The Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde is for sure the most beautiful church and the top tourist destination in the city of Marseille. Its exceptional location with its numerous terraces offers visitors a panoramic viewpoint on Marseille, the surrounding hills, the Vieux Port, and the Frioul Islands.
Built atop the Garde Hill, this site, with its view of the sea, once served as a lookout point.
The first chapel was constructed there in 1248. Later, during the reign of François I, the place of worship was encompassed within a fort completed in 1536 to protect the city.
It was during this same period that the Château d'If went into service, playing its role from the sea.
The coastline of the current Calanques National Park, which is invisible from the city, was also under surveillance.
Using fires or a white sail, the lookout on the summit of Marseilleveyre could relay alert signals from the lookout on the island of Riou, located 12 kilometers away, to Notre-Dame de la Garde.
-
Notre Dame de la Garde when you arrive by foot
-
Access by the Roucas Blanc
-
Access by the sacred wood
-
White Roucas side stairs
-
Vieux-port
-
Frioul islands
-
Tower with loopholes
-
Marseille and the Frioul islands
-
Drawbridge
-
The statues
-
The virgin with the child
How to get there
- Bus: To get to Notre Dame de la Garde, take the bus 60 from Vieux Port
- Hours: You can get into the parkings and visit Notre Dame de la Garde between 7am and 8pm in summer, and from 7am to 7pm during winter.