Visit Marseille, the second largest city in France, a little jewel at the gates of the Mediterranean. I will take you to discover the city I discovered since my childhood. Marseille, the atypical, incomparable with any other city, and without any doubt one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Marseille, urban, but above all bordered by the sea, the pine trees and the National Park of the Calanques.
If some people very often assimilate the Calanques to Cassis, they are mostly located in the commune of Marseille. We find there the most beautiful spots like the Calanque of En-Vau, Sugiton, or Sormiou.
Marseille is a very large city, and we can quickly go from a bustling city center to more relaxing and exotic places like the Goudes district, the end of the world in the heart of Marseille.
In the heart of the city, the Old Port of Marseille is an iconic place of the Phocaean City. The gateway to Marseille, it has been transformed over the centuries and years. It will be the central point of your visit.
An architectural masterpiece, it is one of the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful building in Marseille. It was built as a water tower for the arrival of the Durance in the city. It is also home to the Natural History and Fine Arts Museums, magnificent arcades and a park known to all the inhabitants of Marseille, which used to house the zoological garden.
Nicknamed the “pyjama” by some Marseillais, the Cathedral of the Major stands out for its Romanesque-Byzantine style, which can also recall that of Notre-Dame de la Garde.
This district, which was completely rebuilt and renovated when Marseille was the European Capital of Culture, has given way to one of the city’s must-see attractions: the MUCEM. The Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean.
This perfectly square museum surprises by its concrete architecture, innovative and aesthetic, which can be walked on the access ramps to its roof terrace.
Today, Fort Saint Jean is one of the most visited monuments in Marseille. It is linked to the old port by a footbridge, all of which is an integral part of the MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations). ). The perspective offered on the port and the harbor of Marseille, as well as on the footbridge, is a true enchantment.
Between history, culture and spectacular panorama, the experience cannot leave anyone indifferent. This is why it is a must-see during your visit to the Cité Phocéenne.
Ultimate panorama, it is a window on the Mediterranean. Nearly 4km that crosses Marseille along the sea where we find sublime viewpoints.
A stone’s throw from the Plage des Catalans, right in front of the statue of the heroes of the Eastern Army, nestles a small Provencal fishing village.
Wedged between two cliffs, resolutely turned towards the sea, the Vallon des Auffes offers the image of a time that would have stopped in Marcel Pagnol’s time. It is one of the emblematic places of Marseille.
Unique, authentic, picturesque, there is no shortage of adjectives to describe this little haven of peace that is both close to and so far from the hustle and bustle of the city center. It is here that you will find one of the most beautiful settings to eat out in Marseille.
It’s the symbol of a whole city: Notre-Dame de la Garde. It’s the pride of all the inhabitants of Marseille, the famous Good Mother is the most emblematic monument of Marseille.
Opt for a boat trip to the islands of Frioul or the Château d’If: the opportunity to discover the local fauna and flora, but also a piece of the city’s history, perched on a rock.
For a visit of Marseille that doesn’t stop at the Old Port or the Mucem, take to the sea for a real moment of escape that will allow you to taste the crystal clear water, to appreciate the sea bed, but also to explore the numerous vestiges present in this archipelago. Located in the Calanques National Park, they are now considered a Natura 2000 area by the European Union. The landscapes are a major asset of the Frioul archipelago. There are small sandy beaches and many beautiful coves.
Don’t hesitate to contact our team for more information.
I hope you will enjoy this post and that it will give you the desire to discover Marseille.
If you enjoyed this post The different faces of Marseille, you can check The incredible city of Cassis.
