SEAFARING MARSEILLES

In a nutshell

Marseilles as seen by its seafaring people: the port, Notre-Dame de La Garde cathedral and the church of Saint-Laurent, the multicultural district of Le Panier, the Vieille Charité, that provided refuge for the poor, and Saint-Marie-Majeure cathedral, known locally as 'La Major'. Not forgetting a taste of “navettes”, the local cookies which, obviously, are a nod to the sea.

Main stops

• Cathedral of Notre-Dame de la Garde
• Church of Saint-Laurent
• 'Le Panier' district
• Vieille Charité and Cathedral of Sainte-Marie-Majeure
• Tasting of “navettes”, the local cookies

The programme

• The forts of Saint-Jean and Saint-Nicolas welcome you to Marseilles, the quintessential “sea port”: multicultural, busy, bold.
• Arriving in this city founded by the Greeks in 600 BC as Massalia, you'll notice the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de La Garde on the highest hill. After visiting it, continue the sightseeing tour to the church of Saint-Laurent, the seafarer's church, with a view of the “Vieux Port”.
• Walk through the district of “Le Panier”, the oldest in the city. With a name that means “basket”, inherited from the Logis du Panier inn of 1600, it is a hotchpotch of shops, painters' and potters' studios, and social housing.
• After the Vieille Charité, which once welcomed the poor, we'll take you to a typical “bistrot” to try some navettes, the local cookies that are boat-shaped and flavored with orange flower.
• A final taste of local culture at the Sainte-Marie-Majeure Cathedral, known as “La Major” by locals, and then you too can get back to sea.

Good to know

• Slight changes may be made to itineraries and the length of excursions to protect your health and to comply with regulations and the safety protocol.
• This is one of the most popular excursions so book early.
• Wear suitable clothing for the places of worship you will be visiting.