Notre-Dame de la Garde

An absolute must-see in Marseille! The panoramic view from the top is breathtaking—offering a stunning 360° look over the city, sea, and surrounding hills. The basilica itself is beautiful, rich in history and architectural detail. Reaching the top can be a bit of a climb, but it’s well worth the effort. Whether you're religious or not, the atmosphere is peaceful and inspiring. Ideal for reflection, photography, or simply enjoying the view. A highlight of any trip to Marseille.

The cathedral sits at the highest hill and point in the city. Multiple levels with a restaurant and cafe. The interior is beautifully designed with intricate details. The outside areas and decks of the cathedral offer panoramic views of Marseille, the Mediterranean Sea, and the surrounding landscape, and can clearly see Chateau D'if in the distance. There was construction 🚧 going on at the time we visited as well. A must visit for Marseilles, as it is the main attraction in the city and best part free entry.

The Castle on the top of the hill is famous in its own right. Definitely must see when visiting Mercedes. Amazing history. It is a tough walk. If you’re gonna come all the way up the mountain to see this monument as opposed to having a car drive up or one of the electric scooters or vehicles otherwise. Would definitely recommend paying a visit as the expansive 360° views of the city and Port are amazing.

A unique experience. The city itself amazed us, and when we got to the hill where the basilica is, in addition to seeing the whole city, everything that surrounds it, we also saw an unusual building that seems to be in the clouds. The golden statue of the Virgin Mary and the Child was being restored at the time of our visit, but this did not diminish the impression. The parking lot is at the foot, you can come by bus or tourist car, go around as much as you want and return by the next one (often departures are organized). You can buy souvenirs in a couple of places, the toilet is in the part you need to reach, but it's not far, just in a not so obvious place. Ask, they will guide you, if you don't know how. A lot of tourists are always expected, but not to the extent that it spoils the tour.

Beautiful cathedral on hill overlooking Marseille. We actually walked here from the drop-off point of the free cruise terminal bus, was around 4kn - 1 hour but that's by a load of other great sites so is not a hardship. Stunning building inside and put, obviously tied to the maritime theme. Currently undergoing some renovation work so the main tower is shrouded in scaffolding but that doesn't detract too much from the majesty of the place. There's also amazing, 360 views of the sprawl of Marseille and the Med from here so 100% worth a visit. Entry to the cathedral and grounds are free with only the museum being chargeable.

Honestly, a huge disappointment that this was built in the late 1880’s. And the fact that the water elevator was demolished. Like I get the whole city on a hill thing. But the little tiny abbey down the hill that was actually historic and not political propaganda is WAY cooler. Also the influencers taking sexy photos next to dying Jesus statue is not it. Like you can be respectful and still take photos ya know?

Stunning basilica at the top of the hill overlooking Marseille. The church itself has a beautiful design with lots of mosaics and stripes columns inside. That is already enough on its own but the views from the outside are simply awe-inspiring. 360 degree views around. Don't miss this if in Marseille.

The views are simply the best. The train up is a great way to navigate the heat. Best 10 euros to prevent a heart attack getting up there. The church is beautiful and gave me pause to reflect on all that came before .