Le Prado

Prado District: An Unmissable Charm

It has the particularity of connecting the Vieux-Port, equally popular among tourists, to the residential area of Mazargues, and also to the Prado beaches, not far from there. The Prado is, moreover, one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Marseille. Historically, the Prado was mainly an agricultural area until the 19th century. It then began to develop as an upscale residential neighborhood, known for its chic and tranquility. The Prado is an important economic center with offices, upscale shops, and quality services, all bordered by trees and luxury boutiques. During World War II, Marseille suffered many destructions, but the Prado was relatively spared. Its architecture has been preserved, offering a surprising charm of yesteryear.

To get there, nothing could be easier: indeed, the neighborhood is well served by public transportation, including the metro, buses, and soon, a tram line.

Places to absolutely visit in le Prado

The Prado district is full of incredible places to visit, here's an overview of the must-see places during your visit to this neighborhood.

Borély Park

This nearly 17-hectare park is particularly well-known and appreciated by Marseille families. They love to come here for walks, bike rides, and even boating on the lake in the center of the park. The landscape is pleasant, and the atmosphere is particularly enjoyable and warm, especially on Sundays when you can see children running, biking, and having fun, as well as couples, young and retired, chatting and relaxing peacefully. Sports enthusiasts can also come to Borély Park for a morning jog or in the evening and encounter many bird species. Recreational areas are set up, including recently a track for roller enthusiasts. This beautiful and well-maintained place will be a pleasure to visit.

The Castle and the Botanical Garden

Borély Park is already magnificent in itself, and within it lies another treasure: a large 18th-century castle. It is currently undergoing restoration, so access is difficult. However, for the record, this former residence once belonged to a wealthy family of merchants. The Botanical Garden, located a few steps away, is visitable, although the opening hours are quite limited. It is still worth a look, especially to visit its Chinese garden inaugurated in 2004. This latter is a must-see as it complements the already very rich botanical offer of the place, while adding sumptuous species and a temple.

Prado Market

What would a visit to Marseille be without a mandatory stop at the Prado market, the largest market in the city! It is not located in a large building, as one might mistakenly think, but on the sidewalks of Prado Avenue. It is open every day except Sunday, from 7:30 am to 1 pm. It may be open later, especially during the Christmas period. Fresh products are available from dawn, and there is even an "Artisans' Square" on Fridays, as well as a flower market. You can come here to buy beautiful olives, cheese, top-quality cold cuts, as well as clothes and shoes. Moreover, to prolong this festive atmosphere, the animation of Castellane Square extends to Prado Avenue, making it a great shopping session and an opportunity to take beautiful photos.

Bagatelle Town Hall

Near the market, you will find the Bagatelle Town Hall. Originally known as the Bagatelle Castle, it is now an elegant town hall surrounded by a charming park, characterized by a large number of century-old trees. Acquired by the French state in 1982, the castle served various governmental and military purposes before being converted into a sector town hall in the 20th century. Eager to promote culture in this museum-deprived district, it regularly hosts exhibitions and concerts of all kinds.

Chanot Park

Also known as Marseille Chanot, this historical place and 17-hectare exhibition park bears the name of a former mayor of the city. Opened in 1906, it also includes a charming convention center. Chanot Park hosts a large number of exhibitions and is an important economic and cultural center for Marseille. For example, the first Colonial Exhibition of Marseille was organized here at its opening. It hosts numerous events, with nearly 300 events per year attracting over a million visitors, and is located a stone's throw from the Vélodrome Stadium.

Vélodrome Stadium

The Vélodrome Stadium is an iconic venue in Marseille's sports life and one of the most famous stadiums in France. Inaugurated in 1937, it was originally built as a multi-sport stadium, especially for cycling, hence its name "Vélodrome". Over the decades, it has mainly transformed into a football stadium and now hosts Olympique de Marseille (OM), one of the country's most popular football clubs.

It was modernized for Euro 2016, increasing its capacity to approximately 67,000 seats, making it the second-largest stadium in France after the Stade de France. It is important to note that it also hosts concerts, various sports events, and major gatherings.

Le Corbusier's Radiant City

This city with the lovely name was designed by Le Corbusier, a Swiss architect, and inaugurated in 1952. The Radiant City is now an iconic model of modern habitat with its incredible architectural innovations for the time. This "vertical city" is a building that includes equipped duplexes, as well as shops, and even common living spaces, including a rooftop terrace. Despite the evolution of the neighborhood over time, La cité radieuse remains a place of fascination, a pure product of its time, and an emblem of modern architecture.

Magalone Garden

Located not far from the Radiant City, or even somewhat hidden by it, the Magalone Garden and its 18th-century bastide, with its sumptuous gardens adorned with statues and fountains, offers the public a calm and beautiful space. The place is very lively with concerts during the summer.

Basilica of the Sacred Heart

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Marseille, an impressive religious building, is a site dating back to 1947. It is relatively recent compared to other historical monuments in Marseille. It commemorates the plague of 1720 that ravaged Marseille and decimated much of its population. It also serves as a memorial for the victims of World War I, thus honoring the many tragedies the city has experienced.

26th Centenary Park

The 26th Centenary Park is very recent compared to the other points of interest in Le Prado, having been inaugurated in 2001. However, it plays an important role in celebrating Marseille's 2600 years of history with thematic gardens and a beautiful lake. It is an extremely pleasant setting, perfect for relaxing and enjoying panoramic views of the city.

As you can see, the Le Prado neighborhood in Marseille is a versatile place where you can entertain yourself in several different ways. You can just as easily stroll through a park as you can shop on the market, bask in the sun on one of the

neighborhood's sublime beaches, or even enjoy delicious typical Marseille dishes, all in an incredible Mediterranean setting. What a great program, isn't it? Unique in its kind, this neighborhood is likely to charm you very quickly.