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    Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde

    4.6 (213 reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 7:00 pm

    Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde Photos

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    Sarah S.

    The views from Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde are phenomenal. My friend and I took the Petit Train to the top and were very happy we did. Really picturesque views from the top of this hill and structure. This Catholic basilica is undoubtedly the cornerstone of Marseille. It's not only what people usually imagine when they think of Marseille, but it is the most visited spot in the city. Construction took 40 years in the 1800s and a 7 year restoration took place in the 2000s. The church itself is beautiful inside. Candles adorn the dimly lit interior giving it an eerie but wonderful glow inside. Intricate murals across the ceilings, you must take a few minutes to explore the inside of this area, not just the outside. Now despite us taking the Petit Train up, it was very confusing to know how and when to go down. We thought we were trapped on the hill for a minute without a way down. There is also a parking lot though if you want to drive yourself up. My friends I was with WALKED...so I guess if you're ambitious, go for that. It's 45-60 mins uphill. I was all about a quick entrance and exit so Le Petit Train was perfect for that.

    Steven S H C.

    Made a trip all the way up the hillside with Taxi and finding out they were having a funeral and not open to the public. Definitely respect that. We ended up exploring the surrounding area, chance to use the toilet and browse the gift show. Very interesting to see darker and lighter stones to give a cathedral that stand out from the other ones. Way at the top for awesome view panoramic view of the port of Marseille. We struck up conversation with other couple from the port and decided to share the cab fair which worked out to be 30 Euros or 15 each couple.

    Kristen H.

    Amazing church overlooking the city of Marseille The only drawback is you don't necessarily honor the opening times - we arrived at the top about 20 minutes before the scheduled closing time, but the doors were already shut, and Security was not allowing anybody in. Can be disappointment if you paid to take the little train up there or walked all the way up .

    Charles F.

    NDG stands tall and overlooks all of Marseille. It's a majesty that cannot be understated, and it does deserve your attention when you visit. There are several ways to visit but the best way is to use the 'little train.' The little train is just that, a little train that ferries tourists to NDG and back. The 'little train' booth is located on the right side of the Vieux Port past the Mairie. There are two types of rides. Ride 1 - is for NDG and Ride 2 is for a trip in and around the historic distinct of Marseille. The price is 9 euros, and the train is packed each time. The last train is at 6:30 pm but it is not advisable since NDG closes at 7 pm. The train starts at 9:30 am and will be filled. If you can time it right, 10:00 am through 12:00 pm is ideal. TIP 1: When the train drops you off, you can hop back on any of the trains on the way back. Just remember to keep your tickets. Don't discard or destroy them when you get to NDG. The train ride to NDG is cool but can be anxiety-ridden as there are several twists and turns and misguided individuals on scooters and bicycles cutting in and out of the train. When you get off the train at the top, take your time to visit all the areas in and around NDG. Everyone will be in a rush to get to the Basilica. Trust me, you'll see it too. TIP 2: Kindly respect all placards and be on the lookout for tourists who are uncouth in their ability to cut in front of you or slide in next to you to snap the picture before you do. TIP 3: Like any large city attraction, be aware of your surroundings and the items on your person. Pickpocketing can occur and even the best prepared can be targeted. NDG has a crypt, basilica, museum, gift shop, toilets, and a restaurant. You used to be able to get a table at the restaurant, catch a break and have a coffee but they have now turned into a 'dining experience' It is only for sit-down food purchases. The toilets do require a coin, I can't remember if it is 2 Euros or 1 Euro. It's the same coin-operated toll gate as found in the train stations in France. A complete racketeering system that is poorly operated and staffed. The gift shop and museum have the typical things that one would come to expect including the high prices. TIP 4: Walk behind NDG for some amazing views and dazzling photography opportunities. Lastly, the train rides back. If you thought that the chaos was entering the basilica, you are sadly mistaken. The chaos to get back on the 'little train' is a complete and utter disaster. There's a naturally formed line but what happens when the train pulls in is that vultures are close by, eagerly waiting to snatch your seat from you. There are three train cars with four benches that hold four people. That's a total o 48 people per train. Once the last rider from the Vieux Port gets off the train, the chaos begins with the surge from the naturally formed line plus the vultures who have perched themselves off to the side waiting for the slightest hesitation to steal away a seat. If you are with disabled or elderly folks, get them on the train first and have them save you a seat. Once on the train, you will be asked for your ticket, provide the ticket and it will be ripped in last and given back to you. NOTE: On the way down from NDG, make sure to see the tank that is safeguarded in the neighborhood. That tank is the tank that saved NDG from the Germans in WWII. The tank will be on the left side of the train as it is coming down the hill and makes its way back to the Vieux Port.

    Basilica
    Andrea U.

    The best views of Marseille are from here. There was a transportation strike @ traffic was a nightmare, so we admired it from the waterfront.

    Diane K.

    A must see point or interest in Marseille. Whether you are religious, Catholic, or not, the building is astonishing. The highest point in the city. The beautiful views are endless. See the city, Château D'If or Frioul. Great exercise but there's also an elevator available.

    Robert H.

    This church has a deep and rich history that only complements the view. It gives you a 360 degree view of the entire city and port. If you have a guide to fill you in on all the historical information, it will be a truly worthwhile visit.

    View from top
    Laura W.

    If you are visiting Marseille, this is absolutely one of the must-see sights! There is a train that will transport you from the Vieux-Port and I think most hop on/hop off buses will take you here. We actually walked from Palais Longchamps which is 4.4 km or approximately 2.75 miles. It was quite scenic along the way and offered a glimpse into the city streets we would not have seen otherwise. Just be advised towalk to the top of the hill where the Basilique sits is practically vertical and is a long hike. Then you have to walk up many more steps to get onto the Basilique floors. Just be prepared if you choose to do the walking route. The walk downhill when leaving, obviously, is much easier. The views from the grounds (which is the highest point in Marseille) are simply breathtaking! You can see the sea and the mountains. The interior of the basilique is stunning as well. Lots of light and stained glass. There was a service going on during our visit so we did not stay in the inside long. There is a cafe/restaurant on the 3rd floor. There are free tours I believe one day per week in addition to there being a museum. Definitely make a point to view this beautiful structure if you are in Marseille!

    Steph H.

    My friends and I were in Marseille only for a couple of days and we knew this was one of the places we had to see. It was a pretty good slog uphill to make it, but it was so worth it. The building itself is amazing, and the view from it is probably unparalleled in Marseille. The weather that day was clear and breezy, making it pretty much perfect. Great place to take in the views and contemplate life :) They also have free restrooms! STEPH JUDGEMENT: The building and the view are absolutely stunning--worth the heart-pounding hike.

    Michelle T.

    Since we only had a few hours in Marseille, we decided to stay local and DIY the day. Our day started off with a taxi from the cruise terminal straight to Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica. The Basilica was built on the foundations of an ancient fort that stands at the highest point in Marseille. It's definitely a good idea to take a car up. The walk is no joke! If you climb all the way to the upper church (there's an elevator as well), it offers a gorgeous view of Marseille and the Mediterranean. There's a top point that allows for a beautiful 180 degree view of Marseille. The upper church is also quite beautiful on the inside - there are wooden ships hanging from the ceiling, which looks gorgeous against the stained glass. The best part is that the church is completely free - there is no admission to go in or climb to the top of the church. There is a gift shop as well as a restroom inside the church so you're all covered on that end.

    Alan N.

    What an amazing church, with an astonishing view of the city. Get ready to hike those stairs though! it shouldn't take you more than 5 minutes even if you're in the worst shape. Totally worth the hike, earn the view and earn being inside the walls of this amazing place. So meticulously crafted, so much detail, its difficult to describe the beauty of this place. If you're taking a bus tour here, get ready for some adventures on the way up and down the hill, the turns are tight even for some cars so having buses go through the winding roads is an adventure in itself.

    Keeley G.

    This was my favorite part about our Marseilles visit. It's a place so rich with history! We visited the crypt under the basillica first. Inside, we saw many ex-votos (thanks offerings) in the form of paintings and ships life savers. There were also miniature ship replicas hanging from the ceiling and shipwreck debris commemorating those that crashed on its shores. We walked the 360 degree view around the basilica. It was absolutely gorgeous but also very windy! Note to the ladies- skip skirts and dresses while visiting the basillica. Take the time to read about this place and it's fascinating history, and really bask in the beautiful art inside and breathtaking views. At night it's lit up, and the view from the port below is stunning.

    Sam S.

    If there is one thing you do in Marseille then, this should be it :-) Not a very old church however the interiors are stunning and decorative with beautiful stained glass windows. It's known to the locals as "La Bonne Mére" and was told by a lady in a local shop to go visit it. The view of Marseille from up above is simply stunning and as the church towers over the city you can pretty much see the whole city from up here. I would loved to have walked up here but not a great thing to do on a sunny day. It's 162m from sea level and will take you a good hour to walk up there. Loved it and would highly recommend it.

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    Review Highlights - Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde

    The Basilica was built on the foundations of an ancient fort that stands at the highest point in Marseille.

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    Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde - churches - Updated June 2026

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