1. Parc Borély: the green jewel in the heart of Marseille
Located just steps from the Prado beaches and the famous statue of David, the Parc Borély is one of the largest and most beautiful green spaces in Marseille. With its 54 hectares and impressive architecture, this park offers a true journey through time. Upon arrival, the majestic monumental gate sets the tone: a grand estate that extends all the way to the sea.
A castle and French gardens
At the heart of the park, the Château Borély, a bastide built in 1767 by the wealthy merchant Louis Borély, impresses with its classical architecture. The French garden surrounding it, designed by Jean Charles Alphand, is an ideal place for a stroll. Visitors can admire ornamental pools adorned with statues, flowerbeds, and perfectly arranged pathways. Sports enthusiasts will find happiness with a long bike path along the Hippodrome, allowing them to reach the sea in just a few pedal strokes.
Activities and events for young and old
The Parc Borély is also an essential recreational area for families. Playgrounds, a fragrant rose garden, a Japanese garden, and even a lake where you can row in the company of ducks. In summer, the park transforms into a theater for events like the Carnival or the Music Festival. Boules enthusiasts meet here for heated matches.
2. The Pharo Garden: breathtaking views of the Old Port
Perched on a promontory overlooking the Old Port, the Pharo Garden offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Built around the Palais du Pharo, constructed by Napoleon III in 1855, this park is a true haven of peace in the city. The place is perfect for a walk at sunset when golden lights flood the waters.
3. Parc Longchamp: between nature and culture
Inaugurated in 1869, the Parc Longchamp is one of the oldest in Marseille and a treasure of greenery in the center of the city. This park of 10 hectares is renowned for its palace adorned with statues and its waterfalls, offering an ideal setting for a refreshing walk. Art lovers will appreciate the museums located on either side of the palace: the Museum of Natural History and the Fine Arts Museum.
4. The 26th Centenary Park: modernity in the heart of Marseille
More recent, the 26th Centenary Park celebrates the founding of Marseille over two thousand years ago. Inaugurated in 2001, this park is a tribute to the city’s diversity with thematic gardens representing the cultures that make up the Marseille population: African, Provençal, Asian, and oriental gardens. There is also a large esplanade ideal for skateboard enthusiasts and ball games.
5. Parc de la Campagne Pastré: nature and history by the sea
Located at the gates of the Calanques, the Parc de la Campagne Pastré extends over 120 hectares of scrubland and pine forests, perfect for hiking enthusiasts. Formerly the property of Lily Pastré, a patron who hosted artists during World War II, the park now houses an equestrian center, playgrounds, and marked paths leading to stunning views of the sea.
6. Parc Valmer: a green gem on the Corniche
The Parc Valmer is located on the Corniche Kennedy and offers one of the most beautiful views of the city. In a neo-Renaissance style, its estate is covered with Mediterranean plants such as palm trees, laurels, and Aleppo pines. This gently sloping park is the perfect place for picnics and contemplating the islands off the coast of Marseille, such as the Château d’If and the Frioul Islands.
7. La Magalone: a bastide and its French garden
Classified as a Historical Monument, La Magalone is a 17th-century bastide nestled in a park of one and a half hectares. It is also a place of musical culture where the Cité de la Musique regularly organizes concerts. The French gardens, statues, and fountains make it a peaceful spot to relax away from the urban hustle.
8. Parc des Bruyères: a piece of wild nature
Want to escape the city? Head to the Parc des Bruyères in the 10th arrondissement. This vast park of 100 hectares is a gateway to the Provençal scrubland, with its marked trails and panoramic views of the city. Ideal for hikers, it offers paths scented with thyme, rosemary, and lavender, leading up to Mont Saint Cyr at 570 meters above sea level.
