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Palais Longchamp, Marseille

Boulevard Jardin Zoologique, Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

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.

Meta review

Based on online reviews, visitors find the Palace stunning and extremely photogenic with the water fountain being the highlight. They also enjoy the views from the top and the ease of access by metro from the city centre. The park however often gets rated as being average and not well maintained.

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

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:1h 15m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Apr, 01

Season 1

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

Season 2

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

Pricing
Free

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