Art on the Edge of the Sea

Marseille is one of the rare cities where the city and shore are so tightly intertwined that you can observe the rock face plunge, and the land disappear and flatten out in a long turquoise horizon. Nowhere is this contrast more dramatic than on the coastline from St. Victor to La Corniche, where Marseille the city hugs a cliff on the edge of the water. These dramatic seascapes have begun to attract more and more artists and galleries that have set up shop right on the coast.

We’ll start our tour at St. Victor, a fortress of early Christianity and a reminder of the city’s Roman past. From St. Victor, we’ll walk along Marseille’s picturesque coast and travel through time from the 5^th century to the Second Empire all the way to the fine art galleries that have popped up along the water’s edge. In between, we’ll wade our way through former fishing villages, swimming spots, and even an abandoned castle. Travelers who like to take a dip after the tour are invited to bring their swimsuits!

The tour will end with panoramic views of the city from La Bonne Mère (the good mother), also known as Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, the hilltop basilica that watches over the city’s residents, fisherpeople as they venture out into the water, and visitors.

Tours

➀ Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde
➁ Parc Valmer
➂ Port de Malmousque
➃ Vallon des Auffes
➄ Plage des Catalans
➅ Le Pharo
➆ La Citadelle de Marseille (Fort Saint-Nicolas)
➇ Abbaye Saint-Victor