Full Day Private Guided Sightseeing City Tour in Marseille

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. The Porte d’Aix, completed in 1839, commemorates the military success of France. This triumphal arch, designed by Michel-Robert Penchaud, was inspired by traditional Roman architecture, and it marks the ancient entrance to Marseille from Aix-en-Provence.

   20 min

2. Le Panier (or “The Basket”) is the charming old district of Marseille. Here you can still breathe the traditional atmosphere of the city as you take a look at the colorful street art, or visit the artisan shops and the little bistros that line the narrow alleys.

   30 min

3. The Vieille Charité is a jewel of the 17th century architecture situated in the district Le Panier, where it originally served as an almshouse. This graceful structure was built by Pierre Puget, the architect of Louis XIV, and currently houses a cultural center.

   Passes by

4. The Cathedral of Sainte-Marie Majeure (or “La Major”) is comparable in size to St. Peter’s in Rome. This remarkable building elegantly blends together Roman and Byzantine styles, symbolizing the connection of the port city of Marseille to both East and West.

   40 min

5. The Old Port, recently pedestrianized, is where both tourists and locals gather to take a stroll by the sea or enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants in the area. The name “Old Port” refers to the ancient origins of this place, which dates back to the activity of ancient Greek settlers. Get your camera ready: from the port you will enjoy a stunning view of the church of Notre-Dame de la Garde.

   1 h

6. Admire this Gothic church and its beautiful monumental façade and is located near the Old Port. It was originally owned by the Knights Templar Order and was completed in 1588.

   Passes by

7. When the Opera was built, between 1786 and 1787, Marseille became the second city in France to have its own theater. The design is from Joachim Bénard and it was built in classical style. Thanks to renovations in the 1920s, today it combines the style of the 18th century with Art Deco.

   Passes by

8. Built in 1801, the Jardin Puget is the oldest public garden of the city. Located on a hill, its entrance is guarded by a statue of Pierre Puget, an artist and engineer from Marseille. Take a leisurely walk along one of the paths to the top of the hill or rest on a bench while enjoying the view of the Old Port.

   20 min

9. This symbol of early Christian and Romanesque architecture was founded in the 5th century by John Cassian. From here you will enjoy a panoramic view of the Old Port while listening to the insights of your guide about the martyr Saint Victor, whose remains are believed to be buried in the abbey.

   Passes by

10. The architectural site of the Pharo includes the Palais, a residence built by the city for Napoleon III, and the large park decorated with 84 monumental arches. Make sure not to miss the chance to take a picture from the garden, as this spot offers a spectacular view of the sea.

    40 min

11. Also know to the locals as “La Bonne Mère”, this basilica is the symbol of the city of Marseille. This relevant example of Byzantine architecture was designed by Henri Espérandieu and is located on the highest hill of the city. The decorations inside are magnificent: white and red marble combined with stones decorated with mosaics.

    1 h

Cancellation

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Know before you go

How it compares in Marseille

• Its from-price is 113% above the median of the 490 experiences we list in Marseille.
• Its length is typical for the group.

About Marseille

Marseille, France's oldest city, is a Mediterranean port of old forts, hilltop basilicas and limestone coves, and the home of bouillabaisse.

Greek sailors founded Marseille around 600 BC, making it the oldest city in France. The Vieux-Port is its centre, a long harbour ringed by cafés and the morning fish stalls, guarded by two forts at its mouth. On a hill above, the basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde carries a gilded statue of the Virgin Mary and shows the harbour and the islands from its terrace.

Top-ranked sights in Marseille: Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica (La Bonne Mère), Old Port of Marseille (Vieux Port), Vallon des Auffes.

See all 490 experiences in Marseille