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Your quick guide to some of the top historic sites of Marseille.
A busy coastal city with medieval charm, Marseille’s diverse history is reflected in its range of historic attractions and sites. There’s a wealth of historic sites to see in France’s second most populated city as well as great day trips to enjoy.
Marseille Roman Docks Museum
Marseille’s buzzing docks have been thriving for centuries, as showcased in this archaeological museum, which is located in what was a Roman warehouse from around the first century AD. The ruins and some of the goods which would have been stored in this warehouse are now on display.
Abbaye Saint-Victor
This eleventh century abbey became an eighteenth century prison and has a fascinating crypt containing early Christian tombs, a must see historic site of Marseille.
Marseille History Museum
Anybody who wants to learn about historic sites of Marseille and the city’s history since it was founded in 600BC can visit the Marseille History Museum with its range of artefacts, including the remains of a third century ship.
Jardin des Vestiges
A hidden gem amongst the historic sites of Marseille. Adjacent to the Marseille History Museum is the Jardin des Vestiges, comprising a collection of ancient Greek and Roman ruins of the former port. Definitely worth seeing, especially as it’s a joint ticket with the museum.
Notre-Dame de la Garde
With its prime position overlooking the city, visitors to Marseille cannot miss seeing the Neo-Byzantine architecture of Notre-Dame de la Garde. Inside, you can enjoy the vibrant décor of this nineteenth century church.
Chateau d’If
Any fans of Alexandre Dumas' novel, ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’, won’t want to miss a visit to the sixteenth century prison of Chateau d’If. Located on an island just off the coast of Marseille, this former fort was the setting for this novel as well as being a famously brutal place to be incarcerated between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries. One of the more notorious historic sites of Marseille.
Fort Saint Jean
Fort Saint Jean reflects much of the more turbulent aspects of the history of Marseille. This imposing fort was built by a wary King Louis XIV in the seventeenth century, officially to protect the city from outside attack, but in reality to quell rebellion by its citizens. Since then, the fort has served as a prison during the French Revolution and as a World War II storage facility, before being destroyed by a munitions explosion. Closed at the time of writing, it is due to become a museum.
Arles Roman Theatre
Around an hour’s drive from Marseille is the city of Arles, a fantastic day trip for anybody interested in the Ancient Romans. Arles is full of Roman sites, including an amphitheatre, baths and a theatre.
For more historic sites of Marseille and for details of historical sites around the world, visit our explore page.
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