Marseille Shore Excursion: Notre-Dame & Palais Longchamp Tour

Four stops that show Marseille's layers: water, faith, art and history

A half-day guided tour of Marseille for cruise passengers, departing from the port with driver and minivan transport included. The route moves through the Old Port and city center, then climbs to Notre-Dame de la Garde, the city's most visited landmark, before reaching Palais Longchamp and a view of Château d'If. Free time in the city center lets you explore on your own before returning to the ship.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each4 stops

1. Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica30m
2. Palais Longchamp20m
3. Abbey of Saint Victor15m
4. Old Port of Marseille30m

Marseille city sightseeing highlights

• Visit Old Port and city center
• See Palais Longchamp and gardens
• Explore Abbey of Saint Victor
• Visit oldest bakery and learn about Navette Biscuit
• Pass by Porte d'Aix triumphal arch
• Ascend to Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica
• Stop at viewpoint of Château d’If
• Free time to explore city center

The experience

The tour starts at the Old Port, where Marseille's medieval core meets the working waterfront. From there the guide takes you through the historic city center and up to Notre-Dame de la Garde, a Roman-Byzantine basilica built in 1864 that sits on a hilltop overlooking the entire city and coastline. The basilica is the most visited site in Marseille and the centerpiece of an Assumption Day pilgrimage that draws thousands each year. Palais Longchamp comes next: an 1869 monument built to celebrate the arrival of water from the Durance River, now housing two museums and surrounded by one of France's notable gardens. A scenic stop overlooks Château d'If, the fortress island made famous by Alexandre Dumas's novel.

The minivan is air-conditioned and seats small to large groups (up to 40 people depending on the option you choose). Port pickup and drop-off are included, so there's no need to arrange separate transport back to your ship. A live guide speaks English or French. The tour runs four hours, leaving time to return to the terminal before your re-boarding window. You'll have free time to explore the Old Port area on your own. The guide can point out the oldest bakery in Marseille, dating to 1781, which specializes in navette biscuits, a local pastry.

What’s included

• Driver and live guide in English or French.
• air-conditioned minivan or bus transport.
• port pickup and drop-off.
• fuel surcharge.

Options for this experience

2 options

Marseille Shore Excursion: Small Group City Sightseeing Tour of MarseilleGuide in English or French · 09:00

Hotel Pick upGuide in English or French · 09:00, 09:30, 11:00 and 12:30Lasts 4 hours; includes pickup

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Lasts 4h, runs every day, 4 start times, from € 80 per person, with a live guide in English and French and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 09:30, 11:00 and 12:30

Book up toStart time

GroupUp to 40

Live guideEnglish and French

Audio guideSpanish, French, German, Italian and Chinese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessiblePublic transport nearby

Operated by DOMITIA TOURS

Is this one for you?Book the small group option if you want a more intimate pace through each site. The hotel pickup option works if you're staying in Marseille rather than on a cruise ship. A minimum of two people per booking is required, and the tour suits all fitness levels, though Notre-Dame de la Garde involves climbing to a hilltop basilica.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Notre-Dame de la Garde and why is it the most visited site in Marseille?

Notre-Dame de la Garde is a Catholic basilica built in 1864 in Roman-Byzantine style, perched on a hilltop overlooking the city and coast. It's the city's best-known symbol and draws pilgrims especially on Assumption Day. The panoramic views from the top are the main draw for most visitors.

Can I book this tour if I'm traveling with a wheelchair?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible. Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated if you're accompanied by someone who can assist you boarding and disembarking the minivan.

What does Palais Longchamp have inside it?

Palais Longchamp houses the Musée des beaux-arts (fine arts museum) and the Muséum d'histoire naturelle de Marseille (natural history museum). The surrounding Longchamp Park is listed by the French Ministry of Culture as one of France's notable gardens.

How much free time do I get to explore on my own?

The tour includes free time in the Old Port and city center of Marseille where you can explore independently. The total tour runs four hours, so the amount of unguided time depends on how long the stops at the main sites take.

What's included in the price and what do I need to pay for separately?

The tour includes the driver and guide, air-conditioned minivan transport, and port pickup and drop-off. Food, drinks, lunch and gratuities are not included and are your own expense.