About this English self-guided 2h:04m walking tour in Marseille
Welcome to this UCPlaces tour of the vibrant city of Marseille, France, where the sun kisses the Mediterranean shores and history weaves through the narrow streets like a timeless tapestry. My name is Shelly and I’m excited to be your UCPlaces tour guide! As we embark on this enchanting tour, prepare to be captivated by the fusion of ancient charm and modern allure that defines Marseille.
Our journey begins at the historic labyrinthine lanes of Le Panier, the oldest district, adorned with pastel-hued buildings and artisan boutiques. We will visit many spectacular places today, such as cathedrals, museums, and of course we will stroll along the legendary Old Port of Marseille. Let’s jump right in, shall we? Please follow your navigation to our first place. I’ll meet you there!
So today’s tour doesn’t go through Le Panier, but I highly recommend you take some time to stroll around and explore sometime.
Le Panier is a vibrant and historic neighborhood that encapsulates the essence of Marseille’s rich cultural tapestry. Steeped in centuries of history, this quarter exudes a charm that captivates both locals and visitors alike.
Wandering through the narrow, winding streets of Le Panier is like stepping back in time. The cobblestone alleys are lined with colorful buildings adorned with intricate wrought-iron balconies, and laundry hangs gracefully from windows, adding a touch of authenticity to the scene. The architecture reflects the neighborhood's diverse past, blending influences from Mediterranean, North African, and Provencal cultures.
Le Panier's character is not only embedded in its architecture but also in its artistic spirit. The area has become a haven for local artists, with numerous galleries and studios showcasing contemporary and traditional art. Street art, too, adds a dynamic and ever-changing element to the neighborhood, turning a simple stroll into a visual feast.
Cafés and bistros dot the streets, offering a delightful array of local cuisine. From freshly baked pastries to savory seafood dishes, Le Panier tantalizes the taste buds with a medley of flavors. The communal atmosphere invites people to linger over a cup of espresso, engaging in the cherished French tradition of savoring life's simple pleasures.
Le Panier's history is palpable in landmarks like the Vieille Charité, a former almshouse turned cultural center, and the Abbaye Saint-Victor, an ancient monastery overlooking the Old Port. Each corner tells a story, weaving together the threads of Marseille's past and present.
In the midst of its timeless beauty, Le Panier is also a living, breathing neighborhood with a tight-knit community. Local markets bustle with activity, and the sounds of animated conversations and laughter spill into the streets. This fusion of history, art, and community makes Le Panier an integral part of Marseille's identity—a place where the soul of the city is etched into every stone and echoed in every conversation.
When you are ready to continue, just follow your navigation to our next place, the Old Charity Center.
We are coming up to the Old Charity Center. It will be on your right. This historic building has transformed from its origins as an almshouse into a dynamic museum and cultural center. In the 17th century, France witnessed a harsh crackdown on beggars, marked by the ruthless actions of guards known as Chasse-gueux, or "beggar-hunters." This period saw the expulsion of non-resident beggars from Marseille, while native beggars faced imprisonment. Arrests were often met with public sympathy for the beggars, reflecting the discontent with the brutal repression.
During this era, almshouses emerged as workhouses for beggars, offering employment opportunities such as domestic service, cabin boy positions, and apprenticeships with seamstresses or bakers. The role of the Old Charity Center expanded over time, accommodating a growing number of inmates from 850 in 1736 to 1059 in 1760. As societal attitudes towards imprisoning the poor evolved, the inmate population dwindled to 250 by 1781.
Surviving the upheavals of the French Revolution, the building transitioned into an asylum for vagrants and the dispossessed in the 19th century. Later repurposed as a barracks for the French Foreign Legion until 1922, it provided refuge for those displaced by urban demolitions and wartime destruction. Over time, neglect led to its occupation by squatters, pillagers, and vandals. By 1962, the structure housed 146 families in deplorable conditions and a group of around 30 Little Sisters of Jesus living in equally dire circumstances.
In 1968 funds were allocated for the restoration of The Old Charity Center. The painstaking restoration work, spanning from 1970 to 1986, culminated in the completion of the chapel's restoration in 1981, reviving the historic complex from a state of total dereliction.
Today it stands as a cultural and artistic beacon in Marseille, a stark departure from its historical role as an almshouse. The meticulously restored complex has evolved into a multifaceted space that enriches the city's cultural landscape. Housing several museums and cultural institutions, including the Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology and the Museum of African, Oceanic, and Amerindian Arts, The Old Charity Center invites visitors to explore diverse exhibits spanning continents and epochs.
Beyond its role as a museum, the complex serves as a dynamic cultural center, hosting events, exhibitions, and performances that celebrate Marseille's vibrant artistic community. The central courtyard, once a haven for the less fortunate, now welcomes visitors to gather, reflect, and appreciate the historical and architectural significance of the site.
When you are ready, please follow your navigation.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1Le Panier
Place 2Old Charity Center
Place 3Directions
Place 4Marseille Cathedral
Place 5Directions
Place 6Directions
Place 7Cosquer Mediterranee
Place 8MuCEM – Museum Of Civilizations Of Europe And The Mediterranean
Place 9Directions
Place 10Fort Saint-Jean
Place 11Directions
Place 12Directions
Place 13Old Port of Marseille
Place 14Directions
Place 15Marseille City Hall
Place 16Directions
Place 17Rue Saint-Ferréol
Place 18Directions
Place 19Opéra de Marseille
Place 20Directions
Place 21Cr Honoré d'Estienne d'Orves
Place 22Directions
Place 23Directions
Place 24Directions
Place 25Directions
Place 26Abbaye Saint-Victor
Place 27Directions
Place 28Fort St Nicolas
Place 29Directions
Place 30Directions
Place 31Palais du Pharo
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If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
Walk at your own pace.
No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
Take the tour in your preferred language.
Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
Enjoy preferred prices.
What's included?
A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
Earphones (highly recommended).
Smartphone.
Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).
