Things to do in Marseille: South Port in France

Now let us look at some of the things to do in Marseille:

Nestled in the heart of the city at 245 Boulevard, Jardin De La Magalone is an enormous public space amidst the hustle and bustle of Marseille. Listed as one of the most beautiful gardens by the French Ministry of Culture in France, it remains a secret to many, both visitors and locals. Unwind and relax as you stroll through its luscious green environment. The garden has a long history to share. It comes from the late 18^th century, which can be noticed from the nearby bastide. Previously inherited by Madame de Ferry, it was later commissioned by the works of renowned architect Edouard Andre with elegant fountains and statues. Covering 1.4 hectares, this French Classical garden is laid out with basins and parterres. Come for a jog or explore its picturesque site, it is open 8 AM onwards for 12 hours a day, 7 days a week! Upon that, there is no admission fee. However, a personal guide can be hired for those interested. Add this in your things to do in Marseille.

Adjoining the Jardin Botanique, Parc Borely is one of Marseille’s notable tourist hotspots. Boasting a massive area of 17 hectares, it attracts students, fitness freaks, and families. If traveling with children, Parc Borely is a no brainer. There are numerous activities and rides for the young ones to enjoy at the playground. The boating lake is for everybody. Just like the previously mentioned Jardin De La Magalone, this garden also ranks among those listed by the French Ministry of Culture. Due to its popular demand, the garden opens early at 6 AM and closes late at 9 PM. Take a walk around its classical space while enjoying the Mediterranean sunshine. The Chateau Borely is a notable attraction. Built-in the 18^th-Century by a merchant named Joseph Borely, it now houses a museum with fine arts on display. On exploring further, you may also find the replica of Notre Dame, a grandeur basilica in Marseille. Add this place for many activities in your things to do in Marseille

Tick the French Riviera of your bucket list. Parc National des Calanques is an iconic national park overlooking the sublime River Rhone. For a fact, it is peri-urban, terrestrial, and marine at the same time. One of ten national parks in France, a visit to Marseille, is incomplete without stepping in its turquoise blue waters. It is one of the most priceless gifts of nature any destination could possess. The French word ‘Calanque’ is geographically a limestone inlet on the Mediterranean coast. There are plenty of ways to see this jewel-like park. Hike through its vegetative trials for a thrilling experience or laze around at the boated tour which often includes a wine tasting session and a delicious French buffet for lunch. If these don’t fill your tourist appetite, participate in a scuba dive and find yourself amidst unique marine life. Rock climbing and snorkeling are a few other activities to consider as the sun sets, head hilltop, and end your evening with some of the most extraordinary views of the horizon that perfectly complements the coral blue surroundings. Add this place for rock climbing and Snorkeling in your things to do in Marseille.

A masterpiece by architect Henry Espérandieu, Palais Longchamp, is Marseille’s monumental Palace from the 18^th-Century. At the entrance, the palace is home to a gorgeous fountain and a fine display of sculptures depicting three young ladies and four bulls. The two staircases by its side add to its elegant touch. Overlooking the frontier is a small pond. Until 1987, the park housed a zoo, which later was closed as a result of public order. Today, it serves to be a must-visit tourist destination, not only in Marseille but the whole of France. Learn a little history at the Muséum de Histoire Naturelle or admire classic French art exhibits at the Musée des beaux-arts. To escape from the worldly madness, have a look at the palace’s two gardens. For children, a playground is just around the corner. Take a break and head towards the old zoo area, which now operates a cozy café. Featured in many travel magazines and blogs, Palais Longchamp is worth every second of your time. Add this place for visiting great places in your things to do in Marseille.

Marseille’s rich old heritage combines modernity flawlessly. Palais Du Pharo is one of the examples. Sitting to close to the Vieux Port, a lavish old town port with boutique hotels and waterfront cafes, the palace blends into its scenic offerings. The 18^th Century palace was initiated by Napoleon the 3^rd for the Empress and his lady love, Eugénie de Montijo. In the early 19^th Century, its possession was transferred to the city and was thereby used as a school of medicine. Today, the historic palace also hosts a contemporary extension, with grandeur auditoriums and seminar halls accommodating up to 2500 visitors. Since its refurbishment, several fairs and conferences are often conducted inside the palace. Previously an imperial residence, it also serves to be one of the city’s most visited attractions. Although the Pharo Palace does not permit access to inbound tourists, its outdoors does justice. Walk around the vast grounds while admiring the stunning Mediterranean port. Capture the alluring coastline with a short-cruise by the ocean. Offered by several yacht companies, you might be required to book your seats beforehand. Add this place to see the great coastline in your things to do in Marseille.

Step on shore and visit the Marseille Cathedral located just outside the city center. Nicknamed as “The Gateway to the East,” it is among the first-ever ports to be operated by the French for trade and commerce. It possesses a unique stature, which is why a million tourists are said to visit this attraction every year. Constructed during the late 18^th Century, its front façade comes from the times of the Romanesque-Byzantine revival, resembling the St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. An iconic monument in Marseille, the cathedral depicts the power and authority. The exterior also has four notable domes, each carefully designed to perfection. The interior boasts a grandeur domed ceiling with a high alters just below. Hosting up to 3000 worshippers, the Marseille Cathedral is among the largest in France. Originally built in the 4^th century, the Saracens’ attacks lead to its demolition, which later was commissioned in the 12^th century. However, the cathedral was demolished yet again right before its final revival after six centuries. The remains can be spotted near the main Catholic Church. Add this cathedral in your things to do in Marseille.

A fortification from the 1600s’, Fort Saint-Jean marks the entrance to the old port of Marseille. Known to be the city’s emblematic monument since its origin, it now belongs to the MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations). The fort connects to the Museum via a modern footbridge boasting panoramic views of the coastline. The fort during the evening hours offers a spectacular birds-eye view of Marseille with notable monuments such as the Cathedral and Pharo Palace on sight. Don’t miss out on the museum and its nearby garden space. The unique range of ancient and contemporary artworks on display is worth every penny spent. For art lovers, it is a paradise in disguise. The timings are flexible as per the season.

Moreover, reaching Fort Saint-Jean is as convenient as you’d like. Hire a bike if you’re all by yourself. If not, tube and tram services are options to consider. Add this notable monument in your things to do in Marseille.

Jardin des Vestiges holds one of the fascinating stories for its visitors. Situated near the Museum of Marseille, the garden can be termed as a monumental accident. In 1976, the site was originally planned to run as a shopping center, but the processes of construction ultimately lead to the discovery of several ancient Greek artifacts from the Roman Empire. Ever since, the area has remained untouched, which today forms as a colorful garden and a tourist hotspot. The Jardin des Vestiges is a perfect blend of history and flora. A ticket to the museum of Marseille gets its holder access to these gardens. Hire a guide or explore all by yourself. Unwind amidst the spring-full aura, it emits. A few hours spent here will take you back centuries. Tourists often rate their visit as knowledgeable. Much of Marseille’s attractions are located in and around the area. The Vieux Port is a notable landmark to keep a note of when getting to these gardens. Add this garden in your things to do in Marseille.

Tucked 1.5 kilometers away from the bay of Marseille, the Chateau d’if is a symbolic building in French History. Francis the 1^st, King of France, was behind the idea of this fortified structure. It was built to serve specific purposes, protect the coastline from invaders and keep an eye on Marseille as it was annexed to the French in the 14^th Century. The popular novel “The Count of Monte Cristo” from 1844, written by Alexander Dumas uses this Chateau as one of its settings. The chateau comprises of three floors reaching 100 feet in height, flanked by a tower each, constructed with embrasures as a protocol for safety. Until the 19^th Century, the fortress operated as a prison house only to be demilitarized later on. Since its opening publicly, it is one of the most demanded tourist attractions in Marseille, largely influenced by Dumas’s work. For a fact, renowned author Mark Twain also accounts his visit from 1867 in his book “The Innocents Abroad.” He was one of the lucky ones to explore this fortress beforehand. Recognized by the French Ministry of Culture, the Chateau is known by all and is easily accessible. Tourists can make it using the boats available at the Old Port. Add this place in your things to do in Marseille.

Musée du santon, otherwise known as Santons Marcel Carbonel, is a museum exhibiting unique tools and artworks from the rugged village life. Titled as a folk museum, it is an attraction that must be on any “Things to do in Marseille” itinerary. The whole concept of the artworks on display revolves around the region’s Christmas tradition “Santon,” which are small nativity figures hand-knit using wax, breadcrumbs, and plastic molds. It was introduced by artisan Jean-Louis Lagnel during the late 17^th Century when most churches were closed down. Head over to 49 Rue Nueve Saint-Catherine and make your way towards this iconic heritage museum. Not only is it home to over 2000 different handicraft statues, but it also conducts regular workshops for the interested. Add this handicraft statue in your things to do in Marseille.

No vacation is complete without grabbing a souvenir or two for you and your loved ones. Conceptualized and designed by ‘British company Hammerson Plc’ and Dutch firm ‘C Concept Design’respectively, this four-story shopping complex occupies a massive 230,000 square meters of area with world-class amenities. A dreamland for shopaholics, this center is home over a hundred different boutiques, both local as well as International, such as Aldo, Agora, Andre, and Apple. For the foodies, there is a line of restaurants, each of different cuisine. Whether you crave a hot chocolate or a meaty-platter, the complex has got it all. Les Terrasses Du Port is nestled in the central Boulevard. Its 2600-meter square terrace boasts scenic seafront views and is often jam-packed, which is understandable. While your family delves into their shopping spree, read a book or unwind at this space. During the festive seasons, the courtyard area is lively with vibrant music and local dances. Add this place to see local dances and vibrant music in your things to do in Marseille.

Tour, the Marseille Museum, and experience 26 centuries of one of the oldest cities in France, made possible by 4000 exhibits on display. Opened in 1983, a week in Marseille would certainly be incomplete without a trip to this Museum. Located in the central city area, the Museum is also a gateway to the archaeological find ‘Jardin des Vestiges.’ On mentioning the word ‘Museum,’ many turn away and stereotypically term it as boring, but a visit Marseille Museum would prove them otherwise. The Hull of a 2^nd Century ship, the great plague of 1720, artworks of French painter and engineer Pierre Puget, ruins from the Greek and Roman Empire are some of the highlights of this attraction. Multimedia devices are used for audio and video screening, which subtly acts as a tour guide in itself. Be advised about the timings. Generally, the museum opens 9:30 AM onwards until 6 in the evening, every day except Mondays. However, these schedules are likely to change as per festival periods and national holidays. The entrance tickets come at a nominal price while on rare occasions such as the first Sunday of the month, free access is granted to tourists. Add this museum to your things to do in Marseille.

Although Paris is well-known to be the world’s fashion capital, Marseille too has its say. Previously a country home, now the Fashion Museum, has a range of decorative arts on display along with fashion exhibits from the 1980s.Located within the vicinity of Parc Borely, the museum is recommended by numerous travel blogs and visitors themselves. Consider yourself a fashion expert? Pay a visit! The museum will surely bring about many curious questions as you explore. The friendly staffs are present at all times to answer the same. The Museum operates between 11 in the morning and 6 in the evening, and while it does, explore through the park by itself. Add this fashion museum in your things to do in Marseille.

These were the 13 attractions in Marseille, every tourist, as well as a citizen, must explore. While penning down your itinerary, avoid skipping any of the sites mentioned above as each carry’s certain significance. Although an expensive city, a four-day plan is ideally suggested for first-time visitors. Don’t pace yourself; rather, spend quality time at every site, be it the art gallery or national park. The city demands a lot of miles to cover by walk, hence make sure to have worn the right footwear and breathable clothing.