Palais du Pharo, Provence Travel Guide

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Explore Marseille's Palais du Pharo: A historic palace with stunning views, now a vibrant conference center and public park overlooking the Mediterranean.

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Palais du Pharo

The Palais du Pharo, an elegant 19th-century palace, was commissioned by Napoleon III for Empress Eugénie but never inhabited by them. Today, it serves as a conference center and event venue, boasting stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Vieux-Port (Old Port). The surrounding Émile Duclaux park offers a serene escape with panoramic vistas.

A brief summary to Palais du Pharo

58 Bd Charles Livon, Marseille, 13007, FR
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Monday 7 am-9 pm
Tuesday 7 am-9 pm
Wednesday 7 am-9 pm
Thursday 7 am-9 pm
Friday 7 am-9 pm
Saturday 7 am-9 pm
Sunday 7 am-9 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Palais du Pharo.

Visit the Émile Duclaux park surrounding the Palais for the best panoramic views of the Vieux-Port and the Mediterranean Sea.
Check the Palais du Pharo's event schedule to see if any conferences or public events coincide with your visit.
Take bus 83 or 82/82S from the Vieux-Port to the 'Le Pharo' stop for convenient access to the Palais.

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Getting There

Walking

From the Vieux-Port (Old Port), walk along the southern waterfront. Continue along the Quai de Rive Neuve, following the curve of the harbor. The Palais du Pharo will become visible on the hill ahead. Continue along Boulevard Charles Livon to reach the entrance. The walk is approximately 1.7km and takes about 20 minutes. No costs involved.
Public Transport

From the Vieux-Port, take bus line 83 towards Métro Rond-Point du Prado, or bus line 82/82S towards Pharo/Catalans. Get off at the 'Le Pharo' stop, which is directly at the entrance of the Palais du Pharo. The journey takes approximately 7 minutes. A single ticket costs €2.
Taxi/Ride-share

From the Marseille Saint-Charles train station, a taxi or ride-share to Palais du Pharo will take approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is €15-€25. Note that prices may vary depending on the time of day and demand.

Discover more about Palais du Pharo

Nestled on the Pharo hill, at 58 Bd Charles Livon, the Palais du Pharo is more than just a building; it's a testament to Marseille's rich history. Originally intended as an imperial residence for Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie, the palace was never actually used by the imperial couple. The city of Marseille offered the land to Napoleon III, hoping to create a luxurious waterfront residence. Construction began in 1858, with Hector Lefuel, known for his work on the Louvre, designing the palace.The name 'Pharo' comes from the Occitan word 'farot,' referring to a lookout point or lighthouse that once stood there. After Napoleon III's death, Empress Eugénie donated the palace to the city, stipulating it be used for public benefit. For over a century, from 1904 to 2013, it housed a specialized medical training facility, the Pharo School, which focused on tropical medicine.Today, the Palais du Pharo functions as a conference center, hosting various events and congresses. The Émile Duclaux park surrounding the palace provides a green space for locals and tourists alike, offering exceptional views of the Vieux-Port, the Frioul Islands, and the Mediterranean Sea. The palace's architecture, inspired by classical and imperial styles, features a U-shaped design to protect against the Mistral winds.