Palais Longchamp
A 19th-century palace built to celebrate the Durance canal bringing water into the city; a giant central fountain and colonnades link the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Natural History Museum.
Palais Longchamp was completed in 1869 to commemorate the canal that brought Durance River water into Marseille and solved the city's water shortage. At its center is a cascading fountain and a statue symbolizing the Durance River, and curved colonnades on either side lead to the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Natural History Museum. Behind the palace is Longchamp Park, ideal for strolling and picnicking. The gardens and fountains are free; the museums charge admission and are closed on Mondays. Take Metro Line 1 or tram Line 2 to Longchamp station.
Opening hours
Park approx. 08:00–19:00; museum 09:00–18:00, closed Mondays
Nearby sights
- Noailles & Marché des Capucins
- Marseille History Museum & Jardin des Vestiges
- Old Port of Marseille
- Le Panier
- La Vieille Charité
- Marseille Cathedral (La Major)
- Notre-Dame de la Garde
- Abbey of Saint-Victor