Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, Marseille

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.

We were staying on the other side of the marina and decided to take a day trip. The hills and stairs are no joke in near 100 degree weather. I got sunburned and we stopped for a quick cafe when we made it up the first round of hill. The walk/hike was WELL worth it the basilique is beautiful as are the views... I highly recommend the trek if you are up for it... I believe there is also a bus that runs every 20 minutes...

It is a place where one can find peace in midst of Marseille crowd. A place to stay calm after roaming around the city. The view of the city from here is just fantastic. To reach here, I’d suggest to have a walk from vieux port. It’ll be bit of a hiking like and then stairs however it worth because as one climbs up, the view on their back keeps growing into something superb. Though, there are buses and touristic train available to reach there. You can also take your own car. There’s a parking for them. The sunset view is worth viewing from here.

Being located in a very high place, you can have an amazing view over all of Marseille. The church is very beautiful and I would recommend to go there to see the sunset. The church does close around 6pm, but then you can still go down the stairs and watch the sunset there. People told us is wasn't worth walking up there because it took them around 1h climbing and they had to walk on the road not even a nice path, we took the bus 60 from the port which costs 2€ and it takes around 15min. To walk down, we did go by walking because it was only 23min and we didn't have to climb.