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The Fort St Nicolas on the South bank is, like St Jean, not open to visitors. There is a reason for this -the army still lives there-. It has a very fiery history, was used as a prison, as a store for high explosives during the second world war (which exploded leaving marks in the exterieur wall. In 1680 the king asked Clerville to reconstruct it hense it's star shape, if you have a good look you'll notice that some of the cannons are facing the town, that'll keep them quiete.
Notre-dame-de-la-Garde is Marseilles' mother, as she looks over the town and horizon, watching over her flock, protecting them and welcoming all those who anchor in her ports. Don't think of going there in the car on a weekend, especially in the summer, you'll only come back down dissapointed or have an enormous bit of luck if you find a parking space. Anyway it's nicer to go by foot -take water with you, takes about 30mins- ther's also the number 60 bus and there's even a little train (ask the Tourist Information Center for details), both leave from the vieux port. The view is spectacular. It's situated at 154 M above sea level, was initially but a small chapel built in the early 13th century, however, very stratigically placed, hense in 1524 a fortress was built around it. Overwhelmed by christians and marines the little sanctuary was unable to house it's admirers, so, in 1853 Monseigneur de Mazenod decided to construct the today's Notre-Dame using the fort's foundations, it was consecrated in 1864.rue Belles Ecuelles
Hotel Dieu is in fact a hospital, and a beautiful
one. Built in the 12th century it has slowly been enlargened maintaining
it's charm.
Boulevard Longchamp, metro line 1 (Cinq-Avenues)
The Palais Longchamp is a beautiful
place to go, with its impressive facade and fountains, it's statues and
park. This palace (though not royal) is actually a commemoration, celebration
of the arrival of water to the town. The go-ahead to build was given in
1839 though was not completely finished until 1862. On the right hand side
of the palace you'll find the
Natural History Museum, closed on
Mondays and bank holidays 11am-6pm in the summer 10am-5pm in winter. And
on the left you'll find the Fine Arts Museum opening hours are the
same for the two museums.
3, rue de l'Abbaye bus n° 55 or 81
The St Victor Abbey, according to research
was built at the end of the 5th century (upper part of the church). At
the beginning of the 11th century work was undertaken on the abbey (entrance
today), the abbey was then entirely reconstructed by Roman builders, from
the end of the 12th century to the end of the 13th century. Go in walk
around, you'll find crypts from the 3rd to the 6th century. If you happen
to be in Marseille on the 2nd February it might be a good idea to see the
parade starting at the abbey and finishing at the Four des Navettes (a
boulangerie)
2, rue de la Charité, no bus, no metro you have to do a bit of
walking (mind you pockets around this area)
The Vieille Charité has a wonderful
history to accompany a wonderful construction, building started in
1671 under the guidance of Pierre Puget this building was constructed to
be a hospital for the numerous beggars and poor people arriving by boat
or land, entirely constructed by donations the building wasn't finished
until 1749 (look out for the dated metal plates). In the middle of the
courtyard you'll find a wonderful chapel (1679-1707) When you come up to
entrance just go in, you don't have to take the guided visit, sit in the
little café and have an ice cream, The Vielle Charité now
homes the National Audiovisual Institute, the Mediteranean archeological
museum, African arts museum and others (closed mondays and bank holidays).
You'll find most of them on the first floor.
Musée Cantini - a wonderful array of contemporary and
modern paintings (matisse, picasso, etc) in a 17th century home
19, rue Grignan, 04 91 54 77 75, closed mondays and bank holidays,
11am-6pm summer, 10am-5pm winter
Musée des Docks romains - shows the story of the ancient
roman docks
place viviaux, 04 91 91 24 62, closed mondays and bank holidays, 11am-6pm
summer, 10am-5pm winter
Musée Grobet-Labadié - recognisable by it's painted
exterieur wall, furniture, tapisseries, paintings, sculptures and with
a bit of luck you may even have live classical music or people singing
in the main lounge.
140, Boulevard Longchamp, 04 91 62 21 82, closed mondays and bank holidays,
11am-6pm summer, 10am-5pm winter
Musée du Vieux-Marseille or the Maison Diamantée -
regional costumes, tarot and playing cards, it's santons (nativity ornaments)
and it's room set aside especially for the plague.
rue de la Prison, 04 91 55 10 19, closed mondays and bank holidays,
11am-6pm summer, 10am-5pm winter
Musée d'Histoire de Marseille and the Jardin des Vestiges
- If you pay to go into the museum then you get to see the gardens otherwise
you have to pay. The museum also has a very good library and video library.
Centre Bourse, 04 91 42 22, closed Sundays and bank holidays 12-7
