Best Parks & Green Spaces in Marseille, France

Marseille, France, Marseille, Outdoor & Adventure, Best Parks & Green Spaces

Best Parks & Green Spaces in Marseille, France

1. Parc Borély

A picturesque park with a botanical garden and a charming château.
  • Botanical Diversity: Offers a rich collection of exotic and Mediterranean flora.
  • Historic Château: Features an 18th-century château that houses temporary art exhibitions.
  • Lake with Pedal Boats: Enjoy a peaceful ride on the lake using pedal boats.

2. Parc National Calanques

Stunning coastal park with turquoise waters and rugged limestone cliffs.
  • Coastal Scenery: Boasts breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
  • Hiking Trails: Offers numerous hiking trails suitable for all levels.
  • Blue Lagoons: Features secluded blue lagoons accessible only by boat or hike.

3. La Corniche Kennedy

A seafront promenade offering panoramic views of the city and sea.
  • Panoramic Views: Offers stunning vistas of Marseille's old port and the Mediterranean.
  • Historic Forts: Pass by historic forts like Fort Saint-Jean and Fort Saint-Nicolas.
  • Beaches and Cafes: Features beaches, cafes, and a skatepark along the way.

4. Jardin des Vestiges

An archaeological garden showcasing the remains of ancient Rome.
  • Roman Ruins: Showcases well-preserved Roman ruins, including an amphitheater.
  • Educational Exhibits: Includes interactive exhibits explaining the history of ancient Marseille.
  • Green Space: Offers a serene, green oasis amidst the city.

5. Parc National des Costes de Marseille

A unique park with narrow canyons and striking karst landscapes.
  • Karst Landscapes: Features dramatic limestone cliffs, sinkholes, and underground rivers.
  • Hiking Trails: Offers challenging hikes for experienced trekkers.
  • Scenic Viewpoints: Provides stunning panoramic views of the Mediterranean and surrounding hills.

6. Parc Longchamp

An expansive park with a museum, an aquarium, and a palace.
  • Museum of Natural History: Houses a large collection of natural history exhibits.
  • Aquarium: Features a variety of marine life, including sharks and sea turtles.
  • Palais Longchamp: A stunning architectural landmark showcasing the Musée des Beaux-Arts.

7. Parc Borely Zoo

A zoo within the beautiful Parc Borély, home to a variety of exotic animals.
  • Exotic Animal Collection: Features over 160 species, including elephants, giraffes, and tigers.
  • Botanical Garden Integration: Integrated within the park's botanical garden, creating a harmonious setting.
  • Educational Programs: Offers educational programs and activities for both children and adults.

8. La Plage Rond Point du Prado

A popular city beach with a promenade and stunning sea views.
  • City Beach: Located in the heart of Marseille, perfect for urban beaching.
  • Promenade: Features a lively promenade with shops, cafes, and street performers.
  • Water Sports: Offers a variety of water sports, including jet-skiing and parasailing.

9. Parc National de la Sainte-Baume

A natural park with a beautiful mountain range and a historic abbey.
  • Historic Abbey: Home to the legendary Mary Magdalene's grotto.
  • Hiking Trails: Offers numerous hiking trails through forests and rocky landscapes.
  • Scenic Viewpoints: Provides stunning panoramic views of the French countryside.

10. Les Gorges de Saint-Cry

A series of impressive canyons with hiking trails and a natural pool.
  • Striking Canyons: Features deep, narrow canyons carved by water erosion.
  • Hiking Trails: Offers hiking trails of varying difficulty levels.
  • Natural Pool: Features a beautiful natural pool perfect for swimming in summer.

11. La Colline du Château

A hilltop park with panoramic views of Marseille and the Mediterranean.
  • Panoramic Views: Offers stunning vistas of Marseille, the Old Port, and the sea.
  • Historic Fortifications: Features historic fortifications dating back to the 17th century.
  • Green Space: Provides a peaceful, green escape in the heart of the city.

12. Le Mujol's

A unique urban garden with a focus on sustainability and community.
  • Sustainable Practices: Employs organic farming methods and composting.
  • Community Garden: Encourages local residents to get involved in gardening and sustainability initiatives.
  • Café and Market: Features a café and market selling fresh, locally sourced produce.

13. La Plage de l'Estaque

A charming pebble beach with stunning views of the Château d'If.
  • Pebble Beach: Features a picturesque pebble beach surrounded by cliffs.
  • Château d'If Views: Offers breathtaking views of the iconic Château d'If.
  • Artistic Atmosphere: Has been a source of inspiration for many artists throughout history.

14. La Vallée de l'Estaque

A valley filled with vineyards and art studios, perfect for wine tastings.
  • Vineyards and Wine Tastings: Features numerous vineyards offering wine tastings.
  • Art Studios: Home to many artists and art studios.
  • Scenic Drive: Offers a scenic drive through the beautiful valley.

15. La Plage de Prado-l'Hermite

A quiet beach perfect for relaxing and enjoying the sun.
  • Quiet Beach: A less crowded alternative to other city beaches.
  • Beach Volleyball Courts: Includes beach volleyball courts for a fun game.
  • Sunset Views: Offers beautiful sunset views over the Mediterranean.