Marseille

Castles & palaces

Château d'If

Château d'If is a former prison on a small island off the coast of Marseille, famous as the setting for the novel The Count of Monte Cristo. Today you can take a boat from the Old Port to visit it.

Temples & religious sites

Notre-Dame de la Garde

A Roman Catholic basilica that symbolizes Marseille, visible as a landmark from almost anywhere in the city. It is also the most visited pilgrimage site in Marseille.

Attraction

Marseille Observatory

An observatory in Marseille with a history dating back to the early 18th century. It's where Stephan's Quintet galaxy group was discovered in 1877, and it's still jointly operated by a university and the CNRS.

Temples & religious sites

Marseille Cathedral

A Roman Catholic cathedral in Marseille, designated a French national monument. It has held minor basilica status since 1896 and features grand, impressive architecture.

Parks & gardens

Calanques National Park

A national park on the Mediterranean coast near Marseille, at the western edge of the French Riviera. Visitors come here to take in the natural scenery unfolding along the Mediterranean.

Museums & galleries

Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations

A national museum in Marseille that opened in 2013 as part of the European Capital of Culture celebrations. It received the Council of Europe Museum Prize in 2015.

Nature

Cosquer Cave

A cave located in the Calanque de Morgiou near Marseille, its entrance now submerged 37 meters underwater due to rising sea levels. Discovered by diver Henri Cosquer in 1985, it holds significant academic value for its prehistoric cave paintings.

Shopping & districts

Frioul Islands

The Frioul Islands are a small archipelago about 4 km off the coast of Marseille, made up of four islands: Ratonneau, Pomègues, Tiboulen, and If. A short boat ride takes you to quiet beaches and nature away from the city centre.