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Trip to Marseille! Short or long, it is truly an incredible destination for a fun filled holiday.
Amble along with me as my Marseille blog will help you find some of the top things to do in Marseille.
Going on a 4 days trip is sufficient to see some of the most interesting places in Marseille. But if you can spare couple of days more that’s even better, you can take the sights more slowly. Here are the best things to see in Marseille along with a list of the most interesting things to do in Marseille:
1. Old Port
A day at the beautiful Old Port is what you need to recharge and refresh.
Interesting bit of trivia, the old port of Marseille features in the iconic novel The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas.
A stroll around the waterfront is a great way to enjoy a lovely afternoon. As you wander down the leafy path grab an ice-cream from the street vendors.
2. Parc national des Calanques
Parc national des Calanques is a nature and animal reserve located not far from Marseille.
The park features a large rugged terrain spanning along the mediterranean coast. With a height of 560 meters, Mont Puget is the tallest peak here. In 2012 the area was declared a national park.
Start with the visitor center to help yourself get oriented. You’ll discover numerous rivers and lakes in the park accounting for a large of its area.
Quick Facts:
- The highlight of the place includes underwater caves and funky geological formations.
An incredible sight, Parc national des Calanques scores high in the list of the best things to do in Marseille.
3. Château d’If
Located 1.5 km in the Bay of Marseille, the Château d’If is a fortification on the island of ‘If’. The place was formerly used as a prison for the political prisoners. It is another one the place which features prominently in the book The Count of Monte Cristo..
Quick Facts:
- To get to the island you need take a boat ride from the vieux port.
- It doesn’t take an expert to see that it is built in a Medieval architecture style.
4. Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde
Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, the centuries old landmark, is considered to be one of Marseille’s most gorgeous churches.
Not just a tourist attraction, Basilique Notre-Dame is an active religious site being home to the Assumption Day pilgrimage..
As this is a sacred location, anyone who want to enter are advised to cover their knees and shoulders. The cemetry is where the famous and powerful people of the Marseille are buried.
Quick Facts:
- The gorgeous Byzantine architecture, Romanesque Revival architecture, Byzantine Revival architecture style that you see is credited to the architect Henri-Jacques Espérandieu.
- Take a lovely, slow walk up to get here or take the public bus.
A natural crowd puller, Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde is right up there in the list of best things to do in Marseille.
Address: Rue Fort du Sanctuaire, 13281 Marseille, France
5. Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations
Better known by its abbrevation, MEMC, the museum is an example of stunning modern architecture. The museum charts the history of the Mediterranean region, and the same can be seen in its collection. It was opened in June 2013, the same year it was awarded the title of European Capital of Culture..
Quick Facts:
- It is actually Rudy Ricciotti who is credited with designing this whole place.
Address: 1 Espl. J4, 13002 Marseille, France
6. Frioul archipelago
Frioul archipelago is a group of small islands, located off the coast of Marseille.
Without a doubt this wonderful islands is one amongst the top things to do in Marseille.
7. Cathédrale La Major
Cathédrale La Major is an old Cathedral located in the Marseille city.
Built in 1800s Cathédrale La Major is a seat of the Archdiocese of Marseille..
Scale the church’s distinctive dome for a more comprehensive perspective of the city. The insides are done with such painstaking detail that it is difficult to take it all in.
Quick Facts:
- Belonging to the Roman Catholic faith, the highlight of cathedral include lovely mosaic floors, beautiful murals.
- The gorgeous Romanesque architecture, Byzantine Revival architecture style that you see is credited to the architects Henri-Jacques Espérandieu, Léon Vaudoyer, Henri Révoil.
Address: Place de la Major, 13002 Marseille, France
8. Fort Saint-Jean
Quick Facts:
- The control of the lies with France.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Marseille trip.
9. Canebière
Canebière is a heart-felt monument located in Marseille.
Quick Facts:
- The monument stretches for a length of around 1 km.
10. Parc Borély
Parc Borély is a large landscaped park, an oasis of greenery, located in Marseille.
This fabulous park was developed with the sole aim to promote the good health of the citizen.
It is quite relaxing to see ducks float in the park’s tranquil lake..
You can find various paths and trails leading you through the tranquil nature. On the weekends you will find Parc Borély to be full of people, doing all sort of things from walking to jogging, from sitting idly to rowing a boat.
Add it to your Marseille trip if you have time.
Address: Avenue du Parc Borély, 13008 Marseille, France
11. Calanque de Morgiou
Calanque de Morgiou is a rock climbing destination popular among the enthusiasts of the sport.
Quick Facts:
- swimming, hiking.
12. Stade Vélodrome
Stade Vélodrome is a football stadium playing host to a lot of league games.
Stade Vélodrome is a huge stadium with a capacity to seat 67,000 people at a time. The stadium played host to the Euro Cup in 2016 and FIFA World Cup in 1998. Stade Vélodrome is home ground of the football club named Olympique de Marseille.
From up high in the stands, specially from the presidential box, you will get panoramic views of the stadium. The stadium also doubles as an arena holding concerts; a number of big artists have played here.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Marseille trip.
Address: 3 Boulevard Michelet, 13008 Marseille, France
13. Marseille History Museum
If you are already charmed by this fascinating city, stop by Marseille History Museum to know more.
The exhibits trace the history of Marseille through all of its 2600 years of existence!
Quick Facts:
- Grab the audio guide on your way, it’s quite helpful.
Address: 2 Rue Henri Barbusse, 13001 Marseille, France
14. Plage des Catalans
A prominent beach, Plage des Catalans offers plenty of sun and sand for its visitors.
A great way to finish your day after a day of sightseeing, relax next to the balmy sea. Remember, this is an award winning Blue Flag beach with amenities such as showers, lifeguard towers, drinking water and medical faciility.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Marseille trip.
Thanks for reading this travel blog, hope now you know plenty of must see places in Marseille. In this Marseille travel blog post, I have listed not just what to see in Marseille but also what to do.
And if you plan it well, these popular tourist attractions in Marseille can be easily covered in a short itinerary. So what are Marseille sights to see or you have already been here? Let me know in the comments along with your tips and experiences.
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