Founded by the Greeks, this is the oldest city in France and has become the second French most important city and the main economic centre of the French Midi.

With a strong Mediterranean character, its atmosphere can be enjoyed in the Old Port and in the numerous bars and restaurants. City of art and culture, Marseille has many wonders to share. With its 26 centuries of existence, it combines tradition and modernity.

The city is deeply marked by its past, and evokes the remains of all the cities that have come and gone over the centuries. The visitor will be taken on a journey from the dawn of our century to modern times and the great architectural achievements of the 21st century, passing through the medieval religious foundations, the fortifications of the sixteenth century, the luxurious residences of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries and the numerous buildings built in the nineteenth century. The city is filled with monuments, sites and museums.

The sun is a more attractive within its pleasant surroundings. The mistral wind provides you with the luminosity that has inspired famous painters: Cézanne, Braque, Dufy, Derain and Marquet, among others, who painted the small port of L'Estaque.

Marseille, city of art and culture

If you are thinking about what to see in Marseille, we tell you about some of the places you cannot miss, although there is much more to discover:

  • Notre-Dame de la Garde
    One of the city's symbols, with more than 800 years of history. With a height of 157 metres, it offers one of the best views of Marseille. Famous for its pilgrimages, the so-called Bonne Mère has been rebuilt twice.
  • The Cathedral of Santa María La Mayor.
    Located between the neighbourhoods of the Old Port, Le Panier and La Joliette, this is another of Marseille's most charming places. This is the city's oldest church and is actually made up of two overlapping churches: the old and the new Major church. With a Byzantine style, it is one of the largest churches in France, which took 40 years to build.
  • Abbaye Saint-Victor
    Located on the city's highest parts, this is a religious and cultural monument that reflects the city's historical character. A true treasure of the early Christian era and of Romanesque architecture that has become one of the most beautiful churches in the city.
  • If castle
    This fortress was built on If island, in Friuli archipelago, as a means to defend the coast of Marseille. It started to be used as a prison in 1540. In Alexandre Dumas' best-selling novel, the hero Edmond Dantes is imprisoned here. Do you dare to discover the castle's history and legends?

Travel to Marseille by train

Everything ready for your next trip? On our AVE (high-speed) International trains AVE (high-speed) France you only have to worry about packing your luggage. ​​

Have you chosen the destination of your next cultural visit? Choose how you would like to travel and what you would like to visit and we will define the destinations and means of transport. Have you found out about our discounts? Benefit from our discounts and get the best price for your train tickets.
 

Marseille Saint-Charles station

​​Marseille Saint-Charles station is only 1.5 km away from the city centre​.