What to See in Marseille

Gardens, Ruins, Coastlines, and History in France's Oldest City

Apr 19, 2009

Marseille boasts numerous gardens, ancient Greek and Roman ruins, and spectacular coastal views giving the city a distinct, timeless air.

It doesn't take much time to see that France's second largest and oldest city has a unique feel. From the fresh fish markets in Vieux Port (Old Port) to towering cathedrals and hill-top churches, Marseille leaves the visitor with much to uncover.

Marseille's Vieux Port

Vieux Port is a good place to start exploring Marseille. The port makes an ideal reference point in the city, as several forts and gardens are visible from this central location, also perfect for people-watching. Visitors will find many restaurants, bars, and shops here. Fish markets come alive in the mornings along the water.

Boat Trip to Chateau d'If

Visitors come worldwide to Marseille sometimes just to see 16th century Chateau d'If, a fortress, made into a prison. It is currently a museum built on an island twenty minutes from Marseille by boat. France's version of Alcatraz was the setting for Alexandre Dumas' novel, The Count of Monte Cristo. Visitors can freely wander the rooms of the fortress and gaze at Marseille from the sea.

Spectacular Views from Notre Dame de la Garde and Jardin du Pharo

Wherever one turns in Marseille, it's likely Notre Dame de la Garde, the church on the hill will come into view. Travelers coming into the city by train will get a full view of Marseille's port simply by walking outside of the train station.

Visitors can catch the 61 bus to reach Notre Dame de la Garde itself and the rocky trails around it. Perfect for sunsets, breathing fresh air and gazing out to the archipelago that includes Chateau d'If and Iles de Frioul, the park near this church is a peaceful retreat from the noisy streets below.

To look down onto Vieux Port and the mountains in the background, visitors can walk up Fort Saint Nicolas or Jardin du Pharo to get a timeless view of Fort Saint Jean (Ft. St. Nicolas' twin fortress) with striped Cathedrale de la Major in the distance.

Ancient Greek and Roman Ruins

The abundance of ancient forts, docks, and ruins makes past Greek and Roman presence apparent.

To view ancient Roman troves found from shipwrecks, visitors can visit the Musée des Docks Romains (Museum of Roman Docks) in Place Vivauk by taking Metro line 1 from Vieux Port.

For yet another glance of ancient ruins, visitors can walk through the Jardin des Vestiges (Garden of Ruins) where the remainders of a Greek port were uncovered during the construction of a shopping mall in the 1960's. Located behind Centre Bourse, entrance to the garden is free.

Marseille's location on the Mediterranean Sea makes it rich with history, diversity, and life. Noteworthy landmarks and stunning views are found at just about every corner in the city. Many visitors will simply be content strolling the streets, looking around, and breathing the sea air.

The copyright of the article What to See in Marseille in France Travel is owned by Katherine Kocisky. Permission to republish What to See in Marseille in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.