Marseille offers a multitude of historical gems to explore: the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, the Musée d'Histoire de Marseille, Fort Saint-Nicolas... Thanks to Funbooker, organize your visit to one of the Cité Phocéenne's wonderful museums or monuments and explore the diversity of France's cultural heritage!
Funbooker has put together a selection of the 15 most beautiful museums and monuments in Marseille. Whether you're with family or friends, these iconic sites are a must-see on any visit to Marseille. Filled with fascinating stories, and some boasting breathtaking views, these museums and monuments are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Any visit to France’s second city requires a visit to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, nicknamed La Bonne Mère (the good mother). From atop its hill, it oversees all the inhabitants of the city of Marseille.
Its commanding location at an altitude of 154m has made it an inescapable landmark. Easily accessible on foot, once inside you can delve into its history and learn about its importance to the people of Marseille.
Commonly known as the MUCEM, this museum is an absolute must when you're in Marseille. Situated right next to Marseille's Old Port along the seafront, it boasts some of the most striking architecture in the city!
Despite only being built in 2013, it is one of the most visited attractions in Marseille. The fact that it is devoted exclusively to Mediterranean civilisations is what makes it one of a kind, and therefore an essential part of your visit!
During your relaxing stroll around the Old Port it is well worth paying a visit to Marseille History Museum, where you can learn about the 26 centuries of history that this city has to offer.
The exhibition uses a wide range of interactive multimedia tools to help you fully immerse yourself. It is really an invigorating experience! The museum features the largest collection of ancient ships in the world. There's no doubt that once you leave the museum, you’ll be a veritable expert on Marseille and the Phocaeans!
Any arrival in Marseille by sea gives visitors the opportunity to take in the majestic Marseille Cathedral. Perfectly situated between the Old Port and the newer commercial port, and being one the world’s largest basilicas, the Cathedral boasts a magnificent view of the sea.
Whether you're looking to admire its superb interior features or stunning façades and the Joliette district, you'll be in one of the most fashionable areas of Marseille.
Seize this wonderful opportunity to discover Provence, the Mediterranean and Marseille through artistic eyes with a breathtaking view of the sea at the Regards de Provence museum. This is an essential for your to-do list.
Ideally located between the MUCEM and Marseille Cathedral, you'll enjoy immersing yourself in Provencal culture as you explore over 800 works of art. What's more, the museum is housed in the magnificent building of the former Station Sanitaire, which offers an uninterrupted panoramic view of the surrounding area. Cameras out!
The Old Charity Center is a fascinating architectural complex located in the heart of the old town. From the 17th century and for more than 200 years, the Panier district sheltered the city's poorest people in these four wings, which were closed off from the outside world.
Now restored as a multidisciplinary, cultural and scientific center, the Old Charity Center offers a beautifully designed architectural compound which is well worth a visit. You'll be bowled over by its courtyard, framed by galleries and adorned with arcades.
Once you’ve got your bearing and taking in the wonderful center of Marseille, why not pop over to the Château Borély for some down time in its beautiful 133-acre park.
Situated on the outskirts of the city, the Château is home to the Museum of Decorative Arts, Fashion and Ceramics. Successive owners have expanded its collections and today it offers an unrivaled range of exhibits, on display in a wonderfully idyllic setting.
The Palais Longchamp is an exceptional architectural compound thanks to its size and its original vocation. Designed in the wake of a cholera epidemic at the end of the 19th Century, the Palais is home to the final point of delivery for water from the River Durance to the City of Marseille.
The building is really graced by architecture of exceptional beauty and quality. Surrounded by two major museums, a park and a waterfall, the Palais Longchamps is really an essential addition to any visit to Marseille.
Discover the Musée subaquatique de Marseille, a unique underwater museum that has been open since 2020. Visitors can explore the museum's impressive exhibits by diving to a depth of more than 5 meters off the coast of the Plage des Catalans.
This atypical tour will take you down into the depths of the sea to admire majestic sculptures fashioned from recycled pH-neutral marine cement. Visitors are also invited to learn more about biodiversity, environmental issues and marine biology.
Since the 12th century, this magnificent fort has been a real watchtower looking out over the city. Today, it links the Old Port and the MUCEM.
It has been improved, extended and transformed over the centuries, establishing itself as an essential point of defense for the city of Marseille. But during the Second World War, ammunition stockpiled by the Germans destroyed most of it. Nonetheless, its imposing wall rising up from the water is sure to captivate!
The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Marseille houses both temporary and permanent exhibitions. Housed in a wing of the Palais Longchamp, the Museum of Fine Arts showcases collections of paintings and sculptures spanning almost three centuries of art history.
Lovers of Marseille art will not be disappointed, as an entire room is reserved for the Marseille-born artist Pierre Puget. Northern and Italian artists are also on show, alongside French masters such as Rodin. It's a fascinating museum and well worth a visit, especially for culture junkies!
Opened in 1869 and situated in the heart of Palais Longchamp, Marseille Natural History Museum offers visitors the chance to discover the city's wonderful natural and scientific heritage.
Visitors of all ages can learn the secrets of Marseille's heritage in the heart of this outstanding architectural gem. From temporary exhibitions to permanent tours, Marseille's Natural History Museum is brimming with curiosities and wonders. Masterpieces, Mosasaur skeletons and naturalized animals will provide plenty of surprises!
Famous for its role in the novel The Count of Monte Cristo, the Château d'If, located off the coast of Marseille, is one of the city's most emblematic landmarks. Designated as having an important role as a protector, guardian and defender of the city, the Château d'If is now open to visitors.
Embark from Marseille's Old Port to discover this symbolic site, whether you're with family or friends. A great day out for those who love an adventure!
Located in the 2nd arrondissement of Marseille, the Musée de l'Illusion (Museum of Illusion) is a unique and unusual experience. Visitors are invited on an atypical tour designed to challenge their senses and perceptions.
For young and old alike, the Museum of Illusion is the ultimate interactive playground. Puzzles, riddles, holograms, everything is designed to confuse you and challenge your intellect. Turn your perceptions upside down by venturing into the Hall of Mirrors - it's sure to be a truly mind-boggling experience!
The Abbey of Sainte-Victor is a fortified church located on the south bank of Marseille's Old Port. History buffs will love a visit to this magnificent monument!
You will discover spooky crypts, quaint little chapels and stunning sarcophagi, and, as you venture further around, you will be able to enjoy an exceptional and unique panorama. Built in the 5th century by Jean Cassien, Saint-Victor Abbey is indisputably the birthplace of monastic life in Marseille.
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