Situated on the southern bank of the Vieux Port above the dry dock, the Abbey of St. Victor, Marseille played an important role in development of Christianity in the Mediterranean between the 11th and 18th Centuries. In the 14th Century, Pope Urbain V oversaw its fortification. The abbey's crypt and catacombs, which contain a number of ancient sarcophagi, are open to visitors, while its excellent acoustics make it the perfect venue for the religious and classical music concerts held here on a regular basis. Large crowds attend its special ceremonies for la fête de la Chandeleur (Candlemas) in February.
Located on the island of If, one mile off the shore of Marseille in the Mediterranean Sea, the Chateau d'If is one of the most scenic fortresses in France. The château was built between the years 1524 and 1531 at the behest of Francis I to ward off enemies that intended to attack the city from the sea. The building comprises a 3-story square structure guarded by three towers with gun embrasures. Later on, in the 19th Century, the Château d'If was used as a prison and was once notoriously renowned as a dumping place for political and religious prisoners. The Château d'If was made famous by the Alexandre Dumas novel The Count of Monte Cristo, in which the protagonist makes a daring escape from the prison to the shore of Marseille. Today, Château d'If is open to the public and is accessible via boats launched from Marseille.
Established in 1815 through the impetus of the Marquis de Montgrand, then mayor of Marseilles, the Natural History Museum of Marseille assembles some of the most invaluable examples of our natural heritage. Housed in the right wing of Palais Longchamp, a magnificent palace built in the Second Empire, the museum's collections earned it, in 1967, a place among the top nine museums in France. Today, with more than 200,000 species classified according to similarities of origin, structure etc., the museum seeks to preserve the memory of our rich biodiversity.
The Museum of Contemporary Art is located near the sculpture by César (on the Pierre Guerre roundabout), not far from the Bonneveine shopping center. It hosts both permanent and temporary exhibitions in an area of 4000 square meters (2.5 square miles). Enter into the world of the "New Realists," the "Supports-surface," the "individual mythologies" and other representatives of the art of today. Call or see the website for more information on the latest displays and admission prices.
One of the few remaining city center cinemas to show art house movies offers film buffs a choice of around 10 original language films per week, screened in the comfort of its three modern auditoriums. As part of its varied program, special short film evenings are organized on a regular basis and previews in the company of film-makers or actors are massively popular. Marseillais film director Robert Guédiguian has, for example, presented a season of his own work here. They also hold special showings for parents to bring their newborns; the joy of movie-going isn't reserved just for those who have babysitters!
The Granet Museum, in the heart of the historic Mazarin quarter of Aix-en-Provence, has an impressive permanent collection which includes Rembrandt, Cézanne, Ingres, Giacometti, Picasso, and Mondrian, along with changing special exhibitions. The museum offers guided tours with special consideration for those with disabilities. Special events include brunch in the garden, drawing sessions, and occasional evenings at the museum.
Jardin Botanique E.M. Heckel is a botanical garden situated in the very heart of the city of Marseille in France. It is known for its extensive display of more than 3,500 species of plants, with the most notable highlights being the Chinese garden, palm garden, Japanese garden, Mediterranean garden and the unique greenhouse devoted entirely to plants of South Africa. This site is open from Tuesday to Sunday. For more information pertaining to the opening timings, kindly contact +33 8 9923 5991.
Le Moulin à Jazz is a major hub for jazz - both professional and amateur - in the Marseille region. Classes, workshops, and concerts are offered. Call for details.
For those captivated by the calanques, the rocky inlets that define Marseilles' coastline, Morgiou can be found betweeen Sormiou and Le Sugiton in the far south of the city heading towards Cassis. Starting from Luminy University car park you can enjoy long walks through the wild and uncultivated landscape, until you reach one of the most beautiful views of the calanques, with their turquoise waters and little chalets perched on the rocks.
Domaine de l'Olivette is a breathtaking vineyard that produces wine under the Bandol label. Though the land under cultivation is not very large, still the quality of the produce is counted as one of the best. New technologies and processes make wine making even more interesting. The vineyard also has a small store on the premises where you can purchase bottles of wine. Many musical and cultural events are held here regularly. Call ahead for more details.
Housed in the same building as Cinema Saint-Exupery, next to Espace Culturel Saint Exupery, this theater is a prime entertainment destination in Marignane. With a capacity for almost 600 persons, the theater is ideal for major events. The spacious stage and excellent light and sound equipment make sure that the entire audience gets the best view. Professional services for managing events ensure a smooth presentation.