Published on October 2, 2021 by Marseille Tourisme

Climbing up to Notre Dame de la Garde? I can see what you're thinking, no, we're not taking the little train, we're going old school, using our legs. It's true, it's steep, but what satisfaction when you reach the top, and the walk is worth it. Here are the different paths to climb up to Notre Dame de la Garde, following the ancient pilgrimage routes.

The Bonne Mère overlooks Marseille and is a must-visit for all tourists exploring Marseille. While most prefer to go there by the little train or bus, purists choose the traditional way and embark on the challenging ascent. Indeed, it was traditionally done on foot to Notre Dame de la Garde. It was a pilgrimage for religious reasons, but not only. The path, although demanding, is also enjoyable. After all, the Bonne Mère must be earned!

We offer you a brief, non-exhaustive guide to embark on the ascent. It's also an opportunity to discover picturesque neighborhoods and corners of the Phocaean city. So, are you wearing suitable shoes? Let's go, follow the guide !

PATH NUMBER 1: THROUGH THE JARDIN DE LA COLLINE PUGET

This is the most peaceful and green path! Starting from the Vieux-Port, Quai de Rive-Neuve, take Rue Fort Notre Dame until you reach La Corderie. Then, take Boulevard Notre Dame, and finally, turn onto Cours Pierre Puget. You will arrive near Jardin Pierre Puget, easily recognizable by its statue. Simply enter this charming garden and follow its paths to the top. You will pass through a lovely children's playground that offers a beautiful view of Marseille. Take a little break on a bench before continuing your ascent. Once you pass through the park gates, keep going up, and you will come into view of the statue of Joan of Arc, in Place du Colonel Edon. At this point, you no longer need directions, the Bonne Mère is clearly visible in all its majesty. Just a little more effort, and you're there! Well, there's still a bit of a climb, but the reward is close.

PATH NUMBER 2: THROUGH BD ANDRÉ AUNE

This is a variation of the first path. But it's more challenging. The ascent is steep, but the route is more direct. It starts from the same point, except instead of taking Jardin Pierre Puget, you continue straight on Boulevard André Aune. Yes, the one that goes up steeply right in front of you. Well, you have to climb all the way to the top. At the end of the boulevard, you will face a set of stairs. Once you pass the stairs, you will reach the aptly named "Santa Maria" square. You are at the foot of Notre Dame, with the famous chariot of Joan of Arc on your right, and straight ahead is the basilica. All that's left is to climb the dozens of steps of the stairs that lead to the Bonne Mère, under her watchful eye. It's a challenging route, but the satisfaction awaits at the end, even if your heart might be racing.

PATH NUMBER 3: THROUGH VAUBAN

Still starting from the Vieux-Port, you take the same route as before. Specifically, Boulevard Notre Dame, which you follow all the way to the end. It's a long uphill stretch lined with trees. The neighborhood is pleasant and allows you to discover this charming corner of Marseille. At the top of this boulevard, you reach Boulevard Vauban, and immediately on your right, you will see a large staircase with a sign indicating Notre Dame de la Garde. The stairs can be a bit challenging, but once you reach the top, you will have the satisfaction of being in view of the Bonne Mère, which suddenly appears in your field of vision. The small street, named Montée Notre Dame, is lined with beautiful Marseille houses. The neighborhood is peaceful, far from the tourist crowds.

This is likely the least traveled path, and therefore the most peaceful. Once you reach the top, you will join Rue Fort du sanctuaire, and almost immediately, you will see a small path winding towards Notre Dame de la Garde. You will arrive right next to the parking area, taking a completely different route than the previous two paths.

PATH NUMBER 4: THROUGH ROUCAS BLANC

This is probably the most picturesque path, which will allow you to discover the typical neighborhoods of the 7th arrondissement. The best starting point is from the Vieux-Port, taking the Quai de Rive Neuve. It may also be an opportunity to make a short stop at the Abbey of Saint Victor. Continue on Boulevard de la Corderie, then onto Rue d'Endoume. Next, turn onto Chemin du Roucas Blanc. Here, you have two options. Either stop at Boulevard Tellenne. From there, you will see the hill of Notre Dame de la Garde with a staircase leading up to it.

The uphill climb along the hillside is beautiful and offers a splendid panorama. You can also turn right halfway through and enter what appears to be a private alley. But that's not the case. After a few meters, you will come across a magnificent hillside garden. From there, you take the path of Chemin du Bois Sacré. It's an ancient pilgrimage route, whose name comes from a popular belief that this wood at the foot of the Bonne Mère is a sacred place. It is undoubtedly the most exotic route, taking you through hills, pine forests, and scrubland.