Places to Visit in Marseille, Tourist Places & Attractions

Tourist Places to Visit in Marseille

With a very distinct Mediterranean ambiance and refreshing sea breeze, there are several iconic places to visit in Marseille, the second largest cosmopolitan city in France after Paris. Brimming with vibrant urban energy the Marseille attractions are perfect for experiencing the sere blue waters surrounding the city at all times. Tourists will enjoy the refreshing view of its clear waters at every corner of the city, be it while taking in the views of a charming old city or while enjoying the seaside. 

The Mediterranean influence is clearly visible to the tourists while exploring the spectacular Marseille tourist attractions, as they go around the city lined with its red tile-roofed houses. Another amazing feature of this popular tourist destination is its colorful and multiethnic heritage, flaunted proudly in every attraction and street. Visitors will find streets bustling with Arab Souks and French bouillabaisse, a beautiful blend of two different cultures. 

History and art enthusiast tourists will no longer be wondering what to see in Marseille, as the city is brimming with iconic museums, art galleries, forts, abbeys, and much more. The Mucem is one of the best sites for learning about the history of Mediterranean regions, and the La Vieille Charite is a cultural hotspot and home to several amazing museums of the city of Marseille. Visitors will love taking a peaceful stroll alongside the Palais Longchamp, a unique structure constructed to provide water to the city. 

Tourists from every corner of the city find a spectacular view of the Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde, the most marvelous structure in the city. And if they wish to spend a relaxing time, they could head to the farthest end of the Old port of Marseille for enjoying the most beautiful sunset of their lives.

Here is the best places to visit in Marseille:

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People Also Ask About Marseille

  1. What are the famous places to visit in Marseille?

    • Mucem: A must-see attraction in Marseille is the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations, also known as Mucem. Since it first opened its doors in 2013, this lovely and ancient site has served as a forum for talking about the origins, principles, and problems of the Mediterranean. Visitors can explore the museum's ongoing cultural programmes and exhibitions of history, archaeology, fine art, and contemporary art.

    • Palais Longchamp: This historic structure, which was constructed to provide water to the city, is one of the most visited Marseille attractions. The famous building is encircled by a lovely park and is regarded as a genuine feat of architecture. In addition to the water reservoir, the area has two museums and a sizable garden that are accessible to the general public.

    • Cathédrale La Major: The Cathedral La Major, also known as the Cathedral of Sainte Marie Majeure, was constructed after a 200-year break and is comparable in scale to St. basilica in Rome. When one of Marseille's most famous landmarks was being built in the 19th century, it was seen to be just as inventive as building a train station. The cathedral was built near the city's main port so that anyone traveling from abroad might admire its magnificent splendor.

    • Parc Borély: The Borely Parc, an 18-hectare green park, is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Marseille. Some of the playgrounds in the park are still open to children with the tight supervision of their parents. In addition, the park is home to a French garden, a 19th-century landscape park, and a country house from the 18th century.

    • Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde: One of the top tourist attractions in Marseille is the stunning basilica known as Notre Dame de la Garde, which serves as the city's symbol. This magnificent building, which proudly displays its Roman-Byzantine characteristics on its outer facade, is visible from every part of the city. The entire decoration is divided into two sections: the lower church, which has an arched vault, and the upper church, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

    • Eglise Saint Laurent: One of the main landmarks and attractions of Marseille is the parish church known as Eglise Saint Laurent, which is tucked away in one of the city's oldest neighborhoods. Due to its Roman architecture characteristics and religious significance in the neighborhood of fishermen, this religious heritage is well-known for being a historic site. Saint Laurent also organizes masses on weekly basis and welcomes locals as well as visitors alike.

  2. What are the best things to do in Marseille?

    • La Vieille Charité: Originally an almshouse, the La Vieille Charite is now one of Marseille's most visited museums and tourist attractions. This building, which is currently being used as a cultural hub, has several overt examples of neoclassical design. The Museum of Mediterranean Archeology, the Museum of African Arts, the Museum of Amerindian Arts, and the Museum of Oceanic Arts are all housed in the main building.

    • Old Port of Marseille: The charming yacht marina is surrounded by the centuries-old Fort Saint-Jean and is at the top of the list of tourists wondering what to visit in Marseille. Visitors can also enjoy a visit to the Saint Laurent Church, which is built in the Romanesque style, in addition to the iconic fort. Because it has so many incredible late-night bars and clubs, Marseille's ancient harbor is also a terrific place to experience the city's nightlife.

    • Massif des Calanques: Over 20 kilometers long, the Massif des Calanques is a rough and exciting landscape. This area has been designated by the city as part of the national park and is wonderful for hiking, swimming, and boating. Visitors can engage in a variety of additional activities in this coastal region, including kayaking, rock climbing, and even visiting the nudist beaches.

    • Abbaye Saint-Victor: This ancient former abbey was established during the Roman era and was given the name in honor of a local soldier, martyr, and saint Victor of Marseilles. Visitors can delve deeply into the city's religious past through the abbey, which is also a local monument. With its charming amenities like crypts, chapels, and sarcophagi, the abbey draws tourists from around the globe. 

    • Calanques National Park: The Calanques National Park is one of the main attractions in Marseille because it was the first national park in Europe to be both marine and terrestrial. The national park is renowned for its exquisitely combined island and peri urban elements. This park, which spans 5000 hectares of spectacular terrain, is visible along the shore for 20 kilometers and offers amazing views to visitors. 

    • Musée de la Moto: One of Marseille's most prestigious bike museums is housed in the ancient factory known as Musee de la Moto, or the Museum of Motorbike. About 200 bikes, ranging from the historic gas tricycle to significant new acquisitions, are kept on display in the museum. For those auto enthusiasts looking for a more hands-on experience than just observation, the museum also offers a number of workshops.


  3. Why is Marseille so famous ?

    Marseille is the largest city in France on the Mediterranean coast and houses some of the best historic monuments within its city walls. The city is known for its brimming unique culture and delectable cuisine, serving a wonderful experience to its visitors.
  4. What is the best time to visit Marseille?

    The best time to visit Marseille is during the summer season, during the months of May to August. The weather is quite pleasant and tourists enjoy the scenic views of the city with the summer sun's warmth and explore all the iconic places to visit in Marseille. Visitors can also enjoy activities like swimming, hiking, and boating during these months.
  5. Is it worth visiting Marseille?

    Yes, Marseille tourist attractions are brimming with rich culture and history. The entire city has several stories to tell, nestled in its different corners and old lanes, beautiful galleries, museums and art houses. The vibrant landscape and colorful history of the city are complemented by its delectable cuisine and colorful architecture.
  6. How many days are enough to explore Lisbon?

    Visitors need to plan at least 3-4 days for checking off all the beautiful things to see in Marseille. This is the minimum time required to visit all the iconic historic monuments, museums, galleries and more. Visitors should also keep in mind the day trips that are available from Marseille to the nearby island.

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