visitors are greeted by spacious halls with luxurious interiors, decorated with marble, gilding and paintings on the ceilings. Courtrooms, offices of judges and lawyers are located here, where justice is administered.

Calanques National Park

Marseille Promenade in Calanques (Calanques National Park) is located south of Marseille and impresses with its incredible natural beauty. The promenade takes you through picturesque rocky bays called "kalakas". These bays with crystal clear blue water are surrounded by high limestone cliffs falling into the sea.

During the walk, you will admire incredible views: snow-white rocks reflected in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, green pine forests that descend to the very shore, and the endless blue of the sky overhead. Each turn of the trail opens up new fascinating landscapes.

Street Canebière (La Canebière)

Street Canebière (La Canebière) is the central avenue of Marseille, which is considered the heart of the city. This street is known for its magnificent architecture, various shops, restaurants and cafes that create a unique atmosphere.

Strolling through Canebyer, you get into the real center of city life. The most famous architectural sights on this street are Exchange Square with a colonnade and the Palace of Justice. Also here you can see numerous fountains that decorate the space. A walk along this street leaves an unforgettable impression and allows you to immerse yourself deeper into the culture and history of this picturesque port city.

Triumphal arch of Mercel (Porte d'Aix)

This monumental structure was built in 1839 to commemorate the victories of Napoleon Bonaparte and marked the completion of the Old Port of Marseille.

The arch is impressive with its huge dimensions - its height reaches 52 meters, and its width is 18 meters. It is made in the neoclassical style and decorated with sculptural compositions depicting scenes of Napoleon's military campaigns. The four huge statues located at the corners of the arch and symbolizing courage, strength, glory and victory are especially impressive.

The arch itself is located on one of the highest hills in Marseille, offering an incredible panoramic view of the city, its port and the Mediterranean Sea.

Faro Palace

The Faro Palace is a majestic architectural complex located in Marseille. This neoclassical building was built at the end of the 19th century and is one of the most outstanding monuments of the city.

Marseille Cathedral

Marseille Cathedral, or Sainte-Mer Major, is a majestic Catholic cathedral in Marseille. It is one of the city's most famous landmarks and one of the most outstanding examples of Romanesque architecture in the south of France.

The inner space of the cathedral impresses with its enormous size and luxurious decoration. High vaults are supported by mighty columns, and the walls are decorated with magnificent frescoes and mosaics. The wonderful carved wooden choir wing dating from the 16th century attracts special attention.

Marseille Cathedral was seriously damaged during the French Revolution, but was later carefully restored.

Boreli Palace

The palace was built in the 18th century and is one of the most outstanding examples of French Baroque architecture. The facade of the building is decorated with magnificent columns, sculptures and decorative elements that create an impression of grandeur and luxury. Huge windows with rich stucco decoration add light and a sense of space to the palace.

Traditional cuisine in Marseille

Marseille, one of the largest port cities in France, has a rich culinary tradition that was formed under the influence of the Mediterranean region. Here are some traditional dishes typical of the local cuisine of Marseille:

1. Bouillabaisse is a famous Marseille fish soup, which is prepared from various types of fish and seafood, seasoned with saffron, garlic and olive oil.

2. Ratatouille - a vegetable stew made of eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, onions and greens, which is one of the most famous symbols of Provençal cuisine.

3. Escargot - a dish made from snails, which are usually cooked in a creamy sauce with garlic and herbs.

4. Bruin is a thick porridge-like dish made from beans, which is traditionally served with sausages and pieces of fried pork.

5. Muti - a local variant of Burgundian goulash, prepared from beef, vegetables and wine.

6. Calson is a sweet cake with finely chopped apples, nuts and raisins, which is often served for dessert.

These and other dishes reflect the diversity and uniqueness of the culinary culture of Marseille, where the traditions of Provence, the Mediterranean and sea fisheries are combined.