Background

Palais Longchamp: A Monumental Ode to Water

A majestic 19th-century monument in Marseille with stunning architecture, museums, and gardens, celebrating the arrival of water to the city.

4.5

Palais Longchamp is a grand 19th-century monument in Marseille, France, celebrating the Canal de Marseille's completion, which brought fresh water to the city. It features an elaborate fountain, museums, and gardens, offering a blend of art, history, and natural beauty.

A brief summary to Palais Longchamp

Local tips

  • Explore both the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle to experience art and natural history.
  • Wander through Longchamp Park's French and English gardens, and discover remnants of the former zoo.
  • Visit on the first Sunday of the month for free admission to the museums.
  • Check the city of Marseille's website for museum hours, as they vary by season.
  • Take the Metro Line 1 or Tram Line 2 to easily reach Palais Longchamp.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Marseille's city center, take Metro Line 1 to the 'Cinq Avenues Longchamp' station. From the station exit, walk north along Boulevard Longchamp for approximately 5 minutes. The Palais Longchamp will be visible on your left. Alternatively, take Tram line 2 and get off at the 'Longchamp' stop. The Palais Longchamp is a short walk away. A single metro or tram ticket costs €1.70 and is valid for one hour, allowing transfers between metro, tram, and bus lines.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services (Uber) are readily available throughout Marseille. A taxi ride from the Vieux-Port (Old Port) area to Palais Longchamp typically costs between €6-€8, depending on traffic. Confirm the fare with the driver or check the app estimate before starting your journey.

  • Walking

    From central Marseille, Palais Longchamp is within walking distance. A stroll can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes depending on your location. Walk along Boulevard Longchamp to reach the Palais.

Unlock the Best of Palais Longchamp

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Palais Longchamp

Palais Longchamp, located in Marseille's 4th arrondissement, is more than just a palace; it's a symbol of the city's resilience and ingenuity. Built between 1862 and 1869, it commemorates the construction of the Canal de Marseille, an 85-kilometer canal and underground pipe network that finally brought fresh water from the Durance River to the drought-stricken city. Designed by architect Henri-Jacques Espérandieu, the Palais stands as a testament to Marseille's triumph over water scarcity. The Palais Longchamp comprises three main sections: the Château d'Eau (water tower) with its elaborate fountain, the Musée des Beaux-Arts (Museum of Fine Arts) in the east wing, and the Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle (Natural History Museum) in the west wing. The central fountain, adorned with sculptures of bulls, women representing the Durance River, grapes, and wheat, celebrates the life and fertility that water brought to the region. A man-made grotto with stalactites and nymphs sits behind the sculptures. Longchamp Park, opened in 1869 along with the Palais, offers gardens, including a classic French garden (Jardin du plateau) and an English landscape garden. The park once housed a zoo (from 1855 to 1987), and remnants of its pavilions and cages can still be seen. Today, the park provides playgrounds, walking paths, and green spaces for relaxation and recreation. The Musée des Beaux-Arts, founded in 1801, showcases European paintings and sculptures from the 16th to 19th centuries. The Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle, established in 1869, features zoological, botanical, and paleontological collections. The Marseille Observatory, located nearby, adds a scientific dimension to the site. Palais Longchamp is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a blend of history, art, nature, and recreation. Its architectural grandeur, lush gardens, and diverse museums make it a must-see attraction in Marseille.

Popular Experiences near Palais Longchamp

Popular Hotels near Palais Longchamp

Select Currency