Visit Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde in Marseille: reservations & fares

Put the sneakers on and go to the Garda Hill to admire its most beautiful treasure! Here is all the information to visit Notre-Dame de la Garde.

It is one of the symbols of Marseille. From the top of her hill, she thrones, majestic, and is watching over the fishermen and sailors who leave long days at sea. Visiting Notre-Dame de la Garde is embracing the whole history of the phocean city and discovering the most expensive monument in the heart of its inhabitants.

Moreover, its success does not deny itself to tourists who are always more numerous to climb the hill and admire the 360° view from its terraces. If you also want to visit it, here’s what to answer your questions and prepare for your visit.

History of Notre-Dame de la Garde

A true symbol of Marseille, the basilica overlooks the city from all its height, perched 150 meters high. Historically, visiting Notre-Dame de la Garde is discovering the whole history of the phocean city. Its name comes from the fact that it dominates the port and thus keeps the entrance of the ships in the city. It is also for this reason that it is dedicated to all men who leave at sea.

Its origin dates back to the beginning of the 13th century with a chapel for the Virgin but the pilgrims are increasingly numerous. A second chapel was built in the 15th century. Under François I, a fort is erected around its walls to protect the city that is vulnerable to attacks Charles Quint . Traces of the bastions are still visible today. Surprisingly and a sign of the importance of the chapel for the city, the inhabitants are allowed to go there while normally it should have been reserved for the garrison.

In 1793, in the middle of the revolution, the fort became prison and worship was forbidden in the chapel. All his goods are sold or destroyed. Fortunately, in 1795 she was saved by a sailor who, as she became a national well, decided to rent her. After difficult years, she finally returned to a place of worship in 1807.

Its present appearance dates back to its reconstruction in the 1850s because it was a place of pilgrimage to fight cholera. The old version had thus become too narrow. Indeed, despite the successive enlargements, this was not enough. It was necessary to wait for the authorization of the War Minister in 1852 to be able to build because the fort was still in service. The style chosen for the new building is neo-byzantine with a white Carrara marble alternation and red marble as well as mosaics inside.

Our tips for visiting Notre-Dame de la Garde

The Basilica is the most frequented monument in Marseille, so there are many tourists. If you wish to visit Notre-Dame de la Garde in high season, it is recommended to favour early mornings To go. You can also visit it at the end of the day When the guided tours left.

August 15 is also a day of great attendance because of the Mass in honour of the Virgin Mary which is organized there.

What to see and what to do at Notre-Dame de la Garde?

Outside

To start, visit Notre-Dame de la Garde allows to admire a exceptional 360° view all over the city of Marseille. Take the time to admire the exterior architecture with its white and red marble alternation. Do not forget to lift your head to observe the gigantic statue of the Golden Virgin with fine gold. It is so imposing that there is even a staircase inside.

It is also necessary to take the time to go around the terraces that are full of ex-voto offered by the faithful. You also have the remains of the fort with the old bastions and the bridge-levis, even if it is not a time.

The inside

The interior is just as impressive as the carved bronze doors as well as the Byzantine-style domes and mosaics testify. It is necessary to open large eyes to detail the richness of gildings, colours and patterns. Among the most beautiful are that of the Annunciation , cul-de-four de l’abside and that of Rosary .

There are also some beautiful sculptures to admire, the most famous being the Virgin by the artist Chanuel made of silver. It would have taken her five years to realize it. You can also see the sacristy all woodwork. Open the eye to discover, in a corner, a marble sink .

Finally, go take a look at it The crypt for the striking contrast it offers with the rest of the basilica. Indeed, its Romanesque style architecture is very clean. In addition, it houses the last treasure that remains of the old chapel. It is a polychrome wooden shrine that almost was destroyed during the Revolution.

How much does a ticket cost to Notre-Dame de la Garde?

Visit Our Lady of the Guard is free . This can be paid if you call tourist guides to comment on the visit.

How do I book an online ticket for Notre-Dame de la Garde?

There is no no need to book tickets in advance to visit Notre-Dame de la Garde. The entrance is free.

Are there visits combined with other locations?

As there is no need for a paid ticket to visit Notre-Dame de la Garde, there is no no visits combined with other monuments .

However, you can use a guide. So you can book a guided tour of Marseille on foot for example. The guide will make you discover the most beautiful places including basilica.

Schedule

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Guard is open daily from 7am to 6:15pm in low season and 7.15 p.m. high-season.

How to get to Notre-Dame de la Garde?

The basilica is located on the hill closest to the port at 150 meters above sea level. In other words, we'll have to climb to get there. Otherwise, you can take the bus from line 60 or the small tourist train but it will be paid, of course. You can also go by car, as parking lots have been installed. But pay attention to closing times.

Where to stay near Notre-Dame de la Garde?

If you wish to be as close as possible to visit Notre-Dame de la Garde, you have the choice between several neighborhoods.

The basilica is on horseback on the Vauban and the Roucas Blanc district. The latter is part of the 7th arrondissement and is the most charming. It is a residential area with a village allure perched on the hill with a superb sea view. There are many old bourgeois houses.

The Vauban area is, he, typical of Marseille with small steep streets. There are a lot of artisans and stairs! But that’s the price to pay for his pill.

If you want to be closer to the city center, there are always the famous neighborhoods of Old Port and Cart . You can take a look at us article dedicated to housing in Marseille for further information.

Now you can visit the "Good Mother" in the best conditions. Good visit!