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A city unlike any other, Marseille is a passionate place. Perched by the
 The city's symbol |
Colline de la Garde Marseille 13006 France +33 491 13 4080 |
Topped by a monumental gilded bronze statue of the Virgin and Child - added in 1870 - Marseilles' distinctive basilica dominates the city from its highest point of 154m. Formerly used as a look-out post and important city fortification (François I had a fort built here in 1524), the hill on which it stands - Colline de la Garde - became a popular place of worship and pilgrimage with the building of this Romano-Byzantine-style basilica. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the church was built on the site of the first chapel erected here in 1214. Today's basilica, designed by Espérandieu, formed part of major building work undertaken during the Second Empire and was consecrated in 1864. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Katherine Hala |
 Photo: Pierre Maura |
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 Guided tours of the bay |
Groupement des Armateurs Côtiers Marseillais 1, quai des Belges Marseille 13001 France +33 491 55 5009 |
Departing from the Vieux-Port, Icard Maritime partnered with Marseille Tourism Board to organize guided tours of the bay and its series of rocky, fjord-like inlets called calanques. Cruisers take visitors on a non-stop two-hour tour from Marseille to Cassis, past a dozen small islands including Morgiou (renowned for its underwater Cosquer Cave featuring some of the world's oldest prehistoric cave paintings and engravings). Get close to imposing, steep limestone cliffs that date as far back as the Cretaceous period when dinosaurs still roamed the earth. Groups can stop off in the quaint old fishing port of Cassis. Average cost: EUR15. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: François Proulx |
 Photo: I Spivey |
 Photo: Robert Cudmore |
 Photo: Vincé@rno |
 Photo: minimoy2008 |
 Photo: Anil Gorti |
 Photo: Laurie Gutierrez |
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 Photo: Riccardo Pastore |
 Photo: Rodolphe NAUDI |
 Photo: Jean-Paul GAILLARD |
 Built between 1680 and 1702 |
26, place Edmond-Audran Marseille 13004 France +33 491 49 4076 |
Founded in 1633, this monument, partly destroyed during the Revolution, extended over 27 acres. Designed by Tom Berger, the 3 nave church, built in 1680, was dedicated to Saint-Marie-Magdeleine in 1702. The façade is composed of two superposed orders, ionique and corinthian and even after the damage caused by the Revolution, its interior has preserved its powerful and austere architecture. This church became a parish in 1803. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: polbar |
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Mediterranean promenade |
Corniche Kennedy Marseille 13008 France |
The long coastal road, leading from the centre of Marseilles to the Prado and Gaston Defferre beaches, was constructed between 1850 and 1861. At this time it served to link the city centre with the chalet districts - the cabanons - purpose built summer holiday accomodation. Measuring only 10 metres or so in width, an extension became necessary to bring the road in line with the post-war residential developments in the south. Undertaken by municipal engineers, the expansion was carried out between 1957 and 1968. Today, the coastal road is 22m wide with a split-level pavement on the seaward side, like a corbelled baclony, and an extended bench fitted along the whole 2200m stretch, making it the longest bench in the world! Looking out over Marseilles' famous natural harbour, the coastal road offers a magnificent view of the Frioul islands and Château d'If. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Yas Valentino |
 Photo: Dan from Mars |
 Photo: Nacer |
 Photo: Alina Komnatnaya |
 Photo: Fred PASCAL |
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 Photo: Rachel Tapley |
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Fashionable location |
Cours Julien Marseille 13006 France |
Enter this picturesque courtyard and former fruit and vegetable market, now converted into a beautiful garden. On the strike of noon, the sun-drenched terraces quickly fill up, revealing a pedestrian zone in the heart of the city, dressed in greenery and refreshed by fountains. The square draws in the hip, artistic crowds and it has become a very fashionable area with the influx of bars, restaurants, theaters and concert halls. When the sun goes down, the nightspots awake. Opposite the Cours Julien you'll find Place Carli, and the surrounding streets jam-packed with antiques and second-hand shops. Don't forget to browse through the little bookstores in front of the Regional Conservatory of Music and the Municipal Archives. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Alexbip |
 Photo: Bryce Edwards |
 Photo: stephane burtey |
![Cours Julien photo by Choufi [Streetart]](pictures/99206_3.jpg) Photo: Choufi [Streetart] |
 Photo: etiennel36 |
 Photo: Helen Barrass |
 Photo: bamzin |
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 Photo: MUGA |
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 Photo: Mao Piavaux |
 Hidden treasure |
Centre Bourse, square Belsunce Marseille 13001 France +33 491 90 4222 |
Excavation work in 1967, in preparation for the construction of the Centre Bourse, revealed a site of great archaeological interest. It consisted of remains of the ramparts of the ancient Greek city, as well as parts of the ancient Roman port and its soft water basin which was used to refuel ships. This port, which is the oldest on the Mediterranean, contributed greatly to Marseilles' role as a great metropolis of Antiquity, as well as the most influential city in France. Surrounded by a garden, the remains are now adjacent to the Centre Bourse. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Monastery turned museum |
2, rue de la Charité Marseille 13002 France +33 491 14 5880 |
La Vielle Charité is an outstanding example of religious architecture from 17th-century France. Designed by Pierre Puget, the King's architect and also native to the area, it was constructed between 1671-1745 as a refuge for the city's orphans and beggars. Today it is a multidisciplinary centre promoting science and culture, including the Museum of Mediterranean Archeology and the Museum of African, Oceanic, and Amerindian Arts. The rectangular form of the buildings comprises four wings which open onto a courtyard, of which the centrepiece is a beautiful domed chapel in Italian baroque style. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: rododingdong_Bo2Nard |
 Photo: Nathan Kendall |
 Photo: rododingdong_Bo2Nard |
 Photo: Véronick |
 Photo: Kel Lee Chin |
 Photo: Thomas Estano |
 Photo: Christian Loverde |
 Photo: Elvire.R. |
 Photo: chantal_delisle |
 Photo: olivier blachere |
 Photo: FranKc Orsoni |
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 Photo: Julien PIERLOT |
 Photo: Janine MIGNOT |
 The Zenith of Marseille |
48, ave Saint-Just Marseille 13004 France +33 491 12 2121 http://www.le-dome.com |
The zenith, native of marseille is a compulsory stop for all stars on tours. Extraordinary futuristic works, this metal dome topped by a mint green arch, which hides an 8000 seat auditorium. The new Alcazar reminds us the name of what has been the most famous music hall in the town. Notre Dame of Paris has even made a stop here. If you like large scale concerts- do not hesitate. All the major shows are also shown here. The one-man shows have their place here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Denis G. |
 Photo: Romain Thouvenin |
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Private beach club at Catalans |
Corniche Président Kennedy Marseille 13007 France |
This private sandy beach on the Catalans resort, near the Palais du Pharo, does charge an entrance fee, although beach umbrellas and sunbeds are available for rent and there are a number of volleyball courts for the sports lovers among you (tournaments also take place here). In addition, the beach is dotted with various snack bars and cafés, making it a not-to-be-missed spot for summer get-togethers. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: jhervebond |
 Photo: tagada_mouse |
 Villa expo |
125, rue Commandant-Rolland Marseille 13008 France +33 491 55 1584 |
Fans of urban architecture will not be disappointed by this former villa turned art gallery. The Villa Bagatelle, now Mayoral Office for the 6th and 8th Districts, houses temporary exhibits on a regular basis. Open all year, thematic exhibitions portray local traditions including manger figurines and Marseilles' famous soap. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Imperial palace |
58, boulevard Charles-Livon Marseille 13007 France +33 491 55 1575 |
Gifted to Napoleon III by Marseilles, this area of land, set on the Maure promontory overlooking the Château d'If (famous for its prison) and the entrance to the Vieux-Port, enabled the emperor to fulfil his plans for a waterfront residence. Built by architects Lefuel and Vaucher between 1858 and 1870, Napoleon's wife, empress Eugénie de Montijo, bequeathed the palace to the city in 1883. A 900-seater auditorium and several halls (in which official receptions, conferences and seminars are held) have been built beneath the garden. Art exhibitions occasionally take place here and are the ideal opportunity to take a look inside and enjoy the palace's magnificent décor. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Shane MacClure |
 Photo: eeneillc |
 Photo: John F. Casey III |
 Photo: Josélito TIRADOS |
 Photo: Gunnar Sigfússon |
 Photo: Guillaume Chagnard |
 Photo: Ballow |
 Photo: Patrick Subotkiewiez |
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Architectural emblem |
La Gare St-Charles (Boulevard d'Athenes) Marseille 13001 France |
In 1908, Marseilles' town council launched a project for architects to design a monumental stairway outside the station, the contract being awarded to architects Serres and Arnal. The construction of the staircase which dominates the city with its 104 steps was undertaken between 1925 and 1927, and the inauguration took place a year later in 1928 (the station itself was opened in 1848) with the arrival of then President of the Republic - Gaston Doumergue.Adorned with statues which depict the glories of France's African and Asian colonies, evoking Marseilles' commercial past, the stairway is of both historical and architectural importance and has become part of the city's heritage. Indeed, scenes from Jacques Deray's film Borsalino (1970) were filmed on its steps. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Olivier BOURGOIN |
 Photo: Rima |
 Photo: Ben Parsons |
 Photo: 365photos.free.fr |
 Photo: Kar Wai Ng |
 Photo: Liesbeth Bosschaert |
 Photo: Davi Barbosa |
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Small, picturesque fishing port |
Corniche Président Kennedy Marseille 13007 France |
Tucked away along a small inlet on the city's coast road is this little picture postcard fishing port. Stroll alongside the pointus (small, brightly coloured boats) and numerous seashore cabins before wandering through the picturesque narrow streets. Unsurprisingly this unique and very peaceful spot sheltered by the cliffs has provided inspiration for many artists. Also famous for its seafood restaurants, of which Chez Fonfon is probably the best known, the cove gets its name from auffiers or local craftsmen who used to make ropes and rigging. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Pascale Trencia |
 Photo: AnnieD |
 Photo: Ian Murray |
 Photo: Bryce Edwards |
 Photo: Cedric Clouchoux |
 Photo: chapelle olivier |
 Photo: will conley |
 Photo: Greg C. |
 Photo: peter |
 Photo: Julien Pareti |
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 Photo: Jean Pierre MARGAIX |