10 Best Views and Viewpoints of Marseille

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 metres in elevation.

Simply visiting the basilica itself allows you to take in scenic views of the surrounding area, but the view is even higher if you climb the tower to the observation point. It's located south of the city centre near the Saint-Victor area.

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.

Even if you're not interested in photos, just about everywhere you turn in this park provides impressive views of natural wonders. Taking a simple boat tour of the area will present quite a few viewpoints along the way, though a hike to one of the peaks does much of the same. The park is just a few miles south of Marseille.

Mucem is a local museum dedicated to historical European and Mediterranean civilisations that offers several distinctive viewpoints to explore. The museum complex here has 3 distinct sections with the first being the J4 Esplanade. 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. It's all located on the west side of Le Panier by the water.

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. 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.

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 Harbour and Friuli's Fort. It's located just off the western coast, and ferries take about 20 minutes to arrive.

Abbaye Saint-Victor is a historic basilica with crypts and Early Christian artworks, but those looking for stunning views can enjoy its tower. 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. It's located on the south side of the Old Port just east of Pharo.

The Terrace at InterContinental Marseille is a sophisticated and refined viewpoint that allows you to look out towards 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. The bar, on the other hand, specialises in unique cocktails and more comfortable lounge seating by the viewpoints. It's located in Le Panier on the north side of the Old Port.

Esplanade 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.

When you visit this square, you'll find several historic buildings and monuments along with a relaxing perspective to watch the boats in the harbour go in and out. The square is located specifically on the south-western side of Le Panier by the port across the water from Pharo.

Corniche Président John Fitzgerald Kennedy is an elevated street stretching nearly 2 miles that provides stunning views of the water and historic buildings. Named after the US president, this street features a bridge that looks out towards the Frioul archipelago and its accompanying fishermen's barracks.

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, as it's forbidden despite it being a popular recreational activity for locals since it's not that high. You'll find it south of the city centre along the western coast.

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. The park is well-kept with plenty of green spaces and paths perfect for strolling 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. Renting a bike and cycling through the paths allow you to enjoy scenic views along the way as well. It's located in northern Pharo near the edge of the port.

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.

Visiting this fort allows you to gaze out into the Old Port from the tower's observation deck with panoramic views stretching in every direction. It's conveniently located on the south-western tip of Hotel de Ville on the north side of the port.