Marseille is a large port city in the south of France, which is very popular among tourists from all over the world. It was founded almost 3,000 years ago and was called Massaliah. Only closer to the 10th century, thanks to the Provence dukes, he received the modern name Marseille. Attractions in the city over time became more and more. Today, Marseille is one of the most visited places in the world. It is famous for its cultural, architectural and historical monuments.
General information
Marseille is a lively, rhythmic, colorful, full of energy and emotions city located on the hills. It is famous for its amazing landscape, an abundance of picturesque vegetation, a good location, mild climate and good-natured inhabitants.
No matter how much you are in Marseille, there will always be where to go, how to have fun, what to see and what to do. Mild winters, warm summers and the absence of frost allow you to enjoy visiting the city all year round. And against all this background memorable places and silent sights of Marseille stand out.
What attracts tourists to Marseille?
Due to its convenient location on the shores of the Gulf of Lyon, the city has a huge number of beautiful beaches and wild rocky bays. Marseille has a lot of wonderful places for a variety of photo shoots, a relaxing or active holiday, water sports or romantic walks in the huge old city.
If you believe the numerous reviews of tourists, then they are attracted to the sights of Marseille, as well as the opportunity to do sailing, climbing, diving. There are entertainment, and bars, and cafes, and restaurants, as well as parks and shopping centers.
Interesting architectural buildings
The symbol of the city and its highest point is the Catholic Church of Notre Dame de la Garde. Despite the fact that the building is relatively new, this does not affect its popularity. Regardless of age, it attracts with its unique architectural performance and style. All this in a complex makes it one of the most popular attractions in Marseille. Photos describing this architectural masterpiece can be found in many guidebooks. Seeing the building in the image, many of the tourists dream of seeing it with their own eyes.
The cathedral stands on the largest city hill, which is why it is visible from anywhere in Marseille. Initially, this place was intended for the construction of a lighthouse, but later plans changed, so it was decided to build a church on the hill. The building is made in the Neo-Byzantine style and attracts attention with an eleven-meter gilded statue. It is located at the very top and amazes with its dimensions.
Beautiful city museums
Among the sights of Marseille, various city museums are very popular. One of the most famous at the moment, according to tourists, is the Museum of Natural Sciences (Musee d'Histoire Naturelle). It is here that you can see the most complete exposition dedicated to the prehistoric nature. It included huge and not very skeletal dinosaurs - fossils found in the city and its environs.
In addition, the museum regularly hosts photo exhibitions of the rarest animals, new exhibits dedicated to the inhabitants of the underwater world appear. A visit to this cultural center will allow you to have fun with your children. But they prefer to have fun and learn something new than to admire cultural monuments and other similar attractions. What to watch in Marseille with children? We will talk about this further.
Where to go with the children?
Going to Marseille as a family, be sure to visit the huge amusement park called Ecopark Adventures. According to visitors to this place, there is a cable car, a breathtaking bungee, as well as numerous attractions for preschool and older children.
Kids will also like Simulateur 737. It is here that they will be given an excellent opportunity to control a real Boeing and sit in the cockpit of a simulation aircraft. Undoubtedly, their gaming machines and upside-down SENSAS Marseille rooms will inspire. These places are sure to appeal to your children. For them, such entertainment centers and parks are the best attractions of Marseille.
One of the oldest abbeys in the city
The oldest building in Marseille was erected in the fifth century. Many will say: "Not to visit her means not to visit Marseille." It is about the abbey of St. Victor. Once upon a time there was a monastery. Over time, the structure expanded and was completed. Now it is rather a huge castle, a large-scale masterpiece of French architecture of past times. Sarcophagi are still kept in the catacombs, and the interior of the church will not leave anyone indifferent.
What is unusual in urban architecture?
If you believe the numerous photos, the sights of Marseille in most cases are interesting by the features of their construction. On many old buildings you can see unusual bas-reliefs, ledges, carved edgings, arches, indents. Well preserved stone, marble, and some wooden elements deserve special attention.
Charming and unique castle
One cannot fail to mention the attraction known to the whole world thanks to the book by Alexander Dumas. This is If castle. It was built in the 17th century, and is located on a small island near Marseille. During the revolution in France, the castle of If contained prisoners. Creepy cameras and long corridors of the castle allow you to penetrate its history during a walk.
Amazingly beautiful cathedral
One of the most striking sights of Marseille, which is worth a visit, is the Cathedral of Napoleon III. More than ten million gold francs and 20 years of work on its construction - such incredible efforts have been made to create this now popular tourist site. This monument of national culture is decorated with unique frescoes, paintings, mosaics.
Marseille attractions: what to see in 1 day?
If you arrived in Marseille for just a day, try to choose the most eventful excursion program. For example, be sure to take a walk along the old port. This is a stunningly romantic place with extraordinary sea views. With sunrise, life begins to boil in the port. An incredible number of boats go to sea. Fishermen throw nets. And after a few hours they returned with their catch.
Another place travelers should stop by is Kalanka National Park. This is a real miracle of nature with wild beaches, deep gorges, grottoes, rare flora and fauna, clean and clear azure sea. This place is open to all, you can admire it not only on the shore, but also from a sightseeing boat or boat at sea.
Be sure to visit the huge palace complex of the 19th century and the former residence of Napoleon II Palais du Faro. Do not go past Henri Barbusse Street , where you can find a stunningly beautiful garden with the ruins of the once majestic ancient Greek port.
What do tourists say and think?
Many travelers who have visited Marseille vied with each other about its wonderful sights. Someone like Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde. They talk about him as a magical place with a beautiful picturesque view. Others are delighted with the Musee d'Histoire Naturelle Museum of Natural Sciences. The third liked the monastery of St. Victor. Others talk about interesting excursion programs in the city.
In a word, if you want to appreciate all the charms of Marseille, come and see all its beauty in person.