Go to the south of France … more precisely Marseille ! On the Mediterranean coast and the rhythm of the song of the Cicadas, it is time to discover the city of Marseille and its essential places that make the charm and reputation of the beautiful city of Marseille.
Are you more a follower of the urban environment? THE Old Port It will be ideal because it is a very lively place in the city center. For fans of nature, you can walk through the Parc Borely.
Sea lovers will find their happiness in Calanche.
History enthusiasts can visit the château d’if And for most of the art of art, you can walk on Julien And discover the famous district of artists.
This destination is suitable for tourism in camping And you will have a wide choice of activities during All seasons !
The essential places and monuments of Marseille
Notre-Dame de la Garde
The Basilica of Notre Dame de La Garde is an emblematic figure of the city, attracts the curiosity of millions of visitors every year, all motivated by the place he takes in the history of Marseille and offers a Spectacular panorama Throughout the city of Marseille.
To fully enjoy your view, you can get there from the different small paths. The Basilica offers a moment in absolute calm, far from the noise and crowd of the city center. The view is really worth the detour if you want to fill with energy and recharge the batteries at the top of the Basilica.
Major cathedral
The Cathedral of the Maggiore, with the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, are the most emblematic monuments of the city of Marseille.
This slightly eccentric cathedral in the city center is visible from the sea.
Family called «La Major» from the inhabitants, the recently renewed times have become the meeting point of Marseille.
This cathedral represents the Power and authenticity From the city thanks in particular to its architecture. Its dimensions allow you to host a very large number of tourists.
The old port
You have probably already heard this name somewhere, right? This is where, according to the legend of Marseille, everything started. The old port is the heart of everything. Today this place is the most emblematic from Marseille.
It is a meeting place for all Marseille and all tourists. Here you can hear the atmosphere and atmosphere of the city. Between the fish market and the excitement of the city center, you will be served! All the great emblematic monuments of the city are close to the old port. What appreciates the beauty of this neighborhood.
Smaller : You can rent Segways for the day to take advantage of the city center. You can also enter an excursion commented to admire the spectacular and inevitable Calanque de Marseille and the beauty of its turquoise water.
Corniche Kennedy
The frame of JF Kennedy is at the 7thth Marseille district. This is in particular where you can admire the roads that have kept their charm of the past.
For your most athletic, you can take the path of Blanc Roucos To get to the peaks of the city. As a reward, you can observe the superb vision and the magnificent landscape of Marseille as you have never seen it.
Smaller : It is along the frame that the longest bench is located in the world. This is 3 km long, which will give you the choice of the place to admire the view of the Froul islands.
The Cité Radieuse – Le Corbusier
Ranked as a historic monument, the radiant city (or Le Corbusier) is recorded in UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 2016 for its beauty and authenticity.
Prepare for his few figures who will surprise you:
Le Corbusier is a building that has 337 modern apartments for the time. To these apartments are added a «extension» to stimulate a new method of collective accommodation. You can therefore admire inside this residence, an internal shopping road, a library and a publishing house, a bar, a restaurant, a hotel, a bakery without forgetting a nursery school and a gym on the roof terrace. You will also find a park of over 2.5 hectares with different playing fields … enough to surprise more than one!
The districts of the artists
The Julien course
The Julien course, also called «Le Cours Ju ‘» from Marseille is located in the heart of the city center. It is day and night, one of the most lively and atypical districts of Marseille. It is also a very large district dedicated to Street art.
If you pass here, you can admire the walls flanked by graffiti and decorative frescoes so magnificent of each other and all made by the artists of the city.
The District of Panier
The Panier District, also called «The Old Basket» is a historical district of Marseille. Famous rice from the «Plus Belle la Vie» series, it is essential for its small narrow streets and the atmosphere that emerges. Street art It is also an inevitable element of this place. If you have the opportunity, do not hesitate to observe the beauty of these drawings that is part of the authenticity of the neighborhood.
Nature side
Borély Park
We often know Marseille for his sun and beaches … but we don’t know Marseille for his numerous parks and gardens.
Borély Park extends for about 18 hectares. He is one of the most crowded parks in Marseille. Among the Japanese garden, the English garden or even the botanical garden, a large choice is available to fully enjoy this relaxing place. On your way you will find a magnificent lake and the Famous Borély castleOne of the most beautiful in Marseille.
Smaller : In the summer season, Borély Park acts as theater to the great competitions of Pétanque, Carnivals and even Music Festival. Several scenes of «Plus Belle La Vie» are shot in this park.
Calanche
The Calanques de Marseille puts everyone from the same opinion: these are jewels of the city of Marseille. Sumptuous breathtaking landscapes, a turquoise sea, an unprecedented and almost rare flora and fauna without forgetting the limestone cliffs that dive into the sea … what can be asked for more? The Calanques National Park Refuges more than 140 species of protected animals and vegetables and 60 marine species of the heritage. A unique place between Cassis and Marseille where you can swim and enjoy this moment.
Smaller : Climbing enthusiasts will be able to have fun with the fall relief of the massif.
Cultural side
Mucema
If you intend to visit Marseille, take a tour of the famous Mucem, the first museum dedicated to the Mediterranean civilizations in the 21st century. Built in the field of Marseille Provence – The European capital of culture is today one of the most visited Marseille museums with almost 2 million visitors every year. His promenade allows to obtain an unstoppable vision of the city.
The museum is divided into 3 distinct poles: J4, Fort Saint John and the Center for Conservation and Resources. These spaces dedicated to the civilizations of the Mediterranean basin.
Frioul islands
Located in the Marseille Calanques National Park and an area of 200 hectares of length, the Froul archipelago consists of four different islands one nearby. Attract the curiosity of all tourists. In fact, its historical and cultural heritage will leave you speechless.
Opt for a boat commented on the boat that will take you from the Fioul Islands where you can visit the IF Castle.
Smaller : The Froul islands are a perfect destination for all amateurs and enthusiasts of nature and history.
Shopping in Marseille
Port terraces
At the entrance of Marseille (2nd arrondissement) and a few steps from the docks, the port terraces are certainly the best known shopping center in Marseille. It houses shops of all kinds, restaurants, bars, supermarkets and even contains a gym on the top floor. Overall, almost 200 stores without forgetting the breathtaking view that you will have on the Mediterranean Sea on the top floor. You also have the roof, a very fashionable and note disco located on the roof of the port terraces.
Docks
This building has atypical architecture attracts the curiosity of many tourists and architecture lovers. The interior of the moles has been completely vegetated and illuminates shops and offices. On the top of its 7 floors and 4 internal courses, you can also find all the shops you can have in a modern city (restaurants, hairdressers, bars, etc.). Which makes the place very attractive and connected at any time of the day.
Events in Marseille
The events not to be missed!
Marseille International Fair: Every year, Marseille International Fair takes place in Chaot Park. It is open to the universe. More than forty countries have come to present their traditional cuisine, their culture, their crafts and their tourist offers.
Hero Festival: This festival is a 2 -day meeting in a place that brings together all fans and fans in the world of heroes.
This is where you can mask yourself like your favorite hero, for example that of your childhood. It is a meeting place for all cosplayers, artists, illustrators, e-sport champions and even sometimes youtubers. The control words share, have fun and travel through eras.
Colorrun : Launched for the first time in 2014 in Marseille, the color race is the 5 kilometer race that aims to be the most colorful in the world. It’s not about being the fastest. Each kilometer of the route corresponds to a color area. It is therefore necessary to cross four areas of color before crossing the finish line. After the arrival of all the participants, the organization organizes the «Finisher Festival» which consists in the encounter and parties with the music provided by several DJs.
Festival
Many festivals that honor music, dance, cinema, theater and even visual arts take place in Marseille and are very popular among the inhabitants of the region and also elsewhere.
Among its festivals we can count Rock Island And Delta Festival which generally take place in the same period. The Jazz Festival 5 -Continent, Marsatac to the desolate land the Belle de Mai, known throughout France without forgetting the Fiesta sughs. The seventh art is also in the spotlight with the International Documentary Film Festivalor the Spanish cinema festival. You can also participate in a comedy at the Festival Acting or observe the beauty of a ballet during the dance festival Dancem.
Concerts
Several performances/concert halls are present in Marseille. The largest is called » The dome«, Which is the largest room in the city that can accommodate 1,200 and 8,500 spectators. This room has been designed for all forms of shows: rock, variety, classical dance, contemporary dance, theater, comic shows …
Silo (Very recently renamed Charles Aznavour in homage to the singer) is a room for the performance of the Marseille of the 2nd arrondissement of Marseille. This room has a total capacity of 2,000 seats. Located on the Domaine du Grand Port Maritime de Marseille, the Silo was labeled in 2004 «Heritage of the 20th century» in relation to its extraordinary architecture.