Abbey of Saint-Victor
Abbaye Saint-Victor
One of France's oldest abbeys, founded in the 5th century, with a fortress-like exterior; its underground crypts preserve late Roman stone sarcophagi and early Christian remains.
The Abbey of Saint-Victor was founded around 415 by the monk John Cassian. The surviving upper church is mainly fortress-style architecture from the 11th to 14th centuries. The crypt is the highlight, with 4th- and 5th-century marble sarcophagi, a black Madonna statue and ancient quarry remains (a small admission fee applies). Each year on February 2, for the Candlemas festival, believers hold a procession here and buy boat-shaped navette biscuits. Beside the abbey, Four des Navettes is Marseille's oldest bakery, where you can buy navettes. It is about a 10-minute walk from the south bank of the Old Port.
Opening hours
Approx. 9:00–19:00 (confirm on site)
Nearby sights
- MuCEM & Fort Saint-Jean
- Old Port of Marseille
- Cosquer Méditerranée
- Notre-Dame de la Garde
- Marseille Cathedral (La Major)
- Le Panier
- La Vieille Charité
- Marseille History Museum & Jardin des Vestiges