From romantic views of Notre Dame de la Garde to street-level perspectives of Old Port, these Marseille paintings capture its vibrant energy. Bring a piece of this ancient Mediterranean port into your home or office today.

Marseille has long been known for its comic anecdotes and dialect, where residents played petanque, cooked garlic-saffron fish stew called bouillabaisse, and consumed rich absinthe-like pastis – but more recently its reputation has taken a dive.

1. Palais Longchamp

This landmark and one of Marseille’s more-visited locations is known for being popular. Expect crowds during peak seasons.

Inaugurated in 1869, this monumental building celebrates the arrival of water from the Canal de la Durance into Marseille. Including a botanical park and two museums–Natural History and Fine Arts–this historical monument represents its theme with rich decoration that recalls water’s abundance and fertility through sculpture by some of history’s leading artists such as Antoine Louis Barye who created lions and tigers at its entrance, while Jules Cavelier designed its magnificent fountain – it also houses a botanical park within its walls!

Both museums feature collections of paintings and sculptures spanning four centuries, with particular strength in French art from Perugino, Guerchin, and Vernet.

There are also pieces from Dutch and Flanders schools of art on display here, along with sculptures by Pierre Paul Puget and Auguste Rodin. Additionally, this museum boasts some of France’s oldest instruments like an antique telescope dating from 17th century and an astronomical observatory from 15th century France.

Behind the museum are three large interconnected parks. One was once a zoo and still features cages, shelters, oriental pavilions that once housed giraffes and elephants as well as seal dens adorned with Turkish tiles – elements which served as inspiration for creating Black Quantum Futurism by participants during Manifesta 13 Marseille (pictured above).

As you stroll this area, you will come upon the Hotel de Ville (City Hall) and old port. Palais Longchamp can easily be reached via metro line 1 (stop: Cinq Avenues Longchamp) tram lines 2, or bus 81 – though car access may also be easy due to wide streets. Ideal for families and boasting many restaurants nearby.

2. Notre-Dame de la Garde

France is famous for its remarkable religious architecture – Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris stands tall above the Seine like some ancient god, while Lyon’s Cathedrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste boasts an amazing interior. But one basilica stands out: Marseille’s Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica holds special meaning to sailors living here.

Since Roman times, this church has served as an integral look-out point in Panier district of Marseille. Initially built as a chapel for sailors to pray for a safe journey or give thanks for returning unscathed, in 1214 a church was first constructed here and listed in papal bull as belonging to abbey of Saint-Victor. King Francois I ordered construction of a fort on top of Hill in 1524 as part of his efforts against Charles V of Spain; its history remains evident today with his emblem being salamander still visible above its northern entrance!

Sailors continued to flock to the basilica, and devotion to Our Lady of the Garde quickly spread. People left an abundance of ex-voto offerings – usually money or art (such as models of ships but also crutches, bandages and other objects) in thanks for intercession during sickness, storms or shipwrecks – in gratitude for her intercession during illness, storms or shipwrecks. Today the Basilica holds a vast collection of votive offerings including strings of model ships hanging overhead and walls covered with paintings depicting stormy seascapes.

Today, the church boasts an awe-inspiring appearance that makes it a popular tourist and local stopover. Its lavishly decorated bronze doors serve as a must-see stop, and its silver statue of Our Lady dominates the high altar. There are also various items of devotion throughout its hallowed walls; as well as stones with gratitude-laden messages carved into them.

The church museum is well worth exploring; it documents the story of both its construction and those who came to worship at it. Two permanent exhibitions span both floors for an intriguing glimpse into history.

3. Musée d’Ancien Port

Musee d’Ancien Port, more commonly known as the Marseille History Museum, first opened its doors in 1983 and rapidly rose to become one of France’s leading urban history museums. When Centre Bourse shopping center was under construction in 1967, several archaeological remains dating back to ancient Greece, Rome, and medieval periods were found during excavation work on site; leading directly to its eventual formation and its creation into this significant museum.

The museum offers an innovative way of exploring Marseille’s history: it features 13 “sequences”, or episodes, that highlight its heritage. Each sequence begins with a prologue honoring prehistoric culture from Cosquer Cave paintings before covering trade history, development of the city and modern urban developments.

Visitors can admire a second-century shipwreck, medieval potters’ workshops and ceramic “dolia”. These treasures from both inside the site as well as underwater excavations give visitors an impression of life during its busiest periods in the old port.

Alongside its permanent exhibitions, the museum regularly hosts contemporary art shows showcasing specific artists. This is an excellent way to discover Marseille and all of its artistic talents; whether your taste runs to paintings, sculpture or photography there’s sure to be something here that piques your interest!

History enthusiasts will appreciate visiting this museum. However, there are also plenty of other activities you can enjoy in Marseille such as exploring its streets of Panier or shopping on La Terrasse de la Canebiere; making a loop around Old Port and admiring its wide quais lined with yachts and fishing boats; or picking up an authentic Marseille soap bar as souvenir! Known worldwide for its purity – free from dyes, perfumes or synthetic additives – its luxurious lather will leave your skin soft while leaving an amazing aroma behind!

4. Port of Marseille

Vieux Port (or Old Port) in Marseille has been home to ships docking since its founding millennia ago and remains its birthplace today, serving as both yacht marina and seafood restaurant zone. Protected by forts of St-Jean and St-Nicolas, its quays feature bars and brasseries open until late at night; nearby you will also find Place Thiars and Cours Honore d’Estienne d’Orves that provide more options for lunch and dinner service; moreover picturesque ferry services travel both ways across this magnificent port throughout its heyday for sightseeing opportunities!

The Port of Marseille is one of Europe’s premier ports and a leading cruise port in the Mediterranean region, handling over 80 million tons annually and creating 41,500 jobs and contributing over EUR4 billion to its economy. Its primary port site can be found just north of Old Port at La Joliette while there are also two eastern harbours and a sea terminal located in Fos-sur-Mer.

Marseille was historically known as an ideal maritime trade hub between Europe and Asia, especially during its golden era during Renaissance Europe when Christopher Columbus opened trade routes that helped propel Marseille to prosperity.

At the centre of city life was Canebiere Square – known for socializing and leisure activities alike – which served as an international social hub. By the 19th century, this district became fashionable among wealthy individuals due to the stylish hotels, cafes and restaurants located there; especially Canebiere Street which takes its name from “canebe,” another word for hemp. Canebiere also became known as a center of cafe society during this era.

Louis XIV ordered the construction of two forts at the entrance to the harbour to protect Paris against foreign invaders in the late 1700s. Their cannons were pointed towards the city rather than out to sea, leading them to be known as ‘the arsenal of galeres’ as they housed condemned galley slaves working with his royal war fleet. Of these forts, Fort Saint-Jean now forms part of MuCEM while Fort Saint Nicolas became a museum.

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