The Palais Longchamp is a historic monument located in the 4th arrondissement of Marseille, France. It houses the Musée des beaux-arts and the Muséum d'histoire naturelle de Marseille. The surrounding Longchamp Park is recognized as one of the Notable Gardens of France by the French Ministry of Culture.
Website Ratings:
Google: 4.5/5
TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
10 Must-Do Activities:
1. Admire the Architecture of the Palais Longchamp
Why it’s a must: The Palais Longchamp is a stunning example of Second Empire architecture, featuring grand colonnades, sculptures, and an impressive fountain at its center. The palace was designed by architect Henri-Jacques Espérandieu, who is also known for his work on Notre-Dame de la Garde.
Tip: Spend time walking around the palace and admiring the intricate details of the sculptures and reliefs, especially the fountain, which symbolizes the flow of water from the Durance to Marseille. The palace looks particularly beautiful during sunset when the light enhances its golden stone.
2. Explore the Museum of Fine Arts
Why it’s a must: Located in the left wing of the palace, the Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts) is the oldest museum in Marseille. It houses an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and drawings from the 16th to the 19th century, with a particular focus on French, Italian, and Spanish artists.
Tip: Don’t miss the works of Pierre Puget, a famous sculptor and painter from Marseille, as well as paintings by Rubens, David, and Ingres. The museum also has rotating temporary exhibitions, so check the schedule to see what’s on during your visit.
3. Visit the Natural History Museum
Why it’s a must: The Natural History Museum (Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle) is located in the right wing of the palace and features exhibits on zoology, botany, paleontology, and mineralogy. It’s a fascinating museum for anyone interested in the natural world, with collections gathered from around the globe.
Tip: The museum’s dioramas of local wildlife and fossil displays are particularly popular with families and children. Be sure to check out the collection of prehistoric fossils and dinosaur skeletons.
4. Relax in the Gardens of the Palais Longchamp
Why it’s a must: The Jardin du Palais Longchamp is a beautiful park surrounding the palace, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing break. The park features lush greenery, flowerbeds, and fountains, as well as plenty of benches where you can sit and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Tip: Visit the waterfalls and grottos in the park, which enhance the natural beauty of the area. The gardens are particularly lovely in the spring and early summer when the flowers are in full bloom.
5. Take in the View from the Terrace
Why it’s a must: The terrace at the top of the palace offers a fantastic panoramic view of the city of Marseille. From here, you can see the surrounding rooftops, parks, and, in the distance, the Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica.
Tip: The best time to visit the terrace is in the late afternoon or early evening, when the light is perfect for photographs, and the city below is bathed in a warm glow.
6. Admire the Fountain and Sculptures
Why it’s a must: The fountain at the center of the Palais Longchamp is one of its most iconic features. The fountain represents the Durance River pouring water into the city, symbolized by the allegorical figures of women, animals, and nature.
Tip: The fountain is especially beautiful when lit at night, and it’s a great spot for photos. Be sure to walk around the entire fountain to get different perspectives of the sculptures and the cascading water.
7. Visit the Zoological Gardens (Parc Zoologique)
Why it’s a must: Although the original zoo that opened alongside the palace in the 19th century no longer operates, parts of the Parc Zoologique remain, including animal enclosures, pavilions, and sculptures of animals. It’s a nostalgic place to visit and offers insight into the history of the site.
Tip: Some of the remaining animal sculptures and old enclosures are scattered throughout the park. It’s a great place for kids to explore while learning about the history of the former zoo.
8. Attend an Event or Exhibition
Why it’s a must: The Palais Longchamp often hosts cultural events, temporary art exhibitions, and concerts, particularly during the summer months. These events bring the palace to life and offer a unique way to experience the space.
Tip: Check the palace’s event calendar ahead of your visit to see if there are any exhibitions or performances that coincide with your trip. Many events are held outdoors in the gardens, providing a beautiful backdrop for a cultural experience.
9. Learn About the Canal de Marseille
Why it’s a must: The Palais Longchamp was built to celebrate the completion of the Canal de Marseille, a monumental engineering project that brought water from the Durance River to the city. The palace itself commemorates this achievement, and learning about the canal’s role in shaping Marseille’s development is an interesting part of the visit.
Tip: Take some time to read the plaques and signs around the palace that provide context on the Canal de Marseille. You can also visit the nearby Museum of Water (Musée de l’Eau), which offers more information about the canal’s construction and its impact on the city.
10. Picnic in the Park
Why it’s a must: The Palais Longchamp Gardens are a perfect spot for a relaxing picnic. Surrounded by greenery, fountains, and sculptures, it’s a peaceful place to unwind after exploring the palace and museums.
Tip: Bring some local French pastries or baguettes from nearby bakeries and enjoy a leisurely lunch in the park. The shaded areas under the trees offer a cool retreat on a hot day.
Official Website: https://www.marseille.fr/culture/patrimoine-culturel/le-palais-longchamp
Main Positive Reviews:
Absolutely stunning architecture and a must-visit when in Marseille. The museums are informative and the park is perfect for a leisurely stroll.
A beautiful place with a rich history. The fountains and sculptures are magnificent. Great for families and solo travelers alike.
The art and natural history museums are worth the visit. The surrounding park is peaceful and well-maintained.
A hidden gem in Marseille. The combination of art, history, and nature is unparalleled. Highly recommended.
One of the best places to visit in Marseille. The architecture is breathtaking, and the museums offer a deep dive into history and art.
Well-maintained and perfect for taking a few holiday photos. Conveniently walkable from the city center; a must-see.
A great place to rest from a hot day. Cool and pleasant, and the architecture is fascinating.
Someone said: Beautiful park and square in the city center. We walked from the Old Port, and after 40 minutes, we reached Palais Longchamp. Great for reading, chatting, walking, or having a coffee.
Main Negative Reviews:
The museums were closed when we visited. Check the opening hours before going.
The fountains were not working, which was disappointing. Still, the architecture is beautiful.
The museums were a bit underwhelming. Expected more from the natural history exhibits.
Only the water sculpture at the entrance is worth visiting. The garden is dirty and abandoned.
One review mention: The museum denied me entry because I was wearing low-rise jeans with a crop top on a 35-degree day. They said it was disrespectful to the building and were very rude about it.
Poorly maintained, with dried-up trees and burnt lawns.
Overall Analysis
Cost:Free entry to the park; museums may have an entry fee (approx. €5-€10)
Palais Longchamp is a highly-rated attraction with a rich blend of history, art, and natural beauty. Most visitors appreciate its stunning architecture and well-maintained gardens. The museums provide valuable insights into art and natural history, making it a well-rounded destination.
While some visitors have noted issues such as closed museums or non-operational fountains, these seem to be occasional and do not significantly detract from the overall experience. Given the high average rating and majority positive reviews, Palais Longchamp is definitely worth a visit.
Is it Worth Visiting:
Based on the high ratings and positive reviews, Palais Longcham is highly recommended for visitors interested in historic architecture, museums, and beautiful gardens. The average rating of 4.5 suggests that most visitors have a positive experience.
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