Things to do in Marseille

One of the best things to do in Marseille is to explore the Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica, perched atop a hill, and overlooking the ships sailing in the Mediterranean sea. It is the highest building in the city, with a height of 150 metres above the sea level, and boasts of a statue of the Virgin Mary at the very top. Built in the late 19th century, the basilica is also one of the very first monuments that you can see as you enter the city.

When looking for Things to do in Marseille, pay a visit to Palais Longchamp, which is a monument that was built as a means of celebration when the construction of the Canal de Marseille was completed in the city. Home to several green spaces and parks, Palais Longchamp is also the abode of the Museum of Fine Arts, which dates back to 1801, in addition to the Natural History Museum as well. It is also often said to be the oldest museum in the city.

Admiring the Chateau d’If is ranked amongst the best things to do in Marseille, as it is this very castle which served as the setting for the famous novel by Alexander Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo. The castle was originally built as a fortress, and served as a prison for political prisoners later on. Located just off the coast of Marseille in the Mediterranean Sea, Chateau d’If is currently listed as a historic national monument which you can visit via a ferry ride.

Amongst the most popular Things to do in Marseille is to explore the Calanques National Park on a day trip from the city. It is one of the most popular national parks in the country, in addition to being the only national park in all of Europe which is located near urban areas, and is situated on land as well as on sea. It is from here where you soak in views of the stunning limestone cliffs, coves and creeks in the sea, whilst also indulging in a myriad of adventure activities, and witnessing birds, animals as well as marine species from up close.

When in doubt, head over to the Marseille History Museum, which is one of the more offbeat Things to do in Marseille. Also known as Musée d’Histoire de Marseille, the museum is home to over 4000 exhibits, artefacts as well as interactive displays which offer insights into the 26 centuries old past of Marseille. The museum was founded in 1983. Some of the main highlights of the Marseille History Museum are the ancient ships of the world displayed here, in addition to artefacts discovered from the 5th century Malaval church as well as the many thousands of paintings found in caves that were inhabited by early human species.

Looking for unique Things to do in Marseille? Visit the Stade Velodrome, also known as the Orange Velodrome. This stadium is also considered to be an important symbol of the city, and was built as a venue for the 1938 World Cup. Years later, it became the home of Olympique de Marseille, in addition to a cycling and running track around the pitch, the stadium also has a bowl shape, with a capacity to accommodate up to 60,000 people at once.

Amongst the best Things to do in Marseille is to discover the displays in the MUCEM, also known as the Museum of Civilisations of Europe and the Mediterranean. The museum was built as part of the inauguration of Marseille as the European Capital of Culture in 2013. Located right near the waterfront, between land and sea, MuCEM boasts of exhibits and galleries, which house everything related to the culture and history of the Mediterranean.

Admiring the Cathédrale de la Major is surely amongst the most popular Things to do in Marseille. Built in a splendid blend of the Romanesque and byzantine styles of architecture, the cathedral dates back to the 19th century, and is known for its dome towers, which reach a height of 52 feet. Also known as the Cathedral of Sainte-Marie-Majeure, the cathedral is also the only one that was built in the entire 19th century, and was classified as a historical monument in the year 1906.

Your visit to the city will not be complete without exploring the Calanques of Marseille. The cliffs of the Calanques are some of the most scintillating natural wonders in this region, boasting of breath-taking scenery, complete with beaches and small inlets filled with azure blue waters. The Calanques are also a great place to enjoy a wide range of activities, in addition to being the abode of an extraordinary plants, trees, birds as well as animals and marine species.