Stroll from the Old Port to Le Panier
There you go, you need a vacation and you want to go away for a few days? Look no further, Marseille is the perfect destination for budget-friendly holidays! Whether it's for a family vacation or with friends, there is no shortage of activities to do!
VISIT MARSEILLE ON FOOT : FOLLOW THE GUIDE
Marseille Tourism offers you an ideal itinerary to discover and explore the most beautiful treasures of the Phocaean city. This itinerary will immerse you in the history of Marseille and the lives of its inhabitants. To start, head to the History Museum (at the Centre Bourse), which marks the starting point of this route by retracing the 26 centuries of existence of the oldest city in France. No less than 4000 pieces are exhibited there, and about a hundred multimedia resources await you. Continue your visit by heading towards Quai des Belges on the Old Port for a visit to Le Panier, Marseille's historic district. Wander through the alleys, meet local shopkeepers, relax in a shaded square, and let yourself be lulled by the laughter of children playing soccer.
One of the highlights of the walk is the MuCEM, an extraordinary cultural venue, the first decentralized national museum!
BIENVENUE AU MUCEM
The visit continues with your arrival at one of the most incredible constructions of recent years: the MuCEM. In 2016, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations celebrates its 3rd anniversary. In 2015, no less than 700,000 tourists were tempted by the collections on offer. A major player in tourism in Marseille, it is also one of the drivers of the local economy and employment.
The MuCEM is also one of the jewels of French architecture. The museum, designed by Rudy Ricciotti, presents itself as a coral out of the water thanks to finely serrated concrete. It's an architectural feat that allows visitors to benefit from beautiful lighting and sea air while being sheltered from the wind.
Strolling suspended between sky and sea, lounge chairs, in addition to being a place of culture and history, the MuCEM becomes an ideal space for relaxation during the visit. It's one of the most beautiful gardens in Marseille with its magnificent view of the port and the sea and its flowery terraces.
The MuCEM is also today the Fort Saint Jean, a historical monument with free access. With a breathtaking view of the entrance to the Port of Marseille, Fort Saint Jean is appreciated by all Marseillais. Since the 17th century, it has watched over the incessant comings and goings of boats. It spans 15,000 square meters distributed as follows:
- The Parade Ground
- The Historical Tour
- The Garden of Migrations
- The Gallery of Current Events
- The Georges-Henri Rivière Building
- The Chapel
Find all the practical information here: discover the MuCEM or on the official website for ongoing exhibitions: http://www.mucem.org/. By the way, remember to get your tickets at the ticket office to avoid the queues ;-)
VISIT TO THE PANIER DISTRICT
By foot or by small train, visiting the oldest district of Marseille, Le Panier is a must and highly recommended. The picturesque streets give way to sumptuous historical monuments such as the Vieille Charité or the Cathedral of La Major. Le Panier is also the district of artists, graffiti artists, painters, sculptors; numerous workshops and galleries are located in the historic heart of Marseille. For families, we particularly recommend the Petit Train de Marseille, which will take you on a guided tour to discover the monuments of Marseille and its history.
This walk through the historic districts, discovering must-see places, will allow you to learn more about the city and its history. Strolling in Marseille is a real pleasure, and you are not immune to surprises throughout this itinerary: small shaded terraces, superb street art, magnificent views… You won't regret your visit to our beautiful Phocaean city!