Fort Saint-Jean

This fort adjoining the Mucem has been redeveloped into gardens and art displays. A walk along the ramparts provides wonderful views of the city and harbor. The multi floor museum itself presents items and histories of Mediterranean cultures. Beyond Europe it particularly emphasizes Egypt and Tunisia. The supplemental exhibits focusing on similarities among cultures, in astrology or pottery for example, present insightful comparisons and fascinating example objects. The museum will probably never run out of topics for comparative exhibits (cooking, gardening, print making, etc), so living nearby and being able to see them all is enviable. The museum's ground and top floors both feature cafes, and there is an entertaining gift shop at bottom.

Amazing view. You can see the whole port and the Mediterranean sea. Very clean place. Lots of paths for walking. Entrance is free, so you can enjoy the location even just for a walk or to relax on a bench. There is one cafeteria inside the fort next to the exhibition building. The fort is connected with the Mediterranean museum by a bridge with amazing view. With the price of one ticket you can visit all the exhibitions. The cathedral across the street is also visible. One of the best locations in the city.

The views are stunning. At the very top, surprise! There is a fragrant garden of aromatic herbs. Entry is free! The fortress itself is exciting to walk around. Some exhibitions are chargeable.

Absolutely stunning views. I had a great time walking around here. The cafe was also delicious and had lots of water. The gardens around the grounds were thoughtful with lots of places to sit. It was free to walk around.

Built in 1660 by order of King Louis XIV, Fort Saint-Jean is one of the gems of Marseille. In my opinion, a must-see in Marseille. The views from the fort are breathtaking. Wonderful....

We stopped in Marseilles while on a long cruise thru the Mediterranean. We used Google maps to self guided our around the city. The major historic sites were very easy to fine, especially this old fort built in 1660. Very well maintained. Situated along the end of the beautiful promenade.

• Historic gateway to the Old Port: Built in the 17th century (1660) by King Louis XIV, Fort Saint-Jean guarded the entrance to the Vieux-Port — Marseille’s historic harbor — together with its twin, Fort Saint-Nicolas on the opposite side. • Symbolic location: Perched right at the mouth of the port, it’s a stunning mix of military history and panoramic views. From the ramparts you can see Notre-Dame de la Garde, the Vieux-Port, and the open sea. • Architectural blend: Medieval tower foundations, classical bastions, and 21st-century walkways (linking to the MuCEM – Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations) make this one of the most atmospheric sites in Marseille. • Cultural revival: Since 2013, Fort Saint-Jean has been part of the MuCEM complex, beautifully restored and open to visitors — with gardens, exhibition spaces, and terraces. The modern footbridge connecting the fort to MuCEM is itself a local icon. • Photo heaven: The stone fort, blue sea, and sweeping city backdrop make it one of the most photographed spots in the city. Sunset views here are breathtaking.

You will certainly notice this place when you are nearby. The fort itself is free for visitors, there are 4 museums that are located here and there inside the fort. You can easily spend half a day here, the view is spectacular.

Free bathrooms! They'll scan you on entry for weapons, but it is free. Great way to experience the sunset. We walked up from the Old Pier and went down through the outside of Mucem. Cafe had a nice wine and chai tea.

The fort is really two parts. The outside is free and the inside exhibits are paid. You can purchase and audio guide for both the inside and outside parts. Most of the inside exhibitions are in the new black building that you can get to with a bridge connecting the fort to the building. It was a mix of history about the fort, Marseille, and the mediterranean. At the time I was here they had a special exhibition too. It did had an amazing view of the harbor and the sea!

Definitely one of the coolest places in Marseille. The fort was completely renovated in recent years and it's a really gorgeous juxtaposition of old and new architecture- see the pictures to get a better idea, because it's truly beautiful. Climb up to the top for some of the best views of the Mediterranean and Marseille that you'll find. There's also a bridge linking it to MuCem, which is a nice feature- definitely a good way to spend a day.