Formerly the site of a zoological park, these gardens are situated behind Longchamp Palace -the sumptuous architectural masterpiece from the Second Empire built to commemorate the arrival of water in the city, and now home to both arts and science museums. The wealth of beautiful waterfalls, fountains and sculptures create a truly magical atmosphere, intoxicating every visitor with surroundings reminiscent of the Italian Renaissance. It is the perfect place to find peace and tranquillity. The Marseilles Observatory in Place Leverrier which holds regular planetarium shows is also nearby.
At the end of Cours Pierre Puget you'll come across the oldest garden in the city, dating back to the early 19th Century. Guarding the entrance is a staute of architect Pierre Puget, sculpted by Lombard in 1906. A magnificent view of the harbor can be enjoyed from the top of the hill.At the summit reach Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde can be reached by crossing the little footbridge. Before the ascent to the Oratoire, in Place du Colonel-Edon, the Joan of Arc tank which was hit by a German shell during the capture of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde on 25th August 1944 still stands.Admission: Free
Inaugurated in 2001, the "26th Centennial Park" contains 26 sequoia trees representing the 26 century-old history of Marseille. At the park entrance, a large metal tree sculpture stands, symbolizing hope. Four themed gardens (Provencal, Oriental, African and Asian) are there to choose from, according to mood. On the way are fountains and gazebos with views of Notre-Dame de la Garde. Three playgrounds are set up for children to play and several areas for Pétanque players (similar to Bocce). For refreshments, a snack and drink bar is located inside the park. The Parc du 26ème Centenaire is the perfect place to relax or walk around with friends and family. A great place for jogging too. - P.Wicki
In the mid-19th Century, Napoleon III built a magnificent palace and adjoining gardens on the Maure promontory - a section of land presented to him by the inhabitants of Marseillles. The gardens surround the Pharo Palace, and boast an incredible view of the city and its harbour. They also contain a children's play area, a merry-go-round, a refreshment stall and a monument to the victims of the sea (by André Verdilhan) opposite Fort St-Jean.
Set at the foot of the mountain road, after the Fausse-Monnaie bridge, the luxurious design of Valmer Park is dominated by the Valmer villa-architectural symbol of the Second Empire, perched on the headland. With wonderful views of Marseilles' harbour and islands, this is an ideal spot to enjoy peaceful and tranquil surroundings or take a stroll in the golden light of the Mediterranean sunset.
This magnificent 54-hectare (133-acre) park to the south of the city was designed by landscape gardener Alphan. Water is a major feature here, with beautiful ponds and lakes throughout. An 18th-century country house stands in the heart of this open space, complimented beautifully by a garden à la française and a 19th-century landscaped park. Other points of interest include botanical gardens with a rose garden and tropical greenhouse. Children love coming to Borély Park to feed the ducks, take the go-karts for a spin, or watch the model boats sailing on the lake. Admission is free.
Below the hills of Marseilleveyre there is a 112-hectare (277-acre) park: Campagne Pastré / Montredon Park which includes a 19th-century country house, the Chateau Pastré. The half-mile (0.8-kilometer) path to the Chateau is a nice walk past lawns, ponds and children's playgrounds. The Campagne Pastré / Montredon Park is the place for a game of pétanque, or a cultural outing (Musée de la Faïence - Tile Museum - in the Chateau Pastré), outdoor activities, a picnic or even a nap under the trees. What makes it even better is that it's only two steps from the beach! The Campagne Pastré / Park Montredon is also a great starting point for a hike into the Calanques. - P.Wicki