Photographer's Guide to Marseille: 10 Best Views and Viewpoints
Where to Take the Best Photos of Marseille?
Marseille is an old city with views and viewpoints that allow you to take in all that history alongside its modern majesty with a sense of wonder and perspective. Whether you’re interested in taking photos or just experiencing the awe of the city, you won’t want to miss the top local viewpoints.
This city dates back several thousand years when it was first founded as Massalia, and you can see its rich history through its landmarks and viewpoints. Check out some of the best views and viewpoints of Marseille, and discover some of the best sights in the entire city.
1. Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica
One of Marseille’s most well-known symbols
Good for: Families, History, Photo
Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica is a towering church situated on a hill above the city, and it offers stunning 360-degree views of the entire city. It’s set atop the highest natural point in Marseille measuring about 149 meters in elevation. This spectacular church is located south of the city center near the Saint-Victor area.
Simply visiting the basilica itself allows you to take in scenic views of the surrounding area, but if you want to have an even better view, climb up to the tower’s observation platform. Read more
Location: Rue Fort du Sanctuaire, 13006 Marseille, France
Open: Daily from 7 am to 6 pm
Phone: +33 (0)4 91 13 40 80
Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica
2. Calanques National Park
Where you can capture natural beauty
Good for: Adventure, Photo
Calanques National Park is a renowned and breathtaking natural park mostly defined by its staggering cliffs and inviting blue waters providing extensive photo opportunities. Several different perspectives are available here whether you’re looking to get a shot from the water or from atop a cliff. You can find the park just a few kilometers south of Marseille.
Even if you’re not interested in photos, just about everywhere you turn in this park provides impressive views of natural wonders. Take a boat tour in the area to discover new perspectives and viewpoints along the way, or hike to one of the peaks for even more spectacular photos. Read more
Location: 13009 Marseille, France
Phone: +33 (0)4 20 10 50 00
Calanques National Park
3. Mucem
Views from a museum
Good for: Photo, Unusual
Mucem is a local museum dedicated to historical European and Mediterranean civilizations that offers several distinctive viewpoints to explore. The museum complex here has three distinct sections. In addition to its auditorium and exhibition space, you can visit a restaurant that provides panoramic views of the area.
At the Saint Jean Fort section of the complex, you’ll find yourself next to a 12th-century historical monument above the sea that features beautiful views of the sea you won’t want to miss. Experience it all on the west side of Le Panier by the water. Read more
Location: 1 Esp. J4, 13002 Marseille, France
Phone: +33 (0)4 84 35 13 13
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Mucem
4. Château d’If
A historic castle
Good for: History, Photo
Château d’If is a castle situated on an islet dating back to the 16th century that’s still standing tall and provides impressive views of the water from the ramparts. It’s located just off the western coast, and ferries take about 20 minutes to arrive.
From this historic castle, you can take in views of the entire city of Marseille. The best opportunities for photos typically consist of capturing the Marseille Harbor and Friuli’s Fort. The only way to get to this castle is via ferry boat, so make sure you check their schedule to fit this into your itinerary. Read more
Location: Embarcadère Frioul If, 1 Quai de la Fraternité, 13001 Marseille, France
Open: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm
Phone: +33 (0)6 03 06 25 26
Château d'If
5. Abbaye Saint-Victor
A lookout point in a historic tower
Good for: History, Photo
Abbaye Saint-Victor is a historic basilica with crypts and Early Christian artworks, but those looking for stunning views can enjoy its tower. You’ll find it on the south side of the Old Port just east of Pharo. From the tower, you’ll be able to see quite a bit of Marseille with particularly scenic perspectives on the Old Port area.
It’s important to note just how old this abbey is. It was founded in the 5th century. While much of the construction and the current structure are far more recent, its origins put you in one of the most historically significant viewpoints in the city. Visit at sunset to capture Marseille basking in pink and orange hues.
Location: Pl. Saint-Victor, 13007 Marseille, France
Open: Daily from 9 am to 7 pm
Phone: +33 (0)4 96 11 22 60
Abbaye Saint-Victor
6. The Terrace at InterContinental Marseille
A grandiose viewpoint
Good for: Luxury, Nightlife, Photo
The Terrace at InterContinental Marseille is a sophisticated and refined viewpoint that allows you to look out toward the Old Port and basilica with food and drink. The entire atmosphere is refined whether you visit the restaurant or the bar, both of which feature picturesque viewpoints of the city.
On the restaurant side of the terrace, the tables are situated with viewpoints in mind allowing you to enjoy fine French food along with the view. Swing by the bar that specializes in unique cocktails and has a more comfortable lounge seating by the viewpoints.
The Terrace at InterContinental Marseille
7. Malecon de la Tourette
A viewpoint you’d see on a postcard
Good for: Budget, Photo
Malecon de la Tourette is a city square that offers some of the most iconic views of Marseille with a perfect angle on the Old Port and Bonne Mere. In fact, this viewpoint is commonly used as a backdrop for local news channels. The square is located on the south-western side of Le Panier by the port across the water from Pharo.
When you visit this square, you’ll find several historic buildings and monuments along with a relaxing perspective to watch the boats in the harbor go in and out. Look for interesting angles of the city or photograph the hustle and bustle in the Old Port.
Malecon de la Tourette
8. Corniche Président John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Strolling along a picturesque street
Good for: Budget, Photo
Corniche Président John Fitzgerald Kennedy is an elevated street stretching over 3 km that provides stunning views of the water and historic buildings. Named after the U.S. president, this street features a bridge that looks out toward the Frioul archipelago and its accompanying fishermen’s barracks. You’ll find it south of the city centre along the western coast.
A lot of the buildings nearby date back to the late 19th century, so it’s a useful location for photos of historic structures. Just try to resist jumping into the sea below to cool down, as it’s forbidden despite it being a popular recreational activity for locals since it’s not that high.
Corniche Président John Fitzgerald Kennedy
9. Émile Duclaux Park/Jardin du Pharo
A park with multiple viewpoints
Good for: Budget, Families, Photo
Émile Duclaux Park/Jardin du Pharo is a lovely park by the waterfront that allows you to gaze out into the sea or take in views of the Old Port. It’s located in northern Pharo near the edge of the port. The park is well-kept with plenty of green spaces and paths perfect for walking or cycling.
The viewpoints are apparent and easily accessible when you visit with opportunities to lay on the soft grass and take in the views. Rent a bike and cycle through the paths to enjoy scenic views along the way and discover even more beautiful spots to photograph.
Location: 86 Bd Charles Livon, 13007 Marseille, France
Open: Daily from 7 am to 9 pm
Émile Duclaux Park/Jardin du Pharo
10. Fort Saint-Jean
A viewpoint immersed in Marseille’s history
Good for: History, Photo
Fort Saint-Jean is a historic structure dating back to the 14th century with stunning viewpoints available from its many towers. While the fort itself dates all the way back to 1365, its iconic round tower wasn’t constructed until the 17th century.
The fort is conveniently located on the south-western tip of Hotel de Ville on the north side of the port. For the best panoramic views and photo opportunities, gaze out into the Old Port from the tower’s observation deck and see what pops up in the viewfinder. Read more
Location: Prom. Robert Laffont, 13002 Marseille, France
Open: Monday, Wednesday–Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm (closed on Tuesdays)
Phone: +33 (0)4 84 35 13 13
Fort Saint-Jean
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