Marseille city in France attractions. An extraordinary holiday in Marseille: the best attractions and entertainment for tourists

Marseille is the oldest Mediterranean harbor, a city with a rich, centuries-old history. It has existed for more than 2.5 thousand years. The old city port was an important hub for international trade back in Antiquity. The powerful forts of Marseille were built by Louis XIV, better known as the Sun King, and the elegant Baroque palaces are a legacy of the last French emperors.

Holidays in Marseille are designed for a wide range of tourists. There are enough attractions for a rich excursion program, and the magnificent beaches of the Friulian Islands will please everyone. Tourists who prefer an active lifestyle can explore the coast on foot in the vicinity of Marseille, dotted with beautiful bays - calanques.

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What to see and where to go in Marseille?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.

The history of Marseille began with the Old Port. It was here that the Phocian Greeks landed 600 BC and founded a colony. Since the 13th century, a shipyard operated in the port where military ships were built. Until the 19th century and the construction of the New Port, the pier served as the sea gate of Marseille. Nowadays, the Old Port is chosen by yachtsmen and seafood sellers, turning it into a popular tourist center.

The palace was built in the 19th century, the first stone of its foundation was laid by the Duke of Orleans. Longchamp is an entire architectural complex, which includes a sculptural group of a fountain, a facade in the shape of a triumphal arch and symmetrical colonnades. On the palace grounds there is a Museum of Natural History with an extensive natural science collection and a Museum of Fine Arts, which exhibits sculpture and painting from the 16th to 19th centuries.

The famous fortress of the 16th century, which was immortalized in his works by A. Dumas. It was in the prison of the Chateau d'If that Edmond Dantes from the novel “The Count of Monte Cristo” languished. Initially, the fort served to protect Marseille from attack from the sea, but very soon it became a prison. From 1580 to 1880 the gloomy fortress on the island of the same name was considered the most terrible dungeon in Europe. 10 years after its closure in 1890, the Château d'If became accessible to tourists.

The palace was built in the 19th century by order of Napoleon III for his wife; now the building belongs to the city authorities and is used for public events, conferences and receptions. The Faro Palace has about 500 rooms decorated in the Empire style. The building stands on a site close to the sea, with rocks and a steep coastline below. The best panoramic view of the castle is from the water.

The city council building was erected in the middle of the 17th century. In turbulent times of endless revolutions, he miraculously managed to avoid demolition, although such thoughts periodically arose among the newly formed governments. The building was built in the “Provencal Baroque” architectural style according to the design of J.-B. Meolana and E. Belondel. The main entrance to the town hall is decorated with a bust of Louis XIV and the coat of arms of the Bourbon dynasty.

An architectural monument of the 19th century, erected for the city Chamber of Commerce. The large exchange hall can accommodate up to 2.5 thousand people. Not only are brokerage firms involved in trading located here, there are also cultural institutions and a shopping center on the territory. The impressive building of the exchange looks monumental and somewhat cumbersome, its facades are surrounded by a number of powerful Corinthian columns.

The fortress was built in 1660, erected under Louis XIV. The fort is the “gateway” to the Old Port of Marseille. It was erected after a city uprising against the authority of the governor of Provence. It is interesting that the fort’s cannons were directed not towards the sea - towards the supposed enemy, but inside the city. After the victory of the French Revolution, a prison was placed on the territory of the fortress, where many noble prisoners visited.

A fortress located opposite Fort Saint-Jean. It was erected on the site of an ancient church of the 13th century according to the design of L. de Clerville. Saint-Nicolas was built for the same purpose as Saint-Jean - to suppress a repeated uprising of the townspeople and to intimidate the dissatisfied, although it was officially announced that the fortress would reliably protect Marseille from enemies. The citadel was erected in 4 years, which is considered a record time for the 17th century.

The abbey was founded by the Monk Cassian at the beginning of the 5th century, on the site of the grave of Victor of Marseilles, a martyr and Christian saint. In the 9th century, as a result of attacks by nomadic Saracens, the monastery complex was partially destroyed, but in the 10th century it was restored. Until the 18th century, the abbey functioned successfully, but as a result of the widespread destruction of monasteries (a consequence of the French Revolution), the monastery fell into disrepair. Since 1840 it has been considered a national monument, but restoration was carried out only in 1963.

The temple is located on a hill at the highest point of Marseille. It was erected in the mid-19th century on the foundations of an ancient fortress. Residents of Marseille consider the basilica to be the patroness of the city. The building was built in the neo-Byzantine style according to the design of A.-J. Esperandier. At the top of the church bell tower there is an 11-meter statue of the Virgin Mary. Notre-Dame de la Garde is one of the most visited tourist sites in Marseille.

A picturesque cathedral, built during the period of greatest economic power of Marseille - in the second half of the 19th century. The temple was built in a luxurious Byzantine style with round domes and graceful balustrades. A wide variety of materials were used during construction, from Italian marble to African onyx. The interior of the cathedral is lavishly decorated with mosaics, frescoes and decorative bronze elements.

The museum opened in 2013, when Marseille was chosen as the European Capital of Culture. The modern building housing the collections is connected to Fort Saint-Jean by a bridge. The museum exhibition includes both traditional objects: paintings, coins, equipment, furniture, documents, and more provocative ones. Controversial exhibits include an image of a “pregnant” man and a statue of Aphrodite made of glitter and aluminum, created in 1966.

Cultural center housed in a 17th-century building. Previously, there was an almshouse and a hospice here. Nowadays, the center houses two museums. One exhibition is dedicated to the culture of America, Oceania and Africa, the second is an archaeological collection. The building of the Center de la Vieille Charite is made in the Baroque style. The main material of the facade is pink and white stone from a local quarry.

The house is from 1952, built according to the design of Le Corusier, an architect who, after the end of World War II, implemented city programs for the construction of residential buildings. It was an innovative plan for the mid-20th century, as the house consisted of 17 floors and could accommodate 1,600 people inside. A gym, swimming pool, kindergarten and other public spaces were located on the roof of the building.

The territory of archaeological excavations, which contains the remains of architectural structures erected before our era. These ruins were discovered in 1967. They became direct evidence that a settlement arose here at the turn of the 6th-7th centuries BC. e. To preserve the priceless finds, it was decided to create a park, which was called the “Garden of Ruins.”

The park is located on a vast area of 17 hectares. It has an English garden, a botanical garden, sculptures, fountains, “living” tunnels of flowers and other elements of French landscape design. In the middle of the park there is an 18th century castle that belonged to L.-J. Boreli - industrialist and shipowner. In the 19th century, the city authorities organized a public park on the site of the former Borely estate.

Sports arena designed for 67 thousand people. The last reconstruction was carried out in 2016 before the Euro 2016 Championship. Throughout the 20th century, the Velodrome hosted games of European leagues, as well as individual matches of world championships. The stadium was built in 1937, and for several decades it has been the home arena for the Marseille Olympique football team.

A complex of artificial beaches, which was created by the city authorities in the 70s. XX century. Before this, Marseille did not have its own beach. The embankment was made from small rock fragments left over from the construction of metro stations. The result was a coastal strip of approximately 3.5 km. in length, where in addition to beaches with all the infrastructure there are playgrounds, parks and recreation areas.

The Friulian archipelago consists of the islands of Tibulen, Ratonno and Pomego. A city ferry departs hourly from the Old Port of Marseille. The islands are attractive because they have a large number of convenient beaches. Yachts often moor in cozy coves, as people prefer to swim here rather than in the artificial harbor of Marseille. There is also a small settlement on the islands called Port Frioul, where you can dine in a restaurant.

Calanques are small picturesque bays, French “fjords”, which are located on the coast from Marseille to Lia Ciot and Cassis. There are three ways to explore this natural wonder: on a sea cruise, by car or on a walk. Especially for hikers, the entire 20-kilometer coastline from Marseille to Cassis is equipped with hiking trails. Some calanques end in cozy sandy beaches.

Sights of Marseille

1. Vieille Charite

Vieille Charité is a former almshouse, now a museum and cultural center, located in the heart of the old quarter of Panier, the city of Marseille in the south of France. Built between 1671 and 1749 in the Baroque architectural style according to the designs of the architect Pierre Puget. Today, the former almshouse is home to two major museums: the Museum of Archeology and the Museum of African and Oceanic Art.

2. Palais Longchamp

Longchamp Palace was built to commemorate the completion of the Canal de Marseille, which supplies water from the Durance River to Marseille. The Longchamp Palace is an ornate building built in 1869 that hides an 1860 water tower. Inside the circular colonnade of the building itself are the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Natural History of Marseille.The exterior of the building is richly decorated with sculptures,The beautiful architecture within provides the perfect backdrop for the art and scientific collections of the two museums. The palace is a grand spectacle at night when the lights turn on. Opposite the palace are Longchamp Park, a botanical garden and a zoological garden.

3. (MuCEM)

This museum is dedicated to European and Mediterranean civilizations, the history and culture of the European Mediterranean countries, from Beirut to Gibraltar. The museum, built on land reclaimed from the sea, is located next to Fort Saint-Jean and opened in 2013, the year Marseille was recognized as the European Capital of Culture.

4. Marseille Cathedral (Cathedrale de la Major)

Marseille Cathedral is a national monument and Roman Catholic church. The cathedral is located in the Panier district, not far from old port. Guests of the Cathedral will be introduced to the beauty of this Catholic church, with its high ceilings and its fabulous mosaics. This French national monument is the oldest church in the city, and one of Marseille's main attractions.

5. Le Panier

The Le Panier district is located in an area of the old city of Marseille called Massala, founded by the Greeks in 600 BC. The area is located near the old port and the futuristic building of the Museum of Modern Art. Le Penier boasts narrow ancient streets, painted houses, art galleries and wonderful open-air cafes with delicious coffee. This is a real tourist attraction in Marseille.

6. Fort Saint-Jean

Fort Saint-Jean is a fortress at the entrance to the Old Port. King Louis XIV ordered the construction of a fort on the other side of the harbor, opposite Fort St. Nicholas. Fort Saint-Jean was used to detain political prisoners during the French Revolution and was later a staging post for soldiers of the French Foreign Legion. Much of the fort was destroyed during World War II when an ammunition dump exploded. The fort was restored 30 years later and today is part of the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilization.

7. Old Port of Marseille

Old port of Marseille located at the end of Rue Canebière. The old port of Marseille has been the heart of the city since Greek-Phoenician times as early as 600 BC. Today, the area around the old port is a magnet for tourists, fishermen, yachtsmen and local residents. Many of the city's attractions are located in close proximity to the Old Port. The harbor of the old port is rectangular in shape and extends from the north (city center) to the south (exit to the Mediterranean Sea). To visit all the attractions of Marseille be sure to book a city tour.

8. Chateau d'If

The Chateau d'If is a fortress (later a prison) located on an island in the Mediterranean Sea, about a mile offshore in Marseille Bay, in southeastern France. It is famous for the fact that the main events of Alexandre Dumas' novel "The Count of Monte Cristo" took place in this castle .

The fort was built by order of King Francis the First to protect Marseille from the sea in 1531, and since the 16th century it has been used as a prison for especially dangerous criminals. Huguenots, leaders of the Paris Commune, and politicians were kept in the Chateau d'If. The Chateau d'If is a real calling card and the main attraction of Marseille.

9. Notre Dame de la Garde

Notre-Dame de la Garde is a Catholic basilica. The neo-Byzantine church was built according to the design of the architect Henri-Jacques on the foundations of an ancient fortress. The fortress was located on a high natural elevation, 149 meters above sea level. The basilica was consecrated on June 5, 1864, replacing the church of the same name, which had stood on the site since 1214 and was restored in the 15th century.

10. Les Calanques

Les Calanques are small fjords in the south of Marseille near Cassy. Narrow sea crevices are located between steep cliffs of limestone or dolomite; this is a very picturesque place.

Marseille is the largest Mediterranean resort and the second most populous city in France. After arriving from a cruise ship, it will pleasantly refresh you with fresh wind and southern romance. This is a bright and noisy town that evokes different feelings among tourists: some will love it with all their souls at first sight, while others may be put off by its noise, simplicity and straightforwardness.

Today, the French port of Marseille is far from the stereotypes of sleepy and calm seaside towns. Yes, these are the same colorful markets, seafood and delicious bouillabaisse. But it is also an explosive mixture of emigrants, especially African Comorians. The most amazing thing is that there are even more Comorians here than in Comoros itself!

But if you want to see the real life of the French, feel the temperament and energy of the sea, Marseille is exactly what you need!

Old port of Marseille and Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica on the hill

Walk through the Old Quarter of Pannier

If you just arrived in Marseille on a cruise ship, your route will probably start from Place Joliette, since the exit from the port is located there, and this is where the free port bus and transfers of many cruise companies arrive. From the square you can walk to the old quarter of Pannier.

The area was destroyed by the Nazis during the war and was completely blown up with dynamite, starting from the embankment to rue Caisserie. But once you get here, you immediately feel a unique bohemian atmosphere, noting the warm facades of 2-3-story houses, bistros and art galleries. The streets here are confusing, going up and down, so you can easily get confused in the oldest district of Marseille. Better take a card.

In the center of the Old District is the Old Almshouse, La Vieille Charité, a building of 3 floors that houses the scientific and cultural center of the city, including the Museum of Archeology and the Museum of African, Oceanic and Aboriginal Arts.

In the Pannier quarter, everyone can experience the daily life of Marseille. If you want something tasty, be sure to try pastis - aniseed vodka at Le Charité Café. This is a cozy bistro offering drinks and light snacks and is self-service. By right, the Old Quarter of Le Panier is called the most authentic district of the city, the “Marseille Montmartre”.

Visiting the Old Port from the embankment

Now from Le Panier we move south, towards the port. Arriving at the Old Port, tourists can stroll along the docks, enjoy the view of small ships, and dine on delicious fish dishes.

By the way, in the port of Marseille, be sure to order the signature fish soup - bouillabaisse. The most delicious, but not the most affordable, dish can be enjoyed, for example, at the Le Miramar restaurant (12 Quai du Port). There are also plenty of other culinary delights to choose from using seafood for true gourmets.

In the north of the Old Port (7 Promenade Robert Laffont), it is worth visiting the city's newest museum, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations, with an amazing exhibition telling the story of the origins of European culture.

In general, here you will experience everything that this city is full of at the moment.

Vendor at a market in the old port area of Marseille

We go to Notre-Dame de la Garde

After walking around the Old Port and enjoying the views of the embankment, you can head to Notre-Dame de la Garde. You can get to the Basilica from the Old Port by a tourist train (it costs about 7 euros) or by bus number 60.

The area around the basilica is similar to the Haussmannian architectural structures of Paris. From the roof of the cathedral you will see stunning views of Marseille. Anyone interested in architecture and art should visit the Cathedral Museum.

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Guardian will inspire you with its amazing combination of different architectural volumes and contrasting interior decoration. This is the most popular attraction in Marseille, France!

View of Marseille from the observation deck of Notre-Dame de la Garde

Restaurant in Notre-Dame de la Garde

Are you dizzy from the beauty you saw and are you hungry again? Then head to a restaurant in Notre-Dame de la Garde. The lower part of the church is also the "administrative" building. There is a consultation point, a souvenir shop and a fragrant establishment - L’Eau Vive. This restaurant is a discovery for many! In addition to a variety of dishes and more or less reasonable prices (a set meal costs about $10-13), you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city. The nuns of the Travailleuses Missionnaires de l’Immaculée order, who will be your waitresses, give the restaurant a special luster.

Chateau d'If

If time still permits, head back to the Old Port and from there take a tour of the Château d'If. Frioul-If-Express ships leave the pier throughout the day, the ship schedule is given along with tickets at the ticket office (the ticket office is located on the left side of the port, looking out to sea).

Entrance to the castle costs 5 euros per person. It was originally built to defend Marseille in the 16th century. But after that they began to use it as a prison.

This is the place of detention of Dantes, the hero of Dumas from the famous “The Count of Monte Cristo”, who became an accidental victim of betrayal and was able to escape after a 14-year imprisonment on the island. Here you can feel how the man in the iron mask lived.

The island itself is small, but it is very interesting to climb into the ancient casemates. From the island you can also enjoy the coastal panorama of Marseille and sunbathe on a specially designated area. The location is ideal for a relaxing walk.

Château d'If from the observation deck of the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde

Calanques

If you have inspiration and strength, go to the calanques - stunning geological formations. For transfers you can use Icard Maritime boats. They depart from the Old Port and the excursion lasts about 2 hours. The best period to visit the calanques is March-May, at this time the temperature is quite pleasant and you are unlikely to get caught in the rain, unlike in the autumn period.

Returning to the Old Port again after a busy day of sightseeing, you will be able to board your cruise ship with a huge baggage of emotions. Marcel amazes and inspires, but he leaves no one indifferent!

Where to stay before and after your cruise?

For a port stop before a cruise, try Airbnb, where you can rent a full-fledged apartment for the price of a hotel room. By registering using our link you will receive coupon for 2100 rub. for your first stay from RUB 4,500!

The best things to do in and around the port of Marseille

We selected these hotels based on our own experience and the experience of other cruise travelers. Determining factors when choosing: proximity to the Marseille cruise terminal, the ability to quickly and easily get to the ship, as well as the airport or train station.

Marseille is the largest port city in the Provence region of France. This is a very beautiful and ancient city on the seashore, famous for its luxurious beaches and numerous attractions. The city has a well-developed infrastructure and well-organized traffic flow.

Flights to Marseille are a great opportunity to relax and spend time in the luxurious city of France on the Mediterranean coast. The port city of Marseille boasts an abundance of ancient fortresses in azure coves. This is a very romantic, gentle and cozy city, thoroughly imbued with a truly French atmosphere.

Transport and ways to reach the final destination of the trip

The city of Marseille is divided into 15 districts, between which there are different routes of buses and other transport for local residents and tourists. A bus is also popular among visitors, which runs between central hotels and excursion sites, architectural monuments, of which there are quite a lot in the vicinity of the city.

The city of Marseille has a very good and advantageous location, which allows you to get to the city itself in different ways:

by plane;
by ship;
by train.

From Paris to Marseille the distance is about 830 km, and if you go from the capital of the country by train, you can reach the city in about 5 hours. However, you can always choose a fast train that will take tourists to the point in 3 hours. It is possible to fly from Marseille in less than an hour, and the Barcelona-Marseille route by plane takes just over an hour.

Expert opinion

Knyazeva Victoria

Guide to Paris and France

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The distance from Marseille to Strasbourg is approximately 615 km. Many young people in France decide to study at the Intellectual Center. Our tourists should definitely know that the Russian Consulate General in Strasbourg is located in this city. Tourists can turn here on various aspects: citizenship, passport and visa issues and assistance to Russian tourists. According to some reports, many people travel to this city specifically to resolve various legal issues and file a complaint with the Human Rights Court.

It is convenient to move around the city using the Marseille metro or trams, and there are also relevant bus routes. It is very important to remember that trams and metro here operate exclusively from 5 am to midnight, and if you need to go to some area of the city or to the airport in Marseille at night, you will have to hire a taxi or rent a car.

Accommodation in the city

For visitors, it is important to immediately decide which hotel to spend time in Marseille. It is believed that the best options for hotels and inns are located on the Cote d'Azur, but it is worth considering that rooms near the sea will cost much more than in areas of the city remote from it. Inexpensive options are located near the railway station.

Food does not differ in special principles from food in other resort towns, and in the Old Port area tourists can expect restaurants and cafes of various levels. In addition, it is possible to purchase food yourself at the Marseille market and supermarkets. Seafood is especially popular in inexpensive restaurants on the shore, which chefs prepare right there in front of visitors in an open kitchen.

Sights of Marseille

Chateau d'If

A map of Marseille with attractions is a good helper for any tourist who finds himself in this corner of the European country. There are a large number of different memorable places here; you can organize a fairly active schedule of excursion programs and trips. The most popular destinations and places for tourists:

Old city;
Frioul archipelago;
Château d'If;
Calanques National Park;
Longchamp Palace in Marseille.

Calanques National Park

The city's attractions amaze with picturesque views and unique ancient architecture in its surroundings. A Marseille metro map will be available to help tourists. Cruises depart regularly from the shores to the nearest islands.

It is very important for Russians to know where the Russian Consulate General is located in Marseille. In difficult situations for foreigners, the consulate in Marseille allows you to provide the necessary assistance. It is located at: 3, avenue Ambroise Paré 13008 Marseille Cedex 08. You must remember that visitors can only be received there on weekdays from 9.00 to 12.00.

Beach holiday in Marseille

Expert opinion

Knyazeva Victoria

Guide to Paris and France

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Seaside holidays in the city are very important. Hotels that have their own beaches within fenced, landscaped areas are extremely popular today. The beaches of Marseille resemble a crescent moon if you look at a map of the coast of this region, and are dotted with bays, coves, and are rocky or sandy.

The weather in Marseille in May sometimes allows for swimming, but for most people the water temperature in late spring will still be cool. The weather here is similar in November, and we can say that the golden period for relaxing on local beaches is summer! The weather in Marseille for a month is usually indicated on websites with relevant information, and you can plan a trip to this part of the country in advance depending on the weather.

The geographical location of France and developed infrastructure make the country one of the most popular destinations for tourism and travel. Every year, millions of tourists come to France, who replenish the budget, contributing to the wealth and prosperity of the country. It is part of the European Union and has a currency - the euro.

Among all the cities, it is important to highlight Marseille. It is an important economic center in the south of France, due to the presence of one of the world's largest ports. The city is also rich in attractions and architectural monuments, which are known not only to the French, but throughout the world.

Cities of France

The country has many popular cities for tourism in the central part; they are rich in history and historical monuments. There is a wonderful Cote d'Azur in France, where you can relax, sunbathe and swim. There is a region of Provence, in which each locality is famous for a certain craft. You can visit the tourist center - Paris, without a visit to which not a single tour of the country is complete. It is recommended to visit principalities that are not part of France, but are closely connected with it, these are Monaco and Andorra, where there are also many interesting things to see.

City information

Marseille (France) is the economic and business center of Provence and the southern coast. The largest port in Europe operates here. Marseille appeared on the map of France in 600 BC. An ancient people lived on the territory - the Phocians, who belonged to the Greeks. Due to its favorable location, the province began to develop rapidly. Even in the Roman era the settlement remained partially independent. Since the Crusades, Marseille has experienced rapid growth as a transit port. In 1481 it became an official part of the Kingdom of France. The city suffered greatly during the bubonic plague in the 1720s, when nearly half the population died from the disease. It was one of the largest centers of resistance during World War II.

Marseille city in France

Climate and weather

Marseille has a Mediterranean climate and has mild winters and hot summers. Winters in the city are very warm, practically never reaching temperatures below +7° C. But sometimes they are frosty, and snow occasionally falls. In summer, precipitation is very rare, it is stuffy and hot. Autumn begins early for this type of climate; almost from the end of September there is frequent rain and the temperature gradually decreases.

The best time to visit Marseille for sightseeing is from mid-spring to mid-summer. And for the purpose of swimming and beach holidays, you need to go in the summer season.

How to get there

Marseille is located on a hilly area that separates it from the rest of France. The coast is rich in rocky bays and clean beaches, which are found throughout the Cote d'Azur.

Marseille France map

Important! The water in the vicinity of Marseille is not the cleanest, this is due to the presence of the port. For a beach holiday, you need to go to specially equipped places outside the city.

Getting to the city is not difficult, since the country has a very developed transport infrastructure; there are several ways to get around:

airport. Marseille Provence International Airport is located 27 kilometers from the village. It is the second largest after Paris, and almost all tourists arriving in the region fly here. You can get to Marseille by regular bus, taxi, transfer or rent a car;
transfer. When arriving for tourist purposes, transfer is usually included. If not, then you can find a special counter and contact the managers;
Taxi. To order a taxi, you need to go to a special window and select the type and class of the car;
car rental. The most convenient and fastest way allows you to conveniently inspect all objects of interest. There are many car rental companies at the airport and city;
bus. Bus transport from the airport and along the entire coast is very developed, there are a large number of flights and directions, you can choose your own and comfortably get to the right place;
metro. Marseille has its own metro network, which makes it easy to get around the city.

Note! A reusable metro card is much more profitable than paying for each trip separately.

Attractions

Marseille is rich in attractions and tourist sites. To see everything, you need to stay here for at least three to four days. Among the main ones are churches and cathedrals, many museums and several beautiful gardens and parks.

Marseille (France) attractions:

Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde. Local residents stuck with the name Good Mother, since the basilica is considered the guardian of the city. The structure was built in 1864 on the site where an ancient fortress was previously located. The style of the building is neo-Byzantine, the architect was Henri-Jacques Esperandier. It is located on a hill in a high part of the city, making it one of the most prominent buildings. It has a crypt decorated with beautiful mosaics and statues of the Virgin Mary and Child. It is the most popular and visited place in Marseille;

Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde

Museum of Fine Arts. Located in a beautiful old building. Ideal for art and painting lovers;
Castle If. Located 4 kilometers from the city in the sea on an island. It is a fortification structure to protect against attacks from the sea. It was built in 1531. In the 16th century it began to be used as a place of detention for especially dangerous criminals. Now it is a museum and architectural monument. Known for Alexandre Dumas' novel The Count of Monte Cristo. Today it is a very popular place among locals and tourists; it has shops selling souvenirs and cafes with beautiful views of the city and the sea;
Jardin du Faro garden and palace. The palace and beautiful garden were built under Napoleon III. Nowadays, numerous city services are located here. A great place for lovers of nature walks.

Marseille hosts many festivals and celebrations. For example, in April you can visit the “Holy Music” festival; in August there is a festival dedicated to the music and culture of the living diasporas. In October, it is recommended to visit the “Southern Fiesta” and the contemporary art bazaar. For many centuries, water competitions have been held in July, which attract a lot of spectators and are very popular.

During the French Revolution, Marseille chose the side of the Republicans. After the victory, the French anthem became known as “La Marseillaise”;
it is noteworthy that Marseille is located at the same latitude as the Russian Sochi, so the cities have a similar climate and temperature regime;
Marcel is shown in many films, among which are all parts of Taxi, 22 Bullets and The French Connection.

Marseille stands out among other cities in France for its culture and traditions. Tourism is developed due to the presence of many interesting attractions. Recommended for visiting to learn about history and enjoy a beach holiday.