-
Provided by: BearFotos/Shutterstock
Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.
*this will be downloaded as a PDF.Price
€4,95
Museum of the Roman Docks (Marseille)
The guide was updated:The Museum of the Roman Docks is situated on the site of a Roman docks warehouse discovered after World War II. Here you can find a range of impressive artefacts discovered during the reconstruction of the old harbour. One of its primary attractions is the 'dolia' — large ceramic containers once used to store oils and wines.
Useful Information
- Address: 28 Place Vivaux, Marseille
- Opening hours: Tue–Sun 9am–6pm, Mon closed
- Phone: +33 4 91 55 36 00
Digital Travel Guide Download
Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.
*this will be downloaded as a PDF.Price
€4,95
Immerse yourself in the captivating aroma of Provence by visiting its famous lavender fields. While the duration of the lavender season varies across different areas of Provence, it generally takes place from the last week of June to the beginning of August when the flowers are harvested. This is the perfect time to capture stunning photographs and witness the biggest variety of shades of blue and purple.
If you're looking for the best areas to see lavender fields in Provence, the Plateau de Valensole and Luberon are both popular choices. Sault, located just off the city of Avignon, is also a celebrated destination for lavender enthusiasts, as it's home to one of the most spectacular lavender fields in France and hosts the yearly Lavender Festival every August.
And if you want to learn more about the interesting history and uses of lavender, be sure to visit the Lavender Museum. Here, you can discover everything there is to know about Provence's number one export and the beloved flower that is the soul of this beautiful region.
Bookable
Read more
Arles Amphitheatre (Arles)
The Arles Amphitheatre (Arènes d'Arles) is the most prominent tourist attraction in the town. It was constructed in 90 AD and could seat up to 20,000 people. The design of the amphitheatre was influenced by the famous Coliseum in Rome and it features 120 arches, galleries, staircases, and two levels of seating. The venue hosted a range of entertainment events such as gladiatorial contests, chariot races, and plays for over four centuries.
Read more
Palais des Papes (Avignon)
The Palais des Papes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a magnificent historical palace located in Avignon and one of the most grandiose medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. It once served as a fortress and palace and housed 9 Popes throughout the 14th century. Visitors can explore the palace and gain an insight into its rich history by visiting more than 20 rooms, including the Papal apartments adorned with frescoes painted by the renowned Italian artist Matteo Giovannetti.
Read more
Vincent van Gogh Foundation (Arles)
The Vincent van Gogh Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to celebrating the works of this prolific artist whose creativity blossomed during his stay in Arles between 1888 and 1889.
But the Vincent van Gogh Foundation is more than just a museum showcasing the artist's works; it is a platform that explores the impact of van Gogh's art on the contemporary world. The foundation achieves this by presenting his original works alongside those of contemporary artists paying tribute to the Dutch master through temporary exhibitions renewed once or twice a year.
Read more
Pont du Gard
The Pont du Gard is a remarkable ancient Roman aqueduct bridge located near the town of Vers-Pont-du-Gard, less than 40 min from Avignon. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited attractions in the country. The bridge is renowned for its impressive engineering, stunning beauty, and historical significance, serving as a testament to the advanced engineering and architectural capabilities of the Roman Empire.
Read more
Calanques National Park
Located between the communes of Marseille and Cassis, the Calanques National Park is a sequence of stunning inlets boasting breathtaking landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and a plethora of outdoor activities.
The Park includes coastal mountain ranges, a vast expanse of the Mediterranean Sea, several islands, and one of the world's most bountiful submarine canyons. One of the most enjoyable ways to experience the Calanques is by hiking along one of the numerous trails within the park. However, if trekking is not your thing, don't miss out on the Calanques' splendour by embarking on a sailboat or a catamaran to explore this wondrous area from the water.
Bookable
Read more
Picasso Museum (Antibes)
The Picasso Museum in Antibes is housed in the stunning Château Grimaldi, where Pablo Picasso took up residence following an invitation by the then-curator of the Grimaldi Museum. During his two prolific years in Antibes, Picasso produced numerous works that he later donated to the castle.
The museum displays an impressive collection of Picasso's paintings, drawings, ceramics, and sculptures, as well as some of his personal belongings. Additionally, the museum features works by other artists who inspired or were influenced by the Spanish artist. Visitors can enjoy the stunning views of the Mediterranean from the castle's ramparts and explore the museum's beautiful sculpture garden.
Read more
French Riviera Day Trip with Monaco & Cannes from Nice
Explore the south of France's playground of the rich and famous on this day trip to Cannes & Monaco from Nice. Prepare yourself to feel like a movie star as you tour the Côte d'Azur's elegant coastal towns like Cannes, Èze, and Juan-les-Pins, as well as the glamorous city-state of Monaco.
Bookable
Read more
Gorges du Verdon
Carved by the Verdon River, Gorges du Verdon is a remarkable natural setting that is among the most spectacular in Europe. This 25-kilometre limestone canyon is characterised by turquoise waters and reaches depths of over 700 meters at some points.
Travellers have several options for experiencing this breathtaking landscape, including driving along the top, climbing the sides, hiking into it, or kayaking through it — with the latter being the most popular choice. The kayak route leads to the stunning artificial lake of Sainte-Croix, which is an ideal spot for renting a pedalo, having a picnic, or simply admiring the magnificent scenery.
Read more
Museum of Civilisations of Europe & the Mediterranean (Marseille)
The MuCEM (Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée) is an award-winning museum dedicated to the rich history of the civilisations of Europe and the Mediterranean. It was designed by French-Algerian architect Rudy Ricciotti and built in 2013, the year in which the city of Marseille was named the cultural capital of Europe.
Situated on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, the building has become an iconic landmark of the city. The museum is shaped like a large cube with sides that measure approximately 72 meters in length, and it has three floors. Its facades are made up of hollow concrete elements that shimmer like silver in the sun and offer breathtaking views of the sea from all angles.
Read more
Promenade des Anglais (Nice)
The Promenade des Anglais is the most famous stretch of seafront in Nice, and it owes its name to the English ex-pats who paid for it in 1822. Over the years, it has become a fashionable meeting place for beach lovers, joggers, skaters, and cyclists alike.
The seven-kilometre walkway offers stunning views of one of the most beautiful bays on the Côte d'Azur. As you stroll along the promenade, keep an eye out for some of its landmarks, including the iconic Hôtel Negresco and the art-deco Palais de la Méditerranée. You'll also see the giant iron sculpture, La Chaise de SAB, created by Niçoise sculptor Sabine Géraudie in 2014, which pays homage to the city’s famous blue-and-white beach chairs.
Read more
Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde (Marseille)
An emblematic figure of Marseille, the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, known to locals as la Bonne Mère, towers on a hilltop 154 metres above the city, with the gilded statue of the Virgin Mary stretching skywards. The views from up here are simply stunning. Take the shuttle for convenience or embark on a just-under-an-hour-long hike up from the old port.
Read more
Ride the Cable Car to Mount Faron (Toulon)
A must-do activity when in Toulon is to ride the cable car up Mont Faron, a towering limestone crag that stands at an impressive 584 meters above the city. The seven-minute ascent in the charming red cable car — featuring a sizeable glass floor panel — offers magnificent vistas throughout, including a panoramic view of the bay, renowned as one of the most exquisite in Europe, Toulon's port, the island of Porquerolles, as well as other nearby islands, the mountains, and the city. At the summit, an array of amenities awaits visitors, such as a zoo, restaurants, hiking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, a sanctuary chapel, and a memorial.
Read more
Eden Theatre — The Oldest Cinema in the World (La Ciotat)
The Eden Theatre opened in June 1889 as a theatre and music hall but also played host to boxing and Greco-Roman wrestling, opera performances, and concerts. It is recognised as the world's first public cinema and remains the oldest functioning one.
In 1982, it closed after its proprietor was killed in a robbery. However, it re-opened once a year for a week to organise small film festivals, until it eventually closed down in 1995 and fell into disrepair. In 2013, when Marseille was declared the European Capital of Culture, the theatre underwent a €6.5m renovation, returning it to its former glory. It's a must-visit in the region — not only to enjoy the movies and the festivals but also because of its remarkable long history.
Read more
Place Masséna (Nice)
Located in the heart of Nice's historic quarter, Place Masséna is a charming 19th-century square with striking black and white geometric tiles. The square is surrounded by elegant neoclassical buildings and cafés, making it the perfect place to relax and soak up the city's ambience. Throughout the year, Place Masséna hosts a variety of public events that attract visitors from around the world.
Read more
Prado Beaches (Marseille)
Located at the end of the corniche are the Plages du Prado, Marseille's stretches of sandy beaches. With a steady sea breeze, the beaches are excellent for kite-flying or a first windsurfing lesson. Prado encompasses several compact beaches with multiple shopping and dining opportunities in the vicinity.
Read more
Château d'If (Marseille)
Château d'If is a historic fortress located on a small island off the coast of Marseille. Built in the 16th century, the castle served as a military prison until the end of the 19th century. Visitors can explore the castle's narrow cells and see the exhibitions about the fortress's history and its use as a prison. Château d'If is also famous for being featured in the novel "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas.
Read more
Cézanne's Studio (Aix-en-Provence)
Located on the outskirts of Aix-en-Provence, just a 20-minute walk from the Cours Mirabeau, Cézanne's Studio or Atelier de Cézanne was the home and studio and is now a museum of 19th-century Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne. During the years 1902 to 1906, Cézanne worked daily in this bright studio, creating many of the works now preserved there.
Read more
Cours Mirabeau (Aix-en-Provence)
Cours Mirabeau is a picturesque, tree-lined avenue that serves as a hub of commerce and entertainment in Aix-en-Provence. The avenue boasts a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops, catering to both locals and visitors. The thoroughfare is also home to a diverse array of markets, offering locals a convenient spot for their regular shopping needs.
Along the avenue, you can find the ancient Fontaine Du Roi René, which honours René of Anjou, who died in the 15th century while holding a sceptre in one hand and a bushel of local grapes in the other. Next to it, lies the strange Fontaine Moussue. The fountain is fed by a natural spring, covered in moss and creates a delicate mist on cold winter days.
Read more
Old Town (Aix-en-Provence)
North of Cours Mirabeau lies Aix-en-Provence’s Old Town (Vieil Aix), the city's ancient heart. This area has been inhabited and used for commerce since Roman times and boasts some of the city's grandest historical buildings. Today, it is a lively and vibrant neighbourhood, with an abundance of shops, cafés, restaurants, and museums.
Read more
Place de l'Horloge (Avignon)
Place de l'Horloge (Clock Tower Square) is the main square and heart of Avignon. It gets its name from the city's Gothic clock tower, which is, ironically, barely visible from the square as it's obscured by newer Neoclassical City Hall buildings. The square is a melting pot of culture and history, housing the City Hall, Avignon's Opera House, as well as a variety of outdoor restaurants and cafés. Place de l'Horloge is also a popular venue for annual events such as the Festival d'Avignon in July and the Christmas Market in December.
Read more
Museum of the Roman Docks (Marseille)
The Museum of the Roman Docks is situated on the site of a Roman docks warehouse discovered after World War II. Here you can find a range of impressive artefacts discovered during the reconstruction of the old harbour. One of its primary attractions is the 'dolia' — large ceramic containers once used to store oils and wines.
Read more
Marseille History Museum (Marseille)
Step back in time and discover the fascinating history of Marseille at the Marseille History Museum. The museum boasts an impressive collection of historical and archaeological artefacts that date back to the city's founding times. With 3500 m2 of exhibition space, an auditorium, and a documentation centre, there is plenty to see and do here. Kids will love the hands-on exhibits, while adults will appreciate the carefully curated displays that provide insight into Marseille's rich and complex past.
Read more
Parc Borély (Marseille)
Parc Borély is a stunning development covering many hectares, situated not too far from the Prado beaches. Apart from the 18th-century château, there are the superbly well-maintained English and French Botanical Gardens and a rowing lake.
Read more
Saint-Victor Abbey (Marseille)
A few steps from the Vieux-Port lies Saint-Victor Abbey, Marseille's oldest church. Built by the graves of Marseille's first martyrs, the abbey has served various purposes throughout history, including as a church, prison, warehouse, and barracks. And despite a history that is lined with war and destruction, this remains one of the most beautiful churches in the city and therefore, should not be missed.
Entry is free, but a small fee is collected for seeing the crypt containing important historical artefacts and sarcophagi.
Read more