Palais Longchamp, Marseille
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Palais Longchamp - by Arnaud 25 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Description
The Palais Longchamp and its park were built in the mid-19th century in Marseille to celebrate the construction of the Canal of Marseille (to bring drinkable water to the city). The building is centred around the fountain known as the château d'eau ("water castle"), the east wing houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts (Fine Arts Museum) and the west wing the Musée d'Histoire Naturelle (Natural History Museum). The main sculpture of the fountain features three women and four bulls, the central figure represents the Durance river and the other two Vine and Wheat / Fertility. The park also includes a classic French Garden, an English Garden, and an old observatory. The municipal zoo was also located there until its closure in 1987.
Access & Transport
The parc is located in Marseille's 4th Arr. The Longchamp tram stop (T2) and the Cinq Avenues Longchamp metro station (M2) are both located next to the park. There are also several bus services around.
Instructions & Recommendations
We suggest combining this attraction with a 10mins walk along the Boulevard Longchamp up to Saint Vincent de Paul church (locally known as Les Réformés Church) and continue onto the Canebière.
Environmental & Social
Besides the use of water, this activity is environmentally neutral. Part of the city's architectural heritage.
Conclusion
The Palais Longchamp is visually striking and worth a quick detour. It also has an interesting background and two museums that should be of interest to many.
Key positive
Impressive water fountain
Easy to get to by public transport
Key negative
Not much else to see besides the monument
Suitability
Suitable for all ages and accessible for visitors with reduced mobility
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:1h 15m
Start of Season 1:Apr, 01
MONDAY07:00 - 20:00
TUESDAY07:00 - 20:00
WEDNESDAY07:00 - 20:00
THURSDAY07:00 - 20:00
FRIDAY07:00 - 20:00
SATURDAY07:00 - 20:00
SUNDAY07:00 - 20:00
Start of Season 2:Oct, 01
MONDAY07:00 - 18:30
TUESDAY07:00 - 18:30
WEDNESDAY07:00 - 18:30
THURSDAY07:00 - 18:30
FRIDAY07:00 - 18:30
SATURDAY07:00 - 18:30
SUNDAY07:00 - 18:30