The basilica dominates the city from its perch on a hill and provides stunning views from its scenic approach.
I found the neighborhood very charming with its winding streets and street art. I enjoyed wandering through here and discovering all of its little shops.
Here, too, can be found the well-known container-shipping company CMA CGM.
Old Port
For centuries, Marseille’s Vieux Port (old harbor) was at the core of city life, serving as its main source of revenue from maritime trade. These days, ships dock there primarily for recreational and touristic reasons and its quays offer plenty of places for eating and relaxing while watching life go by.
Forts Saint Jean and Saint Nicolas provide protection from attacks from the Mediterranean Sea; Fort Saint Nicolas was constructed by Louis XIV to deter local uprisings; its cannons pointed inward rather than out to sea!
Today, both buildings form part of MuCEM; with one housing gardens and exhibitions and the other known as La Citadelle since it opened to the public in 2024; both offer tours, concerts and diversions such as its popular Canebiere boulevard.
At the turn of the 19th century, Marseille began industrialising rapidly, necessitating a new harbor to accommodate increased traffic. To accommodate this increase, Vieux Port was expanded by expanding it into Joliette basin. Meanwhile, old quays used for shipbuilding became bases of royal fleet and galleon production between 15th-17th centuries – forts were constructed both sides of harbor during this time, while Arsenal des Galeres (The Arsenal for Galley Slaves) was founded, branding galley slaves with letters GAL when joining royal fleet galleons as galley slaves for life as galley slaves in 16th-century France.
Today, Marseille’s Vieux Port remains its vibrant heart, alongside Notre Dame de la Garde as one of its landmarks. Here, its people gather to celebrate. Events take place regularly along its esplanade while its port serves as an important gathering place for visitors from France and North Africa alike. Additionally, excursions begin here to visit Le Panier, with its narrow streets covered in street art that offer the city’s best food and beverages.
Cours Julien
Cours Julien in Marseille is famous for its lively street art scene. Boasting large murals to smaller hidden gems, the neighborhood acts as a living gallery to display local artists’ talents and creativity. Furthermore, its array of restaurants, bookstores and designer boutiques keep this area lively day or night.
Nestled at the heart of Paris, this vibrant quarter draws both locals and visitors. Home to one of France’s largest urban art districts, nearly every corner is decorated by graffiti or frescos painted by some of the most gifted street artists in town.
La Meson, a music venue that features both underground electronic acts and soulful jazz ensembles, boasts an extraordinary acoustic design utilizing recycled denim insulation that absorbs sound 30 percent better than fiberglass insulation, producing louder and clearer sounds to allow guests to dance through the night.
To give visitors an immersive experience, the neighborhood offers a Nocturnal Street Art Workshop which allows participants to discover and create street art under cover of darkness. Led by local artists, this interactive experience shows participants how art can transform urban spaces through artistic expression.
Cours Julien neighborhood is famous for its street art as well as its exciting nightlife. Packed with restaurants, bars and cafes offering diverse cuisines and styles are plentiful here; moreover there are also music venues like Club 404 where famous DJs such as Diplo have performed.
Cours Julien neighborhood is now one of the most desired districts in Marseille, known for its lively open-air markets filled with fresh local fruits and vegetables as well as local specialties such as bread, cheese and wine. Additionally, this neighborhood is famous for its traditional brasseries and seafood restaurants.
La Cite Radieuse
Le Corbusier’s Cite Radieuse, constructed between 1947 and 1952, is considered an early example of modern life. Intended as a “vertical village”, its design features all services necessary to everyday living: schools, doctors, gardens, boulangerie, offices and hotels – among many other amenities.
This building was made from concrete and features 12 stories housing 337 apartments on 12 floors. Additionally, its location within a park provides for added tranquility as does its roof terrace; additionally, spacious apartments feature large windows to give beautiful views of Marseille cityscape from each room.
Le Corbusier used the Modulor system when designing his complex, which uses human height to give proportions a harmonic feeling. Visitors to the complex can tour its lobby, streets and some apartments.
If you want to visit the Cite Radieuse, it is advisable to reach out to a local tour agency as they offer guided tours that can show you around. They will also be able to inform you about its history while showing you around and even helping arrange accommodation during your visit.
Visit the rooftop of Cite Radieuse for another treat; its MaMo art center was created by French designer Ora-Ito and features works by various multimedia artists. Admission to the museum is free from June to the end of August.
These apartments still house some of their original residents, yet are available for rental through the complex’s website. Each modern apartment comes equipped with amenities such as dishwasher, refrigerator, oven, microwave, television and air conditioning; additionally, balcon or patios may be included and these properties are close to both ports and beaches.
Notre Dame de la Garde
Built atop Marseille’s highest natural peak, Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde (or La Bonne Mere as it is affectionately known locally) stands as its most recognized icon and popular destination. A functioning church, place of pilgrimage and incredible view point for surveying the city below it below it; easily identifiable thanks to a gilded Mary statue atop its bell tower – you won’t miss it from miles around!
Since 800 years ago, this impressive building has stood as an iconic fixture of Marseille’s skyline – serving as a church, lighthouse and prison – as well as being an object of devotion among local mariners who leave “ex-votos” as signs of gratitude for safe voyages or other good fortunes.
Charles V’s siege of Marseille in 1543 may have been marked by surprise at finding a chapel dedicated to Mary on top of a nearby hill, reminding him of its importance in protecting both seaports and cities alike. Within one year he ordered that two fortifications were built – one on top of said hill and another one nearby (now known as Chateau d’If).
As construction of the church on top of the rocky plateau began, legend has it that its priest gave it the name ‘Bonne Mere’ or “the Good Mother”, believing the Virgin Mary would watch over and protect sailors against pirate attacks.
Today, the basilica is exquisitely decorated in gold and marble and holds many precious relics from its long and storied past. The entrance doors made of bronze are particularly remarkable and residents leave votive offerings from flowers to thanking god for protection during storms or good health on its walls.
Explore this church freely; guided tours are available upon request, though modest attire should be worn with shoulders and knees covered for entry. Getting there: either take a steep walk from Vieux Port, take Bus 60 or Petit Train Touristique around port area to make uphill journey easier or hop aboard Petit Train Touristique that stops near port area for convenient service to Basilica Saint-Paul de Vence.