
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.