Parc Longchamp, Marseille - Image 1
1 / 10

Parc Longchamp Marseille

4.5
·3k reviews·Marseille, France

A majestic 19th-century palace and park, celebrating water's arrival to Marseille with grand fountains and museums.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Escape the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Parc Longchamp, Marseille - Image 1

Parc Longchamp Marseille

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Escape the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A majestic 19th-century palace and park, celebrating water's arrival to Marseille with grand fountains and museums.

4.5
(3k reviews)

"A magical place full of abundance, offering easeful solutions, kindness, and connection."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Stroll Through History

Appreciate the 19th-century architecture and the story of water's arrival to Marseille.

🏛️ Museum Visits

Plan extra time if you want to explore the Fine Arts or Natural History museums.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Palais Longchamp Fountain

Palais Longchamp Fountain

Central Courtyard

A monumental fountain and waterfall, a true architectural marvel celebrating the arrival of water to Marseille.

InstagramReddit
Musée des Beaux-Arts

Musée des Beaux-Arts

Palais Longchamp (North Wing)

Explore a diverse collection of paintings and sculptures, housed within the grand Palais Longchamp.

Instagram
Natural History Museum

Natural History Museum

Palais Longchamp (South Wing)

Discover fascinating exhibits on flora and fauna, perfect for curious minds of all ages.

Instagram+1
Lush Gardens & Greenery

Lush Gardens & Greenery

Throughout the park

Wander through beautifully maintained gardens, offering a serene escape from the city bustle.

Instagram+1
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Heat

Marseille can get hot, especially in summer. Visit Parc Longchamp in the cooler mornings or late afternoons. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends, offering a more peaceful experience. Instagram

Free Entry, Rich Experience

The park itself is free to enter, making it a fantastic budget-friendly option. While the gardens and fountains are accessible, the museums within the Palais Longchamp have separate admission fees. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Escape the heat and crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer Evenings (Events)
Why
Live music & vibrant atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Le parc Longchamp à Marseille est un parc magnifique et historique situé dans le 4ème arrondissement de la ville. Il a été créé à la fin du XIXème siècle pour embellir la ligne de partage des eaux entre la plaine de Marseille et la colline boisée.
focusfrance_
13 likes • 174 views

🚶‍♀️ Stroll Through History

Appreciate the 19th-century architecture and the story of water's arrival to Marseille. InstagramReddit

🏛️ Museum Visits

Plan extra time if you want to explore the Fine Arts or Natural History museums. InstagramReddit

Parc Langchamp Marseille 🇨🇵 #marseille #marseillefrance #marseillefrance🇫🇷❤️ #longchamp #parclongchamp #parc_longchamp #france_marseille #monument #discovertheworld #discoverearth #lovetravel #lovetraveling #lovetravels #voyage #voyageusedumonde #voayageuse #visitfrance #visitfrance🇫🇷 #suddelafrance #cotedazur #coteazurfrance
amouna_daily
19 likes • 341 views
Une soirée haute en couleur ! 🕺 - Ce mardi, le Parc Longchamp accueille à nouveau l’événement incontournable « Les Apéros du Kiosque ». - Gratuit et en plein-air cet événement mettra à l’honneur des collectifs et dj de la scène marseillaise pendant +5H de fête. - Côté musique, on retrouvera des dj sets aux sonorités afro, urbain & baile en compagnie de @dancehall.nation, @lorkestra et @kozaimusic...
culturel_marseille
748 likes • 42.5K views

☀️ Beat the Sun

Bring water and wear a hat, especially during warmer months. Shady spots are available. Reddit

📸 Perfect Photo Ops

The grand fountain and palace architecture offer stunning backdrops for photos. Instagram

Le maire de Marseille, Benoît Payan, a visité le parc Longchamp afin de dévoiler les contours de sa rénovation 🌳 Ecrin de verdure dans le centre-ville, le futur aménagement doit combiner la proximité avec la nature et l'objectif de mieux la protéger
laprovence
1.3K likes • 72K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Stroll Through History

Appreciate the 19th-century architecture and the story of water's arrival to Marseille. InstagramReddit

🏛️ Museum Visits

Plan extra time if you want to explore the Fine Arts or Natural History museums. InstagramReddit

☀️ Beat the Sun

Bring water and wear a hat, especially during warmer months. Shady spots are available. Reddit

📸 Perfect Photo Ops

The grand fountain and palace architecture offer stunning backdrops for photos. Instagram

🚇 Easy Access

Easily reachable by metro or tram, making it convenient for all visitors. InstagramReddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Parc Longchamp is widely praised as a magical and beautiful place, offering a delightful escape with its impressive fountains and historical palace. Visitors appreciate the free entry, the abundance of green space, and the cultural offerings of the museums. Some note that while the park is well-maintained, improvements like more accessible drinking water fountains would be beneficial.

"This parc is a magical place full of abundance.
We had a lot of fun visiting a couple of times during our stay in Marseille
It seems like a magnet for easeful solutions, kindness and connection.

You just gotta stay open to abundance"

Rayssa M. Regis dos Santos (frequencyofray)

"Beautiful place to escape the heat and enjoy art"

Zazkia Xanu De la Vega Yupanqui

"Free to visit, nice walk through park, and very impressive fountains. Was not too busy on our visit."

Lily Rose

What People Like

Beautiful architecture
Free entry to park
Impressive fountains

What People Dislike

Limited drinking fountains

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Parc Longchamp is very accessible. You can take the metro to the 'Cinq Avenues - Longchamp' station (Lines 1 and 2) or various tram lines that stop nearby. It's also a pleasant walk from the Saint-Charles train station. InstagramReddit

While there isn't dedicated parking directly at the park, several public parking garages are located within a short walking distance, such as Parking Longchamp or Parking Palais de Justice. Instagram

Yes, several bus lines serve the area around Parc Longchamp, making it easy to reach from different parts of Marseille. Check local bus routes for the most convenient option. Instagram

Absolutely! Parc Longchamp is an excellent addition to a day trip to Marseille from Aix-en-Provence. It's easily reachable by bus or train and offers a beautiful contrast to Aix's charm. Instagram

From the Vieux Port, you can take Tram 2 towards 'Belsunce-Reconnaissance' and alight at the 'Longchamp' stop, or take Metro Line 1 to 'Cinq Avenues - Longchamp'. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The park itself, including its beautiful gardens and impressive fountains, is completely free to enter. InstagramReddit+1

Yes, the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Natural History Museum, located within the Palais Longchamp, have separate admission fees. Check their official websites for current prices and opening hours. Instagram

Parc Longchamp is generally open daily from early morning until late evening. However, specific closing times can vary seasonally. The museums have their own distinct opening hours. Instagram

It is highly recommended to check the official websites of the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Natural History Museum for online ticket booking options, which can often save you time. Instagram

Parc Longchamp occasionally hosts free events, such as 'Les Apéros du Kiosque' with DJ sets. It's worth checking local event listings for any upcoming activities. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The grand central fountain and the Palais Longchamp itself offer iconic photo opportunities. The gardens and the cascading waterfalls also provide beautiful backdrops. Instagram+1

Photography policies can vary within the museums. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is permitted, but it's best to check the specific rules at the museum entrance. Instagram

Late afternoon, especially during the golden hour, offers beautiful lighting for photography. Early mornings are also great for fewer crowds and soft light. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in public parks and around historical monuments for safety and privacy reasons. It's advisable to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone. Instagram

For professional photoshoots, you may need to obtain special permits from the city of Marseille. Contact the park administration or the Marseille tourism office for information. Instagram

🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience

Beyond the Palais Longchamp and its museums, you can explore the beautiful gardens, enjoy the impressive fountains, relax by the water features, and there's a large playground for children. InstagramReddit

While there might be occasional kiosks or cafes, it's advisable to bring your own snacks and drinks or dine at the numerous restaurants and cafes located just outside the park. Reddit

Yes, Parc Longchamp is very family-friendly. It features a large playground, open spaces for running around, and the Natural History Museum is engaging for kids. Instagram

Picnicking is generally allowed in designated areas of the park. It's a lovely way to enjoy the surroundings. Remember to clean up after yourself. Reddit

The main pathways and the ground floor of the Palais Longchamp are generally accessible. However, some older parts of the museums might have limited accessibility. It's best to inquire directly with the museums. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Parc Longchamp is a fantastic free outing for families in Marseille. The large playground is a major draw, providing hours of entertainment for children. The open spaces are perfect for running around and letting off steam. Instagram

Beyond the playground, the Natural History Museum within the Palais Longchamp is highly engaging for younger visitors, with its animal exhibits and fossils. The impressive fountains and grand architecture also capture children's imaginations. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy in the park's green spaces, making it a budget-friendly and enjoyable family day out. InstagramReddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Parc Longchamp is a dream for budget travelers as the park and its stunning fountains are completely free to access. You can spend hours wandering through the beautiful gardens, admiring the architecture, and enjoying the atmosphere without spending a euro. InstagramReddit

While the museums have an entry fee, you can still have a rich experience by focusing on the park's natural beauty and architectural splendor. Pack your own snacks and water to save on costs, and utilize the easily accessible public transport to reach the park, making it an ideal free attraction in Marseille. Instagram

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Parc Longchamp is a treasure trove. The Palais Longchamp and its monumental fountain provide a dramatic and iconic backdrop, especially during the golden hour. Capture the intricate details of the architecture, the play of light on the water, and the grandeur of the entire complex. Instagram+1

Explore the various perspectives within the park, from the formal gardens to the cascading waterfalls. The surrounding greenery offers softer, more natural shots. Remember to check museum photography policies if you plan to capture interior shots, but the exterior alone offers endless photographic opportunities. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Architecture of Palais Longchamp

The Palais Longchamp is more than just a beautiful building; it's a monument to ingenuity and civic pride. Constructed in the mid-19th century, its primary purpose was to celebrate the arrival of the Durance River water to Marseille via a monumental canal. This engineering feat was crucial for the city's development and public health, especially after devastating cholera outbreaks. The palace itself is a stunning example of 19th-century French architecture, blending classical and baroque elements with grand sculptures and ornate detailing. Instagram

The Palais Longchamp was designed by architect Henri-Jacques Espérandieu. It houses two of Marseille's most important museums: the Musée des Beaux-Arts (Fine Arts Museum) and the Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle (Natural History Museum). The grand staircase leading up to the palace, adorned with sculptures and water features, is a focal point and a testament to the era's artistic and engineering prowess. The entire complex, including the surrounding park, was designated a historical monument in 1999. Instagram+1

Visitors often marvel at the central fountain and the cascade, which are integral parts of the palace's design, symbolizing the triumph of bringing water to the city. The architecture is a feast for the eyes, with intricate carvings, grand arches, and imposing columns that create a majestic atmosphere. It's a place where history, art, and nature converge beautifully. InstagramReddit

Exploring the Gardens and Green Spaces

The Parc Longchamp itself is a sprawling oasis of greenery, offering a welcome respite from the urban environment. Designed in a French formal garden style, it features manicured lawns, shaded pathways, and diverse plant collections. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, a family picnic, or simply to relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Instagram+1

Within the park, you'll find various attractions, including a large playground that is a hit with families and children. The park's layout encourages exploration, with hidden corners, charming benches, and picturesque views of the Palais Longchamp. The presence of water features, including smaller fountains and ponds, adds to the tranquil ambiance. Instagram

Many visitors highlight the park's role as a community hub, where locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy the outdoors. The free entry makes it an accessible and popular destination for everyone. Whether you're interested in art, history, or just a peaceful walk, the gardens of Parc Longchamp offer a delightful experience. InstagramReddit

Museums within Parc Longchamp

The Musée des Beaux-Arts (Fine Arts Museum) is housed in the north wing of the Palais Longchamp. It boasts an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, with a focus on French artists from the 17th to the 20th centuries. Highlights include works by Pierre Puget and Honoré Daumier. The grandeur of the museum's setting within the palace adds to the overall experience. Instagram

In the south wing, you'll find the Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle (Natural History Museum). This museum offers a journey through the natural world, with exhibits on zoology, botany, and geology. It's particularly engaging for children, featuring displays of animal skeletons, fossils, and local flora and fauna. The museum aims to educate visitors about biodiversity and the natural heritage of the region. Instagram+1

While the park is free, admission fees apply to both museums. It's advisable to check their official websites for current exhibition details, opening hours, and ticket prices before your visit. Combining a park visit with a museum exploration offers a comprehensive cultural and recreational experience. Instagram