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An amazing and spectacular odyssey of discovery in a historical city. The great Massilia.
Welcome to Marseille, beautiful city founded by Greek settlers from Phocaea in 600BC, its the oldest city in France and one of the oldest settlements continually inhabited in Europe and Mediterranean shores. Known to the ancient Greeks as Massalia, to the Romans who came after, as Massilia. Experience the journey of a great city, from its ancient era to modern-day Marseille. Rich history brimming with culture, offering an opportunity to witness the unfolding through its statues and monuments.
Meeting Point
Mairie de Marseille (Hôtel De Ville) QUAI DU PORT 13002 Marseille
- This is the main mayor's office in the city of Marseille. Located in a historic building at the heart of the city, It is one of main attractions at the Vieux Port(Old Port).
The magnificent good mother of Marseille, Basilica Cathedrale Notre Dame de la Garde.
At 150° ASL(Above sea level), the Basilica offers a spectacular and unrivalled 360° view of the entire city, taking into account the city itself on one side and the Mediterranean sea on the other. The intricate bejewelled decorations and mosaic inside the main chapel make it a very beautiful feat of human accomplishment in construction.
Roots of Massilia a great city at Abbaye Saint Victoire.
We venture into the hallowed Saint Victoire Abbey, transporting us through time to a period eons before ours. Its history beginning in 415 but the site on which it is built has historical bearing as far back as 2BC. Bear witness to the times which came before us. From the ancient to the medieval period, through to the latter port industrialisation period, the Abbey Saint Victoire has witnessed it all.
Le Vieux port, part of the very beginning of the great city Marseille.
Established in 600 BC by Greek settlers from Phocaea who landed in the Lacydon, a rocky Mediterranean cove, now the site of the Old Port of Marseille. They set up a trading post or emporion in the hills on the northern shore. The Old Port remained the centre of maritime activity in Marseille up to the 19th century. In the Middle Ages the land at the far end of the port was used to cultivate hemp for the local manufacture of rope for mariners, which is the origin of the name of the main thoroughfare of Marseille, the Canebière.
In the modern period, the Vieux Port houses several Nautical clubs of which members are locals, and also international sailing activities are organised regularly. It is lined by a large number of cafés, restaurants, bars, and snack bars, here we invite guests to sample our famous Marseille gastronomy.
The medieval and the modern a bridge between history of the Mediterranean and European history.
The Fort Saint Jean. Part of the original defensive line of our beloved city, was built in 1660 by Louis XIV at the entrance to the Old Port. It served as a defensive fortification over decades, a monastic hospice during the crusades, and in the latter 19th and 20th century used by the French army as a barracks and clearing station. Recently in 2013, it was converted to form part of the Museum of European and Mediterranean civilizations complex, and linked to the modern MuCEM building by a footbridge across the sea.
Impressive, very impressive wonder of modern architecture, Le MuCEM.
The MuCEM, an ultra modern building that is next to Fort Saint Jean and is part of the MuCEM complex. The architecture of this building is incredibly inspiring, and it build on a modular principle encompassing its entirety.
Note that the MuCEM complex is the only 'French national museum' ranked museum that exists outside Paris. In 2015, it won the Council of Europe Museum Prize.
Gravity defying design that kisses the Mediterranean sea.
At the Villa Méditeranée, meet the gravity defying cantilever building designed by the world famous Italian architect Stefano Boeri. In its sub levels, more than 37m under the sea, it houses the Cosquer Méditerranée, which is a replica of the Grotte Cosquer palaeolithic (.....paleolithic caves....).
Amazing, incredible architecture beholding an unforgettable sight. Cathedrale La Major.
Be in the presence of the monumental, grand, impressive neo-byzantine Cathédrale Basilique-mineure Sainte-Marie-Majeure, fondly known as 'La Major' a giant of our local landscape. Within its walls, witness the impressive size, high ceilings and floors fully adorned in beautiful mosaic.
Beside it is the medieval old cathedral build. Built in the 12th century, it's architecture is the simple and eclectic Romanesque style.
A trip to the life of old/medieval in Le Panier.
Welcome to the old quarter of Marseille known as Le Panier(The basket). Wandering in the narrow streets of this quarter will transport us to a bygone period. Over the course of centuries the cobblestone streets of Marseille's Old Town had been a haven for many of diverse backgrounds and affiliations. Despite1500 houses getting blown up in the lower section of Le Panier during WWII, what's left of it today is still a vibrant community with tonnes of original flavour and authenticity. Here we walk through the panier, admire and regale in the countless number of really good street graphics arts, frescos, and also deco which can be a tad bit on the cheeky side. Today Le Panier is all about the good vibes, and of course a quick apero in a hidden street.
Within Le Panier, we also get a walkthrough in a jewel of the old town. La Vieille Charité, a former alms-house established between the year 1671 and 1749 in the baroque style architecture designed by Pierre Paul Puget, today used as a museum and cultural centre.
Street art, and hidden secret places in Cours Julien an La Plaine.
A quick forward march(LOL), to Cours Julien and La Plaine, The infamous twin neighbourhoods. Artistic, hippie, bohemian, lots of hidden cafes, restaurants, vintage shops, and down the line we have comprehensive spice shops........here, mix in with the locals, be one of us, live our culture with us. The culture Marseillaise.
Adorned with impressive works of street art and graffiti, this neighbourhood is as impressive as it is rustic. The freestyle good vibes oozing from every corner. Its the perfect spot to enjoy a pastis or vin rosé over a couple of bitings.
Gothic experience on the Mediterranean shores.
Visit the néo gothique église Saint-Vincent-de-Paul known locally as Église des Réformés. Built between 1855 to 1886, its incredible soaring spires rising 70m high, intricate carvings so perfectly balanced are awe inspiring and evoke a sense of grandeur, mystique, and spirituality.
An era defined in expression, timeless, and unforgettable.
Next stop will be the Palais Longchamp in it's full grandeur and beauty. A sight to behold. Fountains rising up in the garden, and the spectacular waterfall from within the palace....
To celebrate the construction of the Canal de Marseille, which was built to bring water from the river Durance to Marseille during a period of great drought, this masterpiece was constructed. Designed by the architect Henri-Jacques Espérandieu, the building was centred on the structure and elaborate fountain known as the château d'eau ("water tower"). The foundation stone was laid on 15 November 1839, and it took 30 years to complete.
A bit of shopping, à la Marseillaise.
As the experience will still be in high gear, a visit to the Terasses du port and Les docks, a shopping district that also has a massive terrace offering a magnificent view of the Mediterranean sea and our busy main harbour. The thrilling tram ride to La Joliette offers an amazing introspection.
Ending Point
Mairie de Marseille (Hotel de Ville), Quai du port, 13002 Marseille.
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Inclusions & Exclusions
- Tactical close protection certified private guide.
- Two drinks per guest.
- 3 pieces of different local bitings per guest in the best spots.
- Escort back to drop-off point, or hotel.
- 30 min-1hr extension of tour if guest requests.
- 30 min earlier pick-up if guest requests.
For each tour, it is recommended that guests carry about 50-100 euros cash. This may be for drinks, meals, souvenirs, and what else guests may choose too indulge in.
Be informed that most establishments do accept most bank cards.
Tour Important Information
- Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
- This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. The walking pace relaxed and easy.
- Please inform early enough in case of any physical limitations.
- We will take the public bus twice in the tour, and also the tram twice, for a full experience.
Important message from the guide
- I take full responsibility for the security and protection of guests who are on my tour.
- All my tours can be customised, to fit client expectations.
- Availability depends on prevailing circumstances.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
