Trip Planner:   Europe  /  France  /  Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur  /  Bouches-du-Rhone  /  Marseille  /  Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde

Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, Marseille

4.8
#1 of 450 in Historic Sites in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur
Must see · Religious Site · Tourist Spot
Create an itinerary including Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde
Climb up the hill for a beautiful view of the bay from Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, located at the highest natural point in Marseille. This Catholic basilica, showing Roman architectural influences, is the town's most prominent landmark. The church was built by the architect Henri-Jacques Espérandieu on a 149 m (490 ft) limestone outcrop on the south side of the old port. Seek out the great bell and silver statues of religious figures within the basilica. Planning Marseille trip won't be overwhelming when you use Inspirock's itinerary maker.
Create a full itinerary - for free!

Tours to Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde

Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
13,455 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • We stopped here on the hop-on-hop off bus tour and climbed the steps to the cathedral. Its quite a climb but the views are absolutely magnificent and worth while. Inside the actual church is... 
    We stopped here on the hop-on-hop off bus tour and climbed the steps to the cathedral. Its quite a climb but the views are absolutely magnificent and worth while. Inside the actual church is...  more »
  • If you’re in Marseille for any amount of time, you cannot miss this. Sitting on top of the tallest hill of the city in full view from the harbor is this church. From the grounds around the base... 
    If you’re in Marseille for any amount of time, you cannot miss this. Sitting on top of the tallest hill of the city in full view from the harbor is this church. From the grounds around the base...  more »
Google
  • Absolutely BEAUTIFUL. Its a quite the steep journey however it is worth it once you reach the top. I can not describe just how beautiful and stunning it is when you are there. The pictures do not grasp the amount of beauty. Highly recommend this. If I had one place to visit in Marseille I would pick the top of this church. You can see everything from there. It looks like Greece :D
  • Absolutely stunning basilica - and a must-see in Marseille. I first visited on the Saturday, but because of high winds the entrance to the basilica was closed. I was told I could enter via the crypt, but there was a mass happening and nobody was allowed to enter either the crypt or the basilica. Luckily I was able to return on Monday (thought I’d give Sunday a miss as there was only a half hour window to visit at 9am due to masses being held throughout the day). I’m so glad I had the time to come back, as the basilica is absolutely stunning. The views from outside are pretty gorgeous too. Entrance is free, but I’d recommend paying 1€ for the pamphlet at reception - which points out some interesting facts and items to view. Also, the walk up is hard going - even for the fittest of walkers. I’ve climbed Ben Nevis, so I know what I’m talking about! If the weather is cool then go for it, but when it’s hot…no thanks! You can get the No.60 bus from Vieux-Port (I’d recommend getting on there as the bus does get packed pretty quickly). The journey takes around 10-15 minutes by bus and drops you off directly outside the basilica. It costs 2€, and if by chance you can’t get in because of high winds (or mass) it covers the cost of the trip back down - as long as it’s within an hour of purchase.

Plan your trip to Marseille

  • Get a personalized trip
    A full day by day itinerary based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Book it
    Choose from the best hotels and activities. Up to 50% off
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place. Everyone on the same page.