Topped by a monumental gilded bronze statue of the Virgin and Child-- added in 1870-- Marseille's distinctive basilica dominates the city from its highest point of 154 meters (505 feet). It was formerly used as a look-out post and important city fortification (François I had a fort built here in 1524). The hill on which it stands (Colline de la Garde) became a popular place of worship and pilgrimage with the building of this Romano-Byzantine-style basilica. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica was built on the site of the first chapel erected here in 1214. Today's basilica, designed by Espérandieu, formed part of major building work undertaken during the Second Empire and was consecrated in 1864.
Palais Longchamp, designed by architect Henri-Jacques Espérandieu, was built in conjunction with the construction of the canal in 1839. The arrival of water from the Durance in 1849 allowed the town to supply the new districts to the east. Today, the waterfalls, ornamental lakes, fountains and numerous sculptures give this enchanting place an Italian Renaissance feel. Housing Marseilles' Fine Arts Museum in its left-wing and the Natural History Museum in the right, this watery palace, a masterpiece of the Second Empire, commemorates and unites the glory of water, the arts and the sciences under one magnificent roof.
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.
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.
Just off the coast of Marseilles, the islands of If, Tiboulen, Pomègues and Ratonneau, form the Frioul archipelago. Pomègues and Ratonneau are connected by a sea wall, and present an arid, windswept landscape where sea birds seek refuge. The rugged contours of the coastline are broken up by rocky inlets, fine sandy beaches and small coves. On Ratonneau you can see the Neoclassical chapel, and the Hôpital Caroline, designed by architect Penchaud, where in centuries gone by, those who had contracted yellow fever were kept in quarantine before being allowed access to the city. Take time to appreciate the unrestricted, breathtaking view of Marseilles - a vantage point that only the islands can offer!
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.
Topped by a monumental gilded bronze statue of the Virgin and Child-- added in 1870-- Marseille's distinctive basilica dominates the city from its highest point of 154 meters (505 feet). It was formerly used as a look-out post and important city fortification (François I had a fort built here in 1524). The hill on which it stands (Colline de la Garde) became a popular place of worship and pilgrimage with the building of this Romano-Byzantine-style basilica. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica was built on the site of the first chapel erected here in 1214. Today's basilica, designed by Espérandieu, formed part of major building work undertaken during the Second Empire and was consecrated in 1864.
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.
Château La Coste is a beautiful estate in the vineyard town of Le Puy Sainte Réparade. Sprawling over 101 hectares (250 acres), it is replete with a 17th-century Venetian villa surrounded by a verdant landscape and farmland. Olive trees, oaks, grapevines and wildflowers dot the scenery while farm cottages and art installations are highlighting features. It houses a winery built by the renowned Jean Nouvel. Its manufacturing process incorporates sustainable fermentation methods and their eco-conscious wine labels include Première Cuvée Blanc, Rosé d'une Nuit and Les Pentes Douces Rouge. Take a guided tour of the property on their organized walks and enjoy exquisite wine tastings with cheese and confections.
Just off the coast of Marseilles, the islands of If, Tiboulen, Pomègues and Ratonneau, form the Frioul archipelago. Pomègues and Ratonneau are connected by a sea wall, and present an arid, windswept landscape where sea birds seek refuge. The rugged contours of the coastline are broken up by rocky inlets, fine sandy beaches and small coves. On Ratonneau you can see the Neoclassical chapel, and the Hôpital Caroline, designed by architect Penchaud, where in centuries gone by, those who had contracted yellow fever were kept in quarantine before being allowed access to the city. Take time to appreciate the unrestricted, breathtaking view of Marseilles - a vantage point that only the islands can offer!