Family-Friendly Adventures in Marseille!

Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica (La Bonne Mère)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary: Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica (La Bonne Mère)

Morning Arrival

Start your day early to make the most out of your visit to Notre-Dame de la Garde, affectionately called "La Bonne Mère" by locals, meaning "The Good Mother." This iconic symbol of Marseille sits on the city"s highest point, offering spectacular views.

Getting There

The most family-friendly way to reach the basilica is by taking the tourist train from the Old Port (Vieux Port). It’s fun for kids and less strenuous than walking. The journey offers scenic views and interesting commentary, making the ride educational. Alternatively, bus 60 from the port is an option, but be prepared for a steep walk from the bus stop to the basilica.

Explore the Basilica

Once there, marvel at the stunning Neo-Byzantine architecture of the basilica, completed in 1864. Inside, the mosaic interiors and the maritime ex-votos, paintings, and models of boats given by sailors to thank the Virgin for safe passages, will capture the family’s imagination. The statue of the Virgin and Child, made of copper gilded with gold leaf, stands proudly atop the bell tower, watching over sailors.

Climb to the Viewing Decks

Don"t miss climbing up to the terraces where panoramic views of Marseille and the Mediterranean await. It’s a great spot for family photos!

Lunch Break

Enjoy a picnic with local treats like navettes (a local biscuit), or head back to the Old Port for a seaside lunch.

Afternoon Leisure

Post-lunch, take a leisurely stroll in the Old Port where you can enjoy a boat tour or visit the nearby MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations), which offers engaging exhibits for all ages.

End of Day

Wrap up your day with some ice cream at the port and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Marseille!

This itinerary promises a blend of culture, history, and stunning scenery, making it a memorable day for the whole family at La Bonne Mère.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Cantini Museum (Musée Cantini)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Musée Cantin in Marseille:

Morning: Visit Musée Cantini

Start your morning by heading to the Musée Cantini, located at 19 Rue Grignan in the heart of Marseille. Easily accessible via the metro (stop: Estrangin-Préfecture on Line M1), the museum is a gem for art lovers, housed in a stunning 17th-century mansion. Musée Cantini specializes in modern art, with collections that span from the early 20th century up to the 1960s, making it a captivating exploration of art for all ages.

Interesting Fact: The museum"s building itself is a piece of history, originally built for Dominique Cantini in 1694 and turned into a museum in 1936.

Lunch Break: Parc Longchamp

After exploring the museum, take a 20-minute walk or a short tram ride (T2) to Parc Longchamp. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the majestic surroundings of this historic park, which offers plenty of space for children to play and adults to relax. Don’t miss the impressive water fountain and the classical architecture of the Palais Longchamp.

Afternoon: Palais Longchamp

Post-lunch, step into the Palais Longchamp, situated within the park. It houses the Museum of Fine Arts and the Natural History Museum. While the Museum of Fine Arts offers an enchanting view of older art periods, the Natural History Museum captivates the curious minds of children with its exhibits on biodiversity and geology.

Interesting Fact: The Palais Longchamp was constructed to celebrate the construction of the Canal de Marseille, which brought water from the Durance River to Marseille.

Evening: Vieux Port

Wrap up your day with a stroll to the Vieux Port, a 20-minute metro ride back towards the city center. This vibrant harbor area is perfect for a leisurely evening, with plenty of cafes and gelaterias to indulge in while enjoying the sunset views over the Mediterranean.

This itinerary offers a blend of artistic enrichment and relaxed outdoor activities, ideal for a family day out in Marseille.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

La Corniche

Why Visit?

La Corniche, located in Marseille, France, offers a stunning coastal promenade perfect for a family outing. Begin your day at the picturesque Vieux Port, the old harbor, where fishermen sell their catch in the morning fish market. Here, you can hop on the #83 bus which travels along the Corniche Kennedy, offering beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea.

First stop: the Vallon des Auffes, a quaint fishing village under a stone bridge about 10 minutes from Vieux Port. Explore this charming enclave with its traditional fishing boats and waterfront restaurants where you can taste Bouillabaisse, a local fish stew.

Continue your journey along La Corniche to the Prado Beaches, a series of sandy spots perfect for relaxation and a family picnic. Spend an hour or two enjoying the sun, sea, and sand. There"s plenty of space for the kids to play and for adults to soak up the scenic views.

Next, take a short walk or bus ride to the Parc Balnéaire du Prado, a large public park adjacent to the beaches. It features playgrounds, skate parks, and open spaces for kite flying or just strolling around.

Wrap up your day with a visit to the Notre-Dame de la Garde, located slightly inland. You can take bus #83 back towards the city center and switch to bus #60 which will take you up to this famous basilica. Sitting atop Marseille’s highest point, it offers panoramic views of the entire city and the sea—an unforgettable sight as the sun sets.

Each stop on this tour offers a blend of natural beauty, local culture, and relaxation, making La Corniche an ideal destination for a family-friendly day trip in Marseille.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Marseille Cathedral (Cathédrale La Major)

Why Visit?

Welcome to Marseille, where the stunning Cathédrale La Major serves as a perfect starting point for a family-friendly exploration of this vibrant city!

Morning: Visit Cathédrale La Major

Start your day at Marseille Cathedral, located near the historic Old Port. This grand cathedral, a national monument of France, showcases a striking mix of Romanesque and Byzantine architecture. It"s impressively large, capable of accommodating 3,000 people. The intricate mosaics and vast domes inside create an awe-inspiring atmosphere that fascinates both kids and adults alike. Take your time to appreciate the beautiful sea views from the cathedral’s steps.

How to get there: The cathedral is easily accessible by metro (Joliette Station), bus, or a leisurely walk from the city center.

Lunch: Panier District

After exploring the cathedral, head to the nearby Panier District, Marseille’s oldest quarter. Just a 10-minute walk from La Major, this area offers charming streets and a variety of cafes where you can enjoy a family lunch. Try some local specialties like bouillabaisse or a slice of freshly made pizza.

Afternoon: Visit the Mucem

Post lunch, make your way to the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations (MuCEM), about a 15-minute walk along the scenic waterfront. This striking museum, connected to Fort Saint-Jean, provides interactive exhibits that engage children with the history and culture of the Mediterranean region. Don’t miss the rooftop terrace for panoramic views of the sea and city.

How to get to MuCEM: Walk along the Quai de la Tourette, which leads directly from La Major to the museum.

Evening: Old Port

Wrap up your day with a stroll back to the Old Port. This bustling harbor area is perfect for a leisurely evening. Enjoy street performers, grab some gelato, and watch the sunset over the boats.

Each site offers a slice of Marseille’s rich history and lively culture, making for an unforgettable family day out!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations (Le Mucem)

Why Visit?

Explore the enchanting Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations (MuCEM) with your family for a memorable cultural experience. Located at the entrance of the Old Port in Marseille, this architectural marvel is easily accessible by public transit—take the metro to either Joliette or Vieux-Port station and enjoy a scenic walk along the waterfront.

Start your visit at the iconic J4 building, designed by architect Rudy Ricciotti. This stunning cube-like structure is enveloped in a lacy concrete screen, offering spectacular views of the sea. Engage with exhibitions that delve into the historical and cultural exchanges across the Mediterranean. For families, interactive displays and multimedia installations promise an engaging experience for all ages.

Next, take the soaring footbridge to Fort Saint-Jean, an ancient fortress that offers a journey through time with its medieval architecture and lush gardens. Kids will love exploring the secret passageways and discovering the elevated walkways that provide panoramic views of the city and sea.

Allocate time to relax in the Mediterranean gardens, where you can discuss the fascinating exhibits or enjoy a family picnic with views of the sea. Don"t miss the opportunity to visit the museum"s rooftop terrace, where you can indulge in delicious treats from the café while soaking up the Mediterranean sun.

Plan your visit on the first Sunday of the month when admission is free, making it an affordable cultural outing. Before going, check the museum"s website for family-friendly workshops and events that could enrich your visit.

MuCEM"s blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture promises a captivating day out for families, leaving both adults and children with a deeper appreciation of Mediterranean civilizations.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.