Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde

NDG stands tall and overlooks all of Marseille. It's a majesty that cannot be understated, and it does deserve your attention when you visit. There are several ways to visit but the best way is to use the 'little train.' The little train is just that, a little train that ferries tourists to NDG and back.

The 'little train' booth is located on the right side of the Vieux Port past the Mairie. There are two types of rides. Ride 1 - is for NDG and Ride 2 is for a trip in and around the historic distinct of Marseille.

The price is 9 euros, and the train is packed each time. The last train is at 6:30 pm but it is not advisable since NDG closes at 7 pm. The train starts at 9:30 am and will be filled. If you can time it right, 10:00 am through 12:00 pm is ideal.

TIP 1: When the train drops you off, you can hop back on any of the trains on the way back. Just remember to keep your tickets. Don't discard or destroy them when you get to NDG.

The train ride to NDG is cool but can be anxiety-ridden as there are several twists and turns and misguided individuals on scooters and bicycles cutting in and out of the train.

When you get off the train at the top, take your time to visit all the areas in and around NDG. Everyone will be in a rush to get to the Basilica. Trust me, you'll see it too.

TIP 2: Kindly respect all placards and be on the lookout for tourists who are uncouth in their ability to cut in front of you or slide in next to you to snap the picture before you do.

TIP 3: Like any large city attraction, be aware of your surroundings and the items on your person. Pickpocketing can occur and even the best prepared can be targeted.
NDG has a crypt, basilica, museum, gift shop, toilets, and a restaurant. You used to be able to get a table at the restaurant, catch a break and have a coffee but they have now turned into a 'dining experience' It is only for sit-down food purchases.

The toilets do require a coin, I can't remember if it is 2 Euros or 1 Euro. It's the same coin-operated toll gate as found in the train stations in France. A complete racketeering system that is poorly operated and staffed.

The gift shop and museum have the typical things that one would come to expect including the high prices.

TIP 4: Walk behind NDG for some amazing views and dazzling photography opportunities.


Lastly, the train rides back. If you thought that the chaos was entering the basilica, you are sadly mistaken. The chaos to get back on the 'little train' is a complete and utter disaster. There's a naturally formed line but what happens when the train pulls in is that vultures are close by, eagerly waiting to snatch your seat from you. There are three train cars with four benches that hold four people. That's a total o 48 people per train. Once the last rider from the Vieux Port gets off the train, the chaos begins with the surge from the naturally formed line plus the vultures who have perched themselves off to the side waiting for the slightest hesitation to steal away a seat. If you are with disabled or elderly folks, get them on the train first and have them save you a seat. Once on the train, you will be asked for your ticket, provide the ticket and it will be ripped in last and given back to you.

NOTE: On the way down from NDG, make sure to see the tank that is safeguarded in the neighborhood. That tank is the tank that saved NDG from the Germans in WWII. The tank will be on the left side of the train as it is coming down the hill and makes its way back to the Vieux Port.

The best views of Marseille are from here. There was a transportation strike @ traffic was a nightmare, so we admired it from the waterfront.

A must see point or interest in Marseille. Whether you are religious, Catholic, or not, the building is astonishing. The highest point in the city. The beautiful views are endless. See the city, Château D'If or Frioul. Great exercise but there's also an elevator available.

View magnificent. Church was nice to see.
Excellent for picture taking. The church is small. Long line ups in the summer. Getting up there is the charm. One feels one is doing a pilgrimage of sorts.

This church has a deep and rich history that only complements the view. It gives you a 360 degree view of the entire city and port. If you have a guide to fill you in on all the historical information, it will be a truly worthwhile visit.

If you are visiting Marseille, this is absolutely one of the must-see sights! There is a train that will transport you from the Vieux-Port and I think most hop on/hop off buses will take you here. We actually walked from Palais Longchamps which is 4.4 km or approximately 2.75 miles. It was quite scenic along the way and offered a glimpse into the city streets we would not have seen otherwise. Just be advised towalk to the top of the hill where the Basilique sits is practically vertical and is a long hike. Then you have to walk up many more steps to get onto the Basilique floors. Just be prepared if you choose to do the walking route. The walk downhill when leaving, obviously, is much easier.

The views from the grounds (which is the highest point in Marseille) are simply breathtaking! You can see the sea and the mountains. The interior of the basilique is stunning as well. Lots of light and stained glass. There was a service going on during our visit so we did not stay in the inside long. There is a cafe/restaurant on the 3rd floor. There are free tours I believe one day per week in addition to there being a museum. Definitely make a point to view this beautiful structure if you are in Marseille!

My friends and I were in Marseille only for a couple of days and we knew this was one of the places we had to see. It was a pretty good slog uphill to make it, but it was so worth it. The building itself is amazing, and the view from it is probably unparalleled in Marseille. The weather that day was clear and breezy, making it pretty much perfect. Great place to take in the views and contemplate life :) They also have free restrooms!

STEPH JUDGEMENT: The building and the view are absolutely stunning--worth the heart-pounding hike.

Since we only had a few hours in Marseille, we decided to stay local and DIY the day. Our day started off with a taxi from the cruise terminal straight to Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica. The Basilica was built on the foundations of an ancient fort that stands at the highest point in Marseille. It's definitely a good idea to take a car up. The walk is no joke!

If you climb all the way to the upper church (there's an elevator as well), it offers a gorgeous view of Marseille and the Mediterranean. There's a top point that allows for a beautiful 180 degree view of Marseille. The upper church is also quite beautiful on the inside - there are wooden ships hanging from the ceiling, which looks gorgeous against the stained glass.

The best part is that the church is completely free - there is no admission to go in or climb to the top of the church. There is a gift shop as well as a restroom inside the church so you're all covered on that end.

What an amazing church, with an astonishing view of the city. Get ready to hike those stairs though! it shouldn't take you more than 5 minutes even if you're in the worst shape. Totally worth the hike, earn the view and earn being inside the walls of this amazing place. So meticulously crafted, so much detail, its difficult to describe the beauty of this place. If you're taking a bus tour here, get ready for some adventures on the way up and down the hill, the turns are tight even for some cars so having buses go through the winding roads is an adventure in itself.

This was my favorite part about our Marseilles visit. It's a place so rich with history! We visited the crypt under the basillica first. Inside, we saw many ex-votos (thanks offerings) in the form of paintings and ships life savers. There were also miniature ship replicas hanging from the ceiling and shipwreck debris commemorating those that crashed on its shores. We walked the 360 degree view around the basilica. It was absolutely gorgeous but also very windy! Note to the ladies- skip skirts and dresses while visiting the basillica. Take the time to read about this place and it's fascinating history, and really bask in the beautiful art inside and breathtaking views. At night it's lit up, and the view from the port below is stunning.