Audio Guide: Marseille Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Marseille
Alexandre Dumas, the celebrated French novelist, once wrote: “It was in Marseille that I learned the sea can lead anywhere”.
Marseille, set along the sparkling Mediterranean, has been continuously inhabited for over 2,600 years. Its story began around 600 BC, when Greek sailors from Phocaea founded a trading post they called Massalia—a name likely rooted in a local Ligurian term with “mas” meaning “spring”. Over centuries, the name evolved through Latin “Massilia” and finally, French “Marseille”.
As a thriving Greek colony, Marseille became a maritime bridge between Mediterranean peoples, pioneering early civic institutions and flourishing in trade. In the 1st century BC, the city was drawn into Rome’s expansion into Gaul. Though it lost its independence, Marseille remained a centre of learning and commerce, its harbor linking inland Europe to distant shores across the sea.
Medieval Marseille weathered alternating eras of prosperity and hardship. It became a strategic departure point for Crusaders and a crossroads of religious influence, all while maintaining its identity as a resilient port city. Plagues, piracy, and political shifts challenged it, yet the rhythm of maritime life endured.
Under King Louis XIV in the 17th century, Marseille’s defenses and port facilities were expanded and strengthened. During the French Revolution, volunteers marched from Marseille to Paris, singing a powerful new tune. Their song, La Marseillaise, would soon become France’s national anthem.
The 19th and 20th centuries brought industrial growth and deep cultural transformation, especially through immigration from North Africa and beyond. Today, Marseille is one of Europe’s most diverse cities. Recent revitalization projects, including the renovation of the Old Port, have renewed the waterfront while preserving the ancient character beneath.
A journey through Marseille’s city centre invites travelers to witness history unfolding along the sea. The majestic Marseille Cathedral rises along the waterfront with bold striped stone. The bustling Old Port brings the city’s maritime spirit to life with fishing boats, markets, and open-air café terraces. Nearby, the ancient Saint-Victor Abbey offers quiet, timeless architecture and views over the harbor. At the port’s edge, Pharo Palace commands sweeping panoramas of coast and city.
Exploring these sites shaped by sailors, merchants, and visionaries, you’ll understand Dumas’s sentiment: Marseille’s sea always points outward, inviting travelers to imagine where it might lead next.
Marseille, set along the sparkling Mediterranean, has been continuously inhabited for over 2,600 years. Its story began around 600 BC, when Greek sailors from Phocaea founded a trading post they called Massalia—a name likely rooted in a local Ligurian term with “mas” meaning “spring”. Over centuries, the name evolved through Latin “Massilia” and finally, French “Marseille”.
As a thriving Greek colony, Marseille became a maritime bridge between Mediterranean peoples, pioneering early civic institutions and flourishing in trade. In the 1st century BC, the city was drawn into Rome’s expansion into Gaul. Though it lost its independence, Marseille remained a centre of learning and commerce, its harbor linking inland Europe to distant shores across the sea.
Medieval Marseille weathered alternating eras of prosperity and hardship. It became a strategic departure point for Crusaders and a crossroads of religious influence, all while maintaining its identity as a resilient port city. Plagues, piracy, and political shifts challenged it, yet the rhythm of maritime life endured.
Under King Louis XIV in the 17th century, Marseille’s defenses and port facilities were expanded and strengthened. During the French Revolution, volunteers marched from Marseille to Paris, singing a powerful new tune. Their song, La Marseillaise, would soon become France’s national anthem.
The 19th and 20th centuries brought industrial growth and deep cultural transformation, especially through immigration from North Africa and beyond. Today, Marseille is one of Europe’s most diverse cities. Recent revitalization projects, including the renovation of the Old Port, have renewed the waterfront while preserving the ancient character beneath.
A journey through Marseille’s city centre invites travelers to witness history unfolding along the sea. The majestic Marseille Cathedral rises along the waterfront with bold striped stone. The bustling Old Port brings the city’s maritime spirit to life with fishing boats, markets, and open-air café terraces. Nearby, the ancient Saint-Victor Abbey offers quiet, timeless architecture and views over the harbor. At the port’s edge, Pharo Palace commands sweeping panoramas of coast and city.
Exploring these sites shaped by sailors, merchants, and visionaries, you’ll understand Dumas’s sentiment: Marseille’s sea always points outward, inviting travelers to imagine where it might lead next.
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Marseille Introduction Walking Tour Map
Guide Name: Marseille Introduction Walking Tour
Guide Location: France » Marseille (See other walking tours in Marseille)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 9
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Author: dana
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: France » Marseille (See other walking tours in Marseille)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 9
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Author: dana
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Cathédrale de la Major (Marseille Cathedral)
- Hotel de Ville (City Hall)
- Vieux-Port (Old Port)
- Rue St. Ferréol (St. Ferréol Street)
- Opéra Municipal (Municipal Opera House)
- Cours Honoré-d'Estienne-d'Orves (Henri Estienne d'Orves Square)
- Abbaye Saint-Victor (Saint-Victor Abbey)
- Fort St. Nicholas
- Palais du Pharo (Pharo Palace)
1) Cathédrale de la Major (Marseille Cathedral) (must see)
The Marseille Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary Major, unites two eras of faith and architecture. The site includes both the Old Marseille Cathedral, dating to the 12th century, and the New Marseille Cathedral, constructed under Emperor Napoleon III in the late 19th century. Napoleon ordered the older Provençal Romanesque building replaced but preserved part of it—the choir and one bay of the nave—after public protests over its demolition.
The New Marseille Cathedral dominates the waterfront with its vast Romanesque-Byzantine Revival design. Stretching 469 feet in length, with a main dome reaching 231 feet in height, it can hold about 3,000 worshippers. Its façade alternates bands of white and dark stone, a combination of Florentine limestone and Ligurian green porphyry, producing a striped pattern affectionately nicknamed “the Pajamas” by locals. Inside, the cathedral reveals a rich blend of imported materials: white Carrara marble from Italy, onyx from Tunisia, and dazzling Venetian mosaics that illuminate its chapels and domes.
Beside this grand 19th-century structure lie the remains of the Old Cathedral, a humble yet evocative remnant of Marseille’s medieval heritage. The surviving chancel and apse feature smaller side chapels and a cylindrical vault crowned with octagonal and heptagonal domes. Archaeological traces beneath the site even reveal earlier Christian structures dating to the 5th century, showing that this location has been a place of worship for over fifteen centuries.
A visit to Marseille Cathedral offers not just architectural splendor but also some of the best panoramic views of the port and the Mediterranean. Rising between sea and city, the cathedral stands as both a symbol of continuity and a beacon of faith—undeniably one of Marseille’s must-see attractions.
The New Marseille Cathedral dominates the waterfront with its vast Romanesque-Byzantine Revival design. Stretching 469 feet in length, with a main dome reaching 231 feet in height, it can hold about 3,000 worshippers. Its façade alternates bands of white and dark stone, a combination of Florentine limestone and Ligurian green porphyry, producing a striped pattern affectionately nicknamed “the Pajamas” by locals. Inside, the cathedral reveals a rich blend of imported materials: white Carrara marble from Italy, onyx from Tunisia, and dazzling Venetian mosaics that illuminate its chapels and domes.
Beside this grand 19th-century structure lie the remains of the Old Cathedral, a humble yet evocative remnant of Marseille’s medieval heritage. The surviving chancel and apse feature smaller side chapels and a cylindrical vault crowned with octagonal and heptagonal domes. Archaeological traces beneath the site even reveal earlier Christian structures dating to the 5th century, showing that this location has been a place of worship for over fifteen centuries.
A visit to Marseille Cathedral offers not just architectural splendor but also some of the best panoramic views of the port and the Mediterranean. Rising between sea and city, the cathedral stands as both a symbol of continuity and a beacon of faith—undeniably one of Marseille’s must-see attractions.
2) Hotel de Ville (City Hall)
Built in 1656, the City Hall has served as Marseille’s civic centre ever since, replacing the earlier Town Hall that had fulfilled the same role since the 13th century. Often referred to as “The Lodge”, derived from the Italian loggia for its Baroque style, it was designed by Gaspard Puget.
The pink stone building, is richly decorated with sculptures and flags, reflecting the prosperity of 17th-century Marseille, then a thriving maritime republic under French influence. Above the main entrance is the city’s seal, created by Gaspard’s brother, Pierre Puget, a favourite artist of King Louis XIV. Appropriately, a bust of the Sun King crowns the façade, gazing over the bustling harbour and boulevard below.
Though monarchs fell from power in the 18th century, the City Hall endured. It survived multiple regimes, revolutions, and even the devastation of World War II—standing as a rare witness to the city’s turbulent history. Remarkably, despite wartime bombings that destroyed much of the surrounding district in 1943, the building itself escaped major damage. Inside, several ceremonial rooms still preserve period furnishings, portraits of former mayors, and historical archives that document centuries of municipal life.
The building’s rear features a covered bridge connecting its two main levels, symbolically reuniting the upper floor—once reserved for the nobility—with the ground floor, which was occupied by merchants and tradesmen in the 18th century. The City Hall continues to house the mayor’s office and serves as a venue for civic ceremonies, making it both a working institution and a living monument to the city’s storied past.
The pink stone building, is richly decorated with sculptures and flags, reflecting the prosperity of 17th-century Marseille, then a thriving maritime republic under French influence. Above the main entrance is the city’s seal, created by Gaspard’s brother, Pierre Puget, a favourite artist of King Louis XIV. Appropriately, a bust of the Sun King crowns the façade, gazing over the bustling harbour and boulevard below.
Though monarchs fell from power in the 18th century, the City Hall endured. It survived multiple regimes, revolutions, and even the devastation of World War II—standing as a rare witness to the city’s turbulent history. Remarkably, despite wartime bombings that destroyed much of the surrounding district in 1943, the building itself escaped major damage. Inside, several ceremonial rooms still preserve period furnishings, portraits of former mayors, and historical archives that document centuries of municipal life.
The building’s rear features a covered bridge connecting its two main levels, symbolically reuniting the upper floor—once reserved for the nobility—with the ground floor, which was occupied by merchants and tradesmen in the 18th century. The City Hall continues to house the mayor’s office and serves as a venue for civic ceremonies, making it both a working institution and a living monument to the city’s storied past.
3) Vieux-Port (Old Port) (must see)
The Old Port is the city’s historic heart and one of the most evocative harbours in Europe, being a centre of maritime life for over 2,600 years. The site was first used as a trading post by the Phoenicians, long before the Greek settlers from Phocaea officially established it in 600 BCE as the port of Massalia, making it the birthplace of the city itself.
Through the centuries, the Old Port became a hub of Mediterranean commerce and naval activity. Kings Louis XII and Louis XIII expanded the shipyards in the 15th and 16th centuries, while King Louis XIV added the imposing Fort Saint John and Fort Saint Nicholas to defend the entrance of the harbour. The port reached its commercial peak in the 19th century, when up to 18,000 merchant vessels docked here annually, rivaling the activity of major ports such as Liverpool and Le Havre. However, with the arrival of large steamships that required deeper waters, Marseille shifted much of its industrial trade to the Port of La Joliette, located farther north.
The Old Port suffered immense damage during World War II, when German forces, assisted by French police, demolished much of the area to block access to Allied troops. Postwar reconstruction reshaped the district, and by the late 20th century, major urban renewal projects restored the port’s vitality. Architect Norman Foster’s redesign, featuring the The Shade Pavilion, a mirrored canopy that reflects the harbour below, marked a new era of pedestrian-friendly space and modern elegance.
Today, the Port serves as a marina for yachts, ferries, and fishing boats, as well as the site of a daily fish market that preserves centuries-old local tradition. Lined with cafés, restaurants, and open-air terraces, it remains a favourite gathering place for both locals and visitors.
Through the centuries, the Old Port became a hub of Mediterranean commerce and naval activity. Kings Louis XII and Louis XIII expanded the shipyards in the 15th and 16th centuries, while King Louis XIV added the imposing Fort Saint John and Fort Saint Nicholas to defend the entrance of the harbour. The port reached its commercial peak in the 19th century, when up to 18,000 merchant vessels docked here annually, rivaling the activity of major ports such as Liverpool and Le Havre. However, with the arrival of large steamships that required deeper waters, Marseille shifted much of its industrial trade to the Port of La Joliette, located farther north.
The Old Port suffered immense damage during World War II, when German forces, assisted by French police, demolished much of the area to block access to Allied troops. Postwar reconstruction reshaped the district, and by the late 20th century, major urban renewal projects restored the port’s vitality. Architect Norman Foster’s redesign, featuring the The Shade Pavilion, a mirrored canopy that reflects the harbour below, marked a new era of pedestrian-friendly space and modern elegance.
Today, the Port serves as a marina for yachts, ferries, and fishing boats, as well as the site of a daily fish market that preserves centuries-old local tradition. Lined with cafés, restaurants, and open-air terraces, it remains a favourite gathering place for both locals and visitors.
4) Rue St. Ferréol (St. Ferréol Street)
Saint Ferréol Street is one of the city’s main arteries for commerce and social life. The street took shape in the 17th and 18th centuries as Marseille expanded beyond its medieval walls. Its name honors Saint Ferreol of Uzès, whose cult had local importance in Provence. In earlier times, the area was a residential quarter for wealthy merchants, and elegant 19th-century façades still line the street today, giving it a distinct Parisian-style look.
In the 19th century, the street became one of Marseille’s most fashionable shopping streets, attracting luxury stores, cafés, and cultural venues. By the early 20th century, it was nicknamed “The Fashion Street" for its stylish boutiques and window displays. Major French department stores, including Lafayette Galleries, established their presence here, marking the street as a symbol of Marseille’s urban prosperity.
A fun detail is that Saint Ferréol Street has no car traffic, which makes it one of the city’s most pleasant spots for walking and window-shopping. Street musicians and performers often set up along its length. Today, it remains one of the main shopping streets in southern France, blending international chains with historic architecture.
In the 19th century, the street became one of Marseille’s most fashionable shopping streets, attracting luxury stores, cafés, and cultural venues. By the early 20th century, it was nicknamed “The Fashion Street" for its stylish boutiques and window displays. Major French department stores, including Lafayette Galleries, established their presence here, marking the street as a symbol of Marseille’s urban prosperity.
A fun detail is that Saint Ferréol Street has no car traffic, which makes it one of the city’s most pleasant spots for walking and window-shopping. Street musicians and performers often set up along its length. Today, it remains one of the main shopping streets in southern France, blending international chains with historic architecture.
5) Opéra Municipal (Municipal Opera House)
The Municipal Opera House is a key cultural venue for music and performing arts lovers. This grand building opened in 1924, replacing the Grand Theatre of 1787, which had itself succeeded Marseille’s original 17th-century opera house. The earlier theatre was destroyed by fire in 1919, leaving only its neoclassical façade and colonnade intact—elements that were later integrated into the current structure.
Designed by architects Ebrard, Castel, and Raymond, the new opera house was conceived in the Art Deco style, giving it a unique blend of modernism and tradition. Its urn-shaped auditorium seats about 1,800 guests, and the interior combines clean geometric lines with subtle decorative motifs that reflect the optimism of the 1920s. The theatre’s acoustics are exceptional, making it one of France’s finest venues for opera, ballet, and symphonic performances.
The Municipal Opera House has hosted world-class artists, including Alfredo Kraus, Plácido Domingo, and Renata Scotto, and continues to stage a diverse repertoire of classical and contemporary productions. Locals are famously passionate about their opera—especially those seated high in the gallery, nicknamed “the gods”, whose sharp ears and lively reactions have long added to the theatre’s character.
Today, the opera house remains a living symbol of Marseille’s artistic spirit. Visitors can admire its stately façade from the square outside or attend an evening performance to experience the grandeur within.
Designed by architects Ebrard, Castel, and Raymond, the new opera house was conceived in the Art Deco style, giving it a unique blend of modernism and tradition. Its urn-shaped auditorium seats about 1,800 guests, and the interior combines clean geometric lines with subtle decorative motifs that reflect the optimism of the 1920s. The theatre’s acoustics are exceptional, making it one of France’s finest venues for opera, ballet, and symphonic performances.
The Municipal Opera House has hosted world-class artists, including Alfredo Kraus, Plácido Domingo, and Renata Scotto, and continues to stage a diverse repertoire of classical and contemporary productions. Locals are famously passionate about their opera—especially those seated high in the gallery, nicknamed “the gods”, whose sharp ears and lively reactions have long added to the theatre’s character.
Today, the opera house remains a living symbol of Marseille’s artistic spirit. Visitors can admire its stately façade from the square outside or attend an evening performance to experience the grandeur within.
6) Cours Honoré-d'Estienne-d'Orves (Henri Estienne d'Orves Square)
The Henri Estienne d’Orves Square, one of Marseille’s most atmospheric gathering places, is named after Henry Estienne d’Orves, a French naval officer and hero of the Resistance who was executed by German occupation forces in 1941.
The area has deep maritime roots. In 1488, King Charles VIII established here a royal galley base for the French navy, complete with a garrison and nearly 8,000 prisoners who rowed the ships—echoes of this era appear even in Victor Hugo’s "The Miserable Ones", where Jean Valjean begins his life as a galley convict. When galleys became obsolete, the base passed to the city, and over the centuries the district evolved into a bustling harbour zone. Two of the original galley arsenals, numbers 23 and 25, still survive and have been transformed into a library, gallery, boutique, and restaurant complex known as “The Arsenals”.
By the mid-20th century, the site had fallen into neglect, but in 1989, under the guidance of urban planner Charlie Bové, the square was reborn. The renovation preserved the old stone façades of the warehouses, blending them with modern architecture and creating a lively pedestrian space lined with cafés, bars, boutiques, and art galleries. The square hosts art festivals, street performances, concerts, and even an ice rink in winter.
The area has deep maritime roots. In 1488, King Charles VIII established here a royal galley base for the French navy, complete with a garrison and nearly 8,000 prisoners who rowed the ships—echoes of this era appear even in Victor Hugo’s "The Miserable Ones", where Jean Valjean begins his life as a galley convict. When galleys became obsolete, the base passed to the city, and over the centuries the district evolved into a bustling harbour zone. Two of the original galley arsenals, numbers 23 and 25, still survive and have been transformed into a library, gallery, boutique, and restaurant complex known as “The Arsenals”.
By the mid-20th century, the site had fallen into neglect, but in 1989, under the guidance of urban planner Charlie Bové, the square was reborn. The renovation preserved the old stone façades of the warehouses, blending them with modern architecture and creating a lively pedestrian space lined with cafés, bars, boutiques, and art galleries. The square hosts art festivals, street performances, concerts, and even an ice rink in winter.
7) Abbaye Saint-Victor (Saint-Victor Abbey) (must see)
Overlooking the sea stands the Saint-Victor Abbey, a historic monastery that has occupied this site since around 415 CE, being among the first Christian sanctuaries established in Provence. Tradition holds that it was founded by the monk John Cassian, and some believe the crypt contains relics of Saint Victor himself—or even traces of an ancient Greek quarry.
Cassian originally established two monasteries here, one for men and one for women, on opposite sides of the old harbor. Both were destroyed by Saracen raiders in the 8th or 9th centuries, but monastic life resumed in 977. The abbey flourished for several centuries before being stripped of its treasures during the French Revolution in 1794. At various times it served as a warehouse, prison, and barracks, before being restored under Napoleon. In 1934, Pope Pius XI elevated it to the rank of minor basilica following extensive renovation.
Visitors find tombs of saints and bishops, alongside pagan sarcophagi from the early Christian period. Above, the abbey’s crenelated towers offer panoramic views over the harbor and the Mediterranean. Its elevated position near Fort Saint Nicholas once allowed monks to watch for approaching Saracen or Viking ships. Each year on Candlemas, a traditional pilgrimage takes place from the Old Port to the abbey. The Black Madonna, normally kept in the crypt, is wrapped in a green cloak and carried to the square before the church, where she receives a blessing from the bishop.
Tip: It’s worth paying the small entrance fee to visit the crypt—it truly feels like entering another world.
Cassian originally established two monasteries here, one for men and one for women, on opposite sides of the old harbor. Both were destroyed by Saracen raiders in the 8th or 9th centuries, but monastic life resumed in 977. The abbey flourished for several centuries before being stripped of its treasures during the French Revolution in 1794. At various times it served as a warehouse, prison, and barracks, before being restored under Napoleon. In 1934, Pope Pius XI elevated it to the rank of minor basilica following extensive renovation.
Visitors find tombs of saints and bishops, alongside pagan sarcophagi from the early Christian period. Above, the abbey’s crenelated towers offer panoramic views over the harbor and the Mediterranean. Its elevated position near Fort Saint Nicholas once allowed monks to watch for approaching Saracen or Viking ships. Each year on Candlemas, a traditional pilgrimage takes place from the Old Port to the abbey. The Black Madonna, normally kept in the crypt, is wrapped in a green cloak and carried to the square before the church, where she receives a blessing from the bishop.
Tip: It’s worth paying the small entrance fee to visit the crypt—it truly feels like entering another world.
8) Fort St. Nicholas
The Fort Saint-Nicolas stands as a bold reminder of the city’s turbulent relationship with royal power. Completed in 1664 by order of King Louis XIV, the fortress was intended to protect the harbor—but with a twist. The cannons were not aimed out to sea, but toward the city itself. The message was unmistakable: Marseille’s rebellious citizens were to be kept firmly under royal control. Even the nearby Fort Saint-Jean, built at the same time, was similarly directed at the town rather than potential invaders.
Throughout the 18th century, Fort Saint-Nicolas served primarily as a military prison, housing both soldiers and political detainees. During the French Revolution, the people of Marseille turned their anger on the symbol of royal authority and tried to destroy it. The National Assembly, however, intervened after a month, deciding the fortress could still serve the new republic’s purposes.
Restored in the 19th century, the fort’s layered history remains visible in its structure: the older sections in red stone contrast with the grey additions from later repairs. The complex is divided into two parts—the seaward side, still used by the military as an officers’ mess, and the landward side, which is open to visitors. From this elevated vantage point, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Marseille, its harbor, and the Mediterranean beyond.
Throughout the 18th century, Fort Saint-Nicolas served primarily as a military prison, housing both soldiers and political detainees. During the French Revolution, the people of Marseille turned their anger on the symbol of royal authority and tried to destroy it. The National Assembly, however, intervened after a month, deciding the fortress could still serve the new republic’s purposes.
Restored in the 19th century, the fort’s layered history remains visible in its structure: the older sections in red stone contrast with the grey additions from later repairs. The complex is divided into two parts—the seaward side, still used by the military as an officers’ mess, and the landward side, which is open to visitors. From this elevated vantage point, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Marseille, its harbor, and the Mediterranean beyond.
9) Palais du Pharo (Pharo Palace)
The Pharo Palace stands proudly on a rocky promontory at the entrance to Marseille’s Old Port. The site’s name comes from the nearby Pharo Bay, while the hill on which it was built was once known as “Moor’s Head”. The location was chosen for its strategic position, allowing an imperial residence to dominate both land and sea.
In 1852, Prince Louis-Napoleon, soon to become Napoleon III, commissioned architect Vaucher to design a grand seaside palace fit for imperial visits. The city of Marseille donated the land, and the project was later taken over by architect Lefuel, best known for his work on the Louvre Palace in Paris. Construction continued for two decades, but fate intervened: Napoleon III never stayed there, and after his death, Empress Eugénie generously gifted the Pharo Palace back to the city.
By 1904, the palace had found a new purpose as a medical school. Later, it was converted into a conference and cultural venue, and today the building regularly hosts international meetings, exhibitions, and fairs. Its restored halls and modern extensions can accommodate up to 2,500 people, blending historic architecture with contemporary function.
Architecturally, the Pharo Palace showcases the confident style of the Second Empire, with its symmetrical façade, grand terraces, and arched windows overlooking the sea. After the fall of the Empire in 1870, all imperial emblems were removed from the façade, leaving behind a dignified civic monument rather than a royal residence. The surrounding Pharo Garden is open to the public and offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views.
In 1852, Prince Louis-Napoleon, soon to become Napoleon III, commissioned architect Vaucher to design a grand seaside palace fit for imperial visits. The city of Marseille donated the land, and the project was later taken over by architect Lefuel, best known for his work on the Louvre Palace in Paris. Construction continued for two decades, but fate intervened: Napoleon III never stayed there, and after his death, Empress Eugénie generously gifted the Pharo Palace back to the city.
By 1904, the palace had found a new purpose as a medical school. Later, it was converted into a conference and cultural venue, and today the building regularly hosts international meetings, exhibitions, and fairs. Its restored halls and modern extensions can accommodate up to 2,500 people, blending historic architecture with contemporary function.
Architecturally, the Pharo Palace showcases the confident style of the Second Empire, with its symmetrical façade, grand terraces, and arched windows overlooking the sea. After the fall of the Empire in 1870, all imperial emblems were removed from the façade, leaving behind a dignified civic monument rather than a royal residence. The surrounding Pharo Garden is open to the public and offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views.
Walking Tours in Marseille, France
Create Your Own Walk in Marseille
Creating your own self-guided walk in Marseille is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Food and Shopping Walk
Shopping in Marseille is a great way to mingle with the locals and immerse in new tastes, scents and customs. As with so much else in this melting-pot of a city, the top-of-the-range stores here rub shoulders with the funky little boutiques, high-street chains with scruffy discount outlets or traditional family groceries and bakeries.
Marseille doesn't have a flagship thoroughfare as such,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Marseille doesn't have a flagship thoroughfare as such,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Historical Churches Walking Tour
Marseille's religious scene, albeit diverse, is dominated by Christianity. The Christian presence in the city dates back to ancient times, making it an integral part of local identity. The vibrant Mediterranean port city also has been a significant pilgrimage destination.
The majority of Christians in Marseille are Roman Catholics, whose prevalence is manifested in the form of multiple... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
The majority of Christians in Marseille are Roman Catholics, whose prevalence is manifested in the form of multiple... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Marseille's Old Town
Marseille’s Old Town, known as Le Panier—which means “the Basket” in French—is the historic heart of the city and one of the oldest urban settlements in France. Its name likely derives from an old inn called “The Inn of the Basket,” which existed in the 17th century, though the district itself traces its origins back more than 2,600 years.
Rising above the Old Port, this hillside... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Rising above the Old Port, this hillside... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
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