Located on the Mediterranean coast of France, Marseille is a city with a vibrant history and culture. It has long served as a hub for trade and immigration and is popular as the country’s oldest city, and guarantees visitors they will have lots of things to do in Marseille.
You will find there are so many places to visit in Marseille that it is only possible to cover some of them if you have booked just a day trip in Marseille. You can get immersed in the finest tourist attractions as you visit various parks, museums, and cultural institutions in the city. With a diversified population and a flourishing arts scene, Marseille blends its old with a bustling, contemporary lifestyle.
Top Places to Visit in Marseille
- Old Port
- Notre-Dame de la Garde
- Parc Borély
- Palais Longchamp
- Château d'If
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Old Port
Also called Vieux Port, Old Port is one of the top Marseille’s tourist attraction points. Old Port has remained a humming commercial hub since the city's establishment. Today, tourists love to travel around Vieux Port, take in the scenery, and devour the delicious local cuisine at the cafés and hotels that sit elegantly alongside historical landmarks such as the Maison Diamantée and the Sainte Marie lighthouse.
Things to do at Old Port
- Visit the MuCEM, a museum dedicated to early Mediterranean civilizations
- Explore Fort Saint-Jean, a 17th-century fortress located at the entrance of the Old Port that offers stunning views of the city
- Wander around the port and admire the boats or take a boat tour of the harbour
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Notre-Dame de la Garde
A visit to Notre-Dame de la Garde must be included on your Marseille’s places to visit list. An important symbol of the city and a renowned place of worship, Notre-Dame de la Garde is a Romanesque-Byzantine Basilica that overlooks the city and is the most visited among Marseille sightseeing spots. The Catholic church was built on the foundations of an ancient fort. Notre-Dame de la Garde stands at the highest natural point in Marseille, atop a 489-foot limestone.
Things to do in Notre-Dame de la Garde
- Visit the basilica decorated with mosaics and stained-glass windows, and the crypt housing a statue of the Virgin Mary. The basilica offers stunning views of the city
- Climb to the top of the bell tower for panoramic views of the surrounding area
- Explore the museum’s religious artefacts, paintings, sculptures, and liturgical objects
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Parc Borély
A picturesque park in Marseille, Parc Borély is located in the city's 8th arrondissement, close to the Mediterranean Sea. The Borély family owned the land on which the park now stands and gave it their name when it was established in the 19th century. Parc Borély has several small gardens maintained in different styles, as well as statues, monuments, and museums, including the Borely Castle. The French cultural ministry has classified the garden as one of the “Remarkable Gardens of France”.
Things to do in Parc Borély
- Visit the part of the garden that has rose plants
- Explore the Japanese chapter of the garden for exotic plants
- The greenhouse has a collection of fabulous plants and flowers
- Enjoying a picnic with friends and family in Parc Borély is one of the best things to do in Marseille, France
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Palais Longchamp
This structure is a beautiful example of Neoclassical architecture. A grand staircase leads to Palais Longchamp’s entrance to the symmetrical main structure. Statues and reliefs that depict the arts, natural sciences, and agriculture adorn the facade. Palais Longchamp was constructed in the 19th century in honour of the opening of the Canal de Marseille, which supplied water from the Durance River to the city of Marseille.
Things to do at Palais Longchamp
- Visit the two museums housed inside the palace. The Musée des Beaux-Arts showcases paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the 14th to 20th centuries. The Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle has various fossils, minerals, and animals
- As a Marseille tourist, attend concerts, festivals, and exhibitions held at the palace throughout the year
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Château d'If
The Château d'If is a castle on the Île d'If, the smallest island in the Frioul archipelago in southeast France, 1.5 kilometres from Marseille. It was built in the 16th century and functioned as a jail up till the 19th century's end. In 1890, the castle was non-militarised and made accessible to everyone. The Count of Monte Cristo, an adventure book by Alexandre Dumas, has one of its settings here, popularising the castle further.
Things to do at The Château d'If
- Visit the castle, and explore its interior, including the cells where prisoners were held
- Take a guided tour that will take you through the castle and its history in detail
- Enjoy the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the city of Marseille from
Best Time to Visit Marseille
Given its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, Marseille is a city fit to visit throughout the year. There is always a variety of things to do in Marseille. If you visit in April-June or springtime, you can attend plenty of festivals and events, such as the Fête de la Musique. Again, if you want to enjoy your New Year holidays by ensuring your list of places to visit in Marseille is adequately covered, you should visit from December through February.
Travel Insurance for Marseille
Depending on your nationality and county of origin, you could require a Schengen visa if you are planning to travel to Marseille in France. Moreover, you must have proper travel insurance to receive a Schengen Visa. You must avail of travel insurance to protect yourself from any unforeseen circumstances, including medical emergencies, accidents, loss of items, etc. Ensure you choose a reputable insurance provider, and carefully review different policies before choosing what best fits your needs.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.
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