Notre-Dame de la Garde

Where it is & how to get there

• Bus: Bus 60 runs from the Vieux-Port (Cours Jean Ballard) to the basilica.
• Tourist train: The Petit Train de Marseille climbs from the Vieux-Port in season.
• On foot: About 30–40 minutes uphill from the Vieux-Port; steep but rewarding.

The story of Notre-Dame de la Garde

A chapel stood on this limestone peak from the 13th century, and a fort was added under King François I in the 1520s. The present basilica was built between 1853 and 1864 by architect Henri-Jacques Espérandieu in a Romano-Byzantine style, with striped stone and a bell tower topped by an 11-metre gilded statue of the Virgin and Child.

Marseille's people call it "La Bonne Mère", the Good Mother, protector of sailors and fishermen. Inside, hundreds of ex-votos, model boats and paintings thank her for rescues at sea. Bullet marks on the walls date from the battle for the city's liberation in August 1944.

Best time to visit

Tips before you go

• Go late afternoon for golden light over the port, then stay for sunset.
• Entry is free; dress respectfully as it is an active place of worship.
• Look for the Château d'If and the Frioul islands from the terrace.

What's around Notre-Dame de la Garde

• Vieux-PortThe Old Port, 30 minutes downhill or one bus ride.
• Abbaye Saint-VictorOne of the oldest churches in France, with ancient crypts.
• Vallon des AuffesA tiny fishing harbour under a bridge on the Corniche.
• Corniche KennedyThe seafront road with views to the islands.

Questions travellers ask