Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde

The defining symbol of Marseille towers on a hilltop 154 metres above the city, with the gilded statue of the Virgin Mary stretching skywards. The views from up here are simply stunning. Take the shuttle for convenience or embark on a just-under-an-hour-long hike up from the old port.

• Web:

  www.notredamedelagarde.com

• E-mail:

  contact@notredamedelagarde.com

• Address:

  Rue Fort du Sanctuaire, Marseille

• Phone:

  +33 4 91 13 40 80

• Opening hours:

  Opening hours depend on the season

Château d'If

Château d'If was, historically, France’s very own Alcatraz, built in 1527 and used as a prison in the 17th century. This place was the inspiration for Alexandre Dumas's novel "The Count of Monte Cristo", and occupies an island of its own 1.5 km offshore.

• Web:

  www.chateau-if.fr/en

• Address:

  L’Archipel du Frioul, Marseille

• Phone:

  +33 6 03 06 25 26

• Opening hours:

  Opening hours depend on the season

• Subway:

  Boat leaving from Quai des Belges (Vieux Port)

Cosquer Méditerranée

This impressive building, known as the Villa Méditerranée, was designed in 2013. It boasts sleek modern architecture and an impressive cantilevered section that looms over an artificial pool. Inside, you can enjoy exhibitions that cover both marine life and local history. In June 2022, a new exhibit was presented to the visitors — a replica of the famous Cosquer Cave, in an atmosphere similar to that of the original, that has been submerged since the 90s. You get to explore the 1,750-square-metre replica aboard a comfortable exploratory vehicle and learn about the Homo sapiens that lived in the cave 30,000 years ago. See the engravings, paintings, speleothems, handprints and geological features that have been reproduced for public viewing in the most realistic and scientifically rigorous manner.

• Web:

  www.grotte-cosquer.com/en/practical-information

• Address:

  Esplanade du J4, Marseille

• Phone:

  +33 4 91 31 23 12

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–9pm

Garden of Remains

This archaeological site (the local name Jardin des Vestiges) was discovered as constructions of a shopping centre commenced here in 1967. The garden contains an interesting mix of Greek and Roman remains. The majority of its finds are ruins of the old port.

• Address:

  2 Rue Henri-Barbusse, Marseille

• More info:

  The entrance is located at the Marseille History Museum

• Subway:

  Métro Vieux Port

La Corniche

Enjoy this romantic walkway along the sea and the stunning views that it provides. En route you will see the Château d'If, as well as beautiful coves called "calanques". The entire 12-kilometre long Corniche leading down to the Prado Beaches is best explored by bike, with stops for photos and dining.

• Address:

  Corniche du Président John F Kennedy, Marseille

Les Calanques

A "calanque" is an inlet, cove, or bay, and the ones you find outside Marseille are no less than mesmerising. The impressive limestone formations and the turquoise waters make for an excellent retreat. There is a wide range of sporting activities available here, as well as plenty of relaxation for the weary.

• Web:

  www.calanques-parcnational.fr

• Address:

  Les Calanques de Marseille, Marseille