During your weekend in Marseille, take the opportunity to discover the religious and historical heritage of the Phocaean city. This route will allow you to visit Marseille and its historic city center with its many monuments. And let yourself be tempted by1 00% Provençal gourmet breaks !
The star attraction of the tour: the Fort Saint Jean with its remarkable entrance to continue towards the MuCEM.
Start of the visit: Rue Saint Ferréol
To start this tour through the history of Marseille, we suggest you to start from rue Saint Ferréol in the Old Port district. Also remember to take with you a map of Marseille, good shoes and a hat to protect you from the sun ☺
We suggest you go up rue Sainte to the Saint-Victor Abbey.
From the Saint-Victor Abbey to the Marseille Soap Museum
On the way to the Saint Victor Abbey, you can buy navettes, a speciality of Marseille. After a visit to the monument, follow the rue Neuve Sainte-Catherine down to the Musée du Savon in Marseille. This Museum of Marseille will introduce you to the history of the famous soap and its virtues. You can of course buy them as a souvenir of our beautiful city.
From the Old Port to Fort Saint Jean
Along the Old Port, you can take a break in one of the many restaurants overlooking Notre Dame de la Garde. A trip on the Giant Ferris Wheel will offer you a panoramic view of the entire Phocaean city. It is also near the Giant Ferris Wheel where you can find the boat rental agencies and the departure for excursions into the calanques of Marseille. If you have to choose only one activity in our city, it is definitely a visit of the beautiful Marseille coast! The Saint Ferréol Church dominates the port and is worth a visit. Let's continue this walk to Fort Saint Jean, one of Marseille's most visited monuments.
Fort Saint Jean and MUCEM
Going up the rue de la République to go down to the port, you will see the Hôtel Dieu, the Maison Diamantée and the Hôtel Cabre. A slight detour will take you to see the Saint Laurent Church before arriving at Fort Saint Jean.
This fortification, built during the reign of Louis XIV, houses a magnificent garden where you can rest on one of the benches and admire the view over the port and the city. You will also have a direct view on the Cathedral of the Major.
A footbridge connects the Fort to the MUCEM. Feel free to visit it and see the collections offered by the Museum. We also advise you to get your MUCEM tickets in advance to avoid queues.
Hike Info
- Distance: 5.86 kilometers
- Difficulty:
- Duration: 49 minutes to 1 hours
Points of Interest
Results ordered alphabetically
Les Augustins Church
Les Augustins church in Marseille is located on the Old Port. Easily recognizable by its immaculate white facade, it dates from the 13th century.
Saint Laurent Church
The Saint Laurent church dominates the pass of the Old Port. It is traditionally the parish of the professions of the sea. It is closely linked to the history of Marseille: it is one of the oldest churches in Marseille.
Saint Victor Abbey
Discover the abbey of Saint Victor in Marseille. One of the oldest and most emblematic of the Phocaean city. Visit the crypts and its ornaments.
The Fort Saint Jean
The Fort Saint Jean was built to defend the port of Marseille. It was also used as a commandery by the Knights Templar during the Crusades. It is an essential monument of the Phocaean city!
The MuCEM
The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations: it is more than 40,000 m² dedicated to exhibitions around the Mediterranean world in all its diversity. Divided into 3 sites, you can access it from Fort Saint-Jean and discover a view of all of Marseille.
The Old Port
Emblematic site of Marseille with its sardine which is actually a boat that blocked the Old Port. Walk along the Old Port, let yourself be transported. You will enjoy the terraces of restaurants and cafés throughout your walk.
The Opera
The Opéra de Marseille is one of the oldest in France. Destroyed by a fire, it was rebuilt in 1920. It is a real architectural jewel.
The Palais de la Bourse
A symbol of Marseille's economic development in the 19th century, the Palais de la Bourse celebrates the history of Marseille and its trade. A real little architectural masterpiece.
Théâtre La Criée
Le Théâtre La Criée se situe sur les quais du Vieux-Port de Marseille. Un lieu phare de la Cité phocéenne !
