Marseille: Culture, Harbor and Calanques

For a trip to Marseille, you can choose from different areas of focus: architecture and collections, the history of the Vieux-Port, or time in the Parc national des Calanques. When choosing a hotel, it helps to consider which of these interests you want to shape your days the most. The places and activities below differ by subject and type of activity—from art and natural history to walks, boat trips, and outdoor trails.

Architecture and Collections

Notre-Dame de la Garde is a polychromatic architectural masterpiece with Byzantine influence, designed by Henry Espérandieu. The site has been classified since 1917 and offers a 360-degree panorama of Marseille and the Mediterranean Sea. Polychromatic means designed in multiple colors; together with the Byzantine influence, these are two specific architectural features. The panorama adds a view of the city and sea to this perspective.

At the Mucem, it is worth distinguishing between the subject focus of its collections and its site structure. Its ethnographic collections focus on Europe and the Mediterranean region. At the same time, the museum is spread across three sites: J4, Fort Saint-Jean, and the conservation and resource center. The collection focus describes the subjects that shape the holdings; the three sites show how the museum is organized. When planning your cultural activities, you can therefore treat subject and location as two distinct points of reference.

Art and Natural History at the Palais Longchamp

The Musée des Beaux-Arts at the Palais Longchamp displays works from the 16th to the 19th century. Also at the Palais Longchamp, the Muséum d'histoire naturelle makes natural history collections in the fields of zoology, osteology, prehistory, and Provence available to the public and the scientific community. This offers a choice between two different approaches to collections: works of art from several centuries or natural history subject areas. Osteology is the study of bones and is one of the named fields of the natural history museum.

Fort Saint-Jean

Fort Saint-Jean has been fully restored and integrated into the Mucem since 2013. Its ramparts offer views of the Vieux-Port, La Major Cathedral, the Mucem, and the Mediterranean Sea. The fort is also home to the Jardin des migrations: a landscaped, sensory promenade featuring plants from different Mediterranean regions. Archaeological excavations at the fort uncovered remains of Marseille’s first Greek settlement, dating to the 6th century BC. The fort therefore encompasses several different aspects: the restored site, views, a landscaped plant promenade, and archaeological finds.

Vieux-Port: History and Activities

The Vieux-Port is the historic heart of Marseille and was founded by the Greeks more than 2,600 years ago. Visitors can stroll along the quays or take the Ferry Boat. Companies at the harbor also offer boat trips to the Calanques of Marseille. The options differ by type of activity: a walk along the quay, a ride on the Ferry Boat, or a boat trip. Check the Ferry Boat schedule in advance. The information about the harbor’s founding and the archaeological finds at Fort Saint-Jean refer to different things: the former concerns the founding of the harbor settlement, while the latter concerns settlement remains uncovered during excavations.

Trails in the Parc national des Calanques

From Marseille, RTM buses provide access to several entrances to the Parc national des Calanques, including Sormiou and Sugiton. Trails through the park’s land areas allow you to explore on foot. Bus access and trails address different planning questions: buses take you to several entrances, while the trails let you explore the land areas on foot. Check routes and stops before your trip. Also check access requirements and fire-safety restrictions before setting out.

Swimming at Sormiou Beach

Swimming is possible at Sormiou Beach; the beach is supervised only in summer and has a lifeguard station. If you are planning to swim where supervision is provided, bear in mind that supervision is limited to summer. Also check access conditions before your visit.

Discover more destinations: 13th Arrondissement, Arles, Aureille, Roquefort-La-Bédoule, Cornillon-Confoux, Simiane-Collongue, Raphèle-Les-Arles, Port-De-Bouc

For the broader travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.