Marseille Cathedral (Cathédrale La Major) Tours and Activities
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Free admission
The Marseille Cathedral (Cathédrale La Major) is a Roman Catholic cathedral and basilica minor located in the Old-Port of Marseilles and a national monument of France. Far from being just a run-of-the-mill church, it is the seat of the Archdiocese of Marseille and the hobbyhorse of Prince Louis Napoleon Bonaparte, who laid the first stone of the new building in 1852. The foundations, commonly referred to as the Old Major, date back to the 12th century and correspond to a sober Romanesque style. Only the choir and one bay of the nave persist today, as a new, more opulent cathedral was built next to the remains in 1852. The new Marseilles Cathedral was built on a gigantic scale in the Byzantine-Roman style from 1852 to 1896.
Despite its isolated location on the far end of Panier district and along the busy commercial port, this cathedral should not be missed as it is still today the only one of its kind in all of France, and doesn’t fail to impress with its sheer size and extravagant architecture. Its iconic green and black stones form an instantly recognizable stripe pattern, flanked by two bell towers and a dramatic entrance.
Place de la Major, Marseille, France, 13002
Tours and Activities to Experience Marseille Cathedral (Cathédrale La Major)
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Classic Marseille discover & explore from Greeks to now - half day private tour
5
Tour summary - Marseille the Greeks & Romans to the 21st Century
Visit the oldest city in France, interesting angles and accents in this colourful Mediterranean port city - from Le Panier, the old town, la Vielle Charité, les terrasses du MuCEM and the gardens of Fort St Jean with its magnificent sea views. Discover 2,600 years history. This tour explores the entire area of the old port, revealing secrets on the way.
Highlights
Wander & discover hidden streets life of Le Panier, the oldest part of the city, artisanal life, galleries & artists. Visit 17th century Vielle Charité, modernist MuCEM museum, ancient fort & gardens of St Jean, the Cathédrale St Marie Majeur & Hotel Dieu. Enjoy the exceptional views across the bay and the city of Marseille. Discover the old port area of Marseille and experience the changes inflicted on the city in the 19th & 20th centuries.
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From
$112.13
Price varies by group size
From
$112.13
Price varies by group size
Guided Tour in Marseille: Port & Old City
4
Marseille is the oldest port in the Mediterranean and the oldest city in France over 2600 years old! With such a rich history and a multitude of colorful faces, it is an exciting and vibrant city. From early barbaric tribes, the Phoenicians, the Romans, The Crusaders, to kings, Napoleons, the wars, battles, triumphs and her glorious ascent to the Capital of Provence and European Capital of Culture. Marseille, eternal.
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From
$59.00
From
$59.00
Marseille and Cassis Tour
1
Explore Marseille and discover the port of Cassis with its National Park.
Spend your day by the sea and get some opportunities for a swim in the Calanques National Park in Cassis.
Enjoy a private guided tour in Marseille to see the best of the Capital city of Provence.
Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and see the Château d'If in the middle of the bay. Stop by the Old Port and the Longchamp palace for pictures.
Drive across the National Park to reach Cassis. On the road you can stop for pictures as much as you want.
Visit the lovely port of Cassis, enjoy its pristine beaches or take a boat tour inside the fjords of the National Park.
We provide the best professional tour guides in the south of France.
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From
$986.17
Price varies by group size
From
$986.17
Price varies by group size
Aix en Provence & Marseille Tour
Explore Marseille and Aix en Provence, the two most important cities of Provence.
Spend the morning in Aix en Provence where you will fall in love with the daily market.
Enjoy a private guided tour in Aix en Provence to see the best of the old town and its palaces from the 17th century.
Visit the Saint Sauveur Cathedral, explore the Mazarin neighborhood and discover where Paul Cézanne was born.
Spend the afternoon in Marseille.
Enjoy a private guided tour in Marseille to see the best of the Capital city of Provence.
Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and see the Château d'If in the middle of the bay. Stop by the Old Port and the Longchamp palace for pictures.
We provide the best professional tour guides in the south of France.
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From
$986.17
Price varies by group size
From
$986.17
Price varies by group size
Marseille Private Old Town City Exploration Game
Play a city game in Marseille’s district by the sea and go on a walking tour filled with vast plazas and narrow streets, vibrant street art, cozy boutiques, all overflowing with history. Solve clues to untangle the past of one of the oldest neighborhoods in Marseille. This path will lead you through the streets of the oldest city of France, brimming with architectural magic. Each clue will lead you from one place to another by providing you with exact directions so you won't need a map, GPS, or guide.
Highlights: Discover unique spots in the old town, such as Cathedrale La Major and Montée des Accoules. Find the oldest house in Marseille. Try a new type of experience, the perfect mix between a tour, an outdoor escape game, and a treasure hunt. We are open 24/7, every day of the week, all year long. Full flexibility: play at any hour, take a break, and continue whenever you want
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From
$5.89
Price varies by group size
From
$5.89
Price varies by group size
Marseille Self-Guided Audio Tour
The marvellous city of Marseille is a one of a kind place that has a rich history but has a modern feel to it.
Perfectly suited for discovery on foot, our self-guided audio tour allows you to set the pace and explore at your leisure as you uncover the stories of this exciting city.
Marseille is famous for its Old Port, the oldest harbour in France, which was rebuilt in the 1950’s, and its historic buildings, and also for its vibrant atmosphere created by a cosmopolitan population and the Mediterranean "Art de Vivre" or way of life.
To discover this fascinating city in your own time and at your own pace just download this self-guided audio tour, pop in your headphones, open the map that comes with your download and start walking.
The tour will take approximately two hours, but you can pause the audio guide when needed. Grab a bite to eat or do some shopping along the way.
Please note that this tour is only available in English.
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From
$15.57
From
$15.57
Discover France’s oldest city on a private walking tour with local food tasting
An awesome way for you to explore incredible Marseille with our informative guide is on foot. He will help you to discover all the parts of this historical city, to take a stroll through the history of the city from the Greek times to the Roman, to explore the oldest buildings of Marseille, the medieval ruins, to find out the facts of the French Revolution and to try traditional French dishes, delicacies, and beverages.
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel or your cruise ship.
You’ll have a walk around the old city exploring all must-sees. During your walk, your guide will take you to a very special place to have a typical french products tasting.
After the tour ends you will be taken back to the place of your stay.
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From
$400.00
From
$400.00
The Panier, Marseille's historic district audio-guided walking tour on smartphone
Visit the Panier, Marseille's historic district with a village feel! Your only guide for 1 hour? Your smartphone! The audio stories, produced by professional guides and actors, will automatically trigger as you walk from the Rewind app.
An innovative guided tour experience to start whenever you want, alone or with others!
From the Old Port and its 3,000 boats to the majestic Cathedral of La Major, stroll through the narrow streets with colorful houses of the Panier! Follow the voice of the guide at your own pace.
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From
$11.79
From
$11.79
Welcome to Marseille Full Day private tour
Marseille is an old city with a big history, with a lot of things to see that will keep visitors entertained for a long time. If you have only one day - we have prepared something special for you - discover Marseille through its millennial history and its museums, stroll in its parks, and its gardens.
Your guide will pick you up шт your hotel or on your cruise ship.
First, you will have a Marseille sightseeing tour by car. Your guide will ask the driver to make photo stops at the best view places.
You will have an hour to have lunch and your guide will tell you about the best places to have your lunch.
After you will satisfy your hunger and get some rest your guide will take you to see, basilica “Notre-Dame de la Garde”, Palais Longchamp, and the last stop will be at Le Panier.
After that, your guide will take you back to the place where you were picked up.
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From
$1,067.00
Price varies by group size
From
$1,067.00
Price varies by group size
Guided tour of Marseille
Explore Marseille on foot with your native Marseille guide.
The guide will be at your entire disposal for 2 hours and can always adapt the visit to your needs and desires.
We accept all group sizes from 2 to 50 people.
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From
$152.26
Price varies by group size
From
$152.26
Price varies by group size
Visit Marseille 4H
We propose a visit of Marseille through the most emblematic places. Your driver will accompany you to each place. It will be easy to discover the city in the best way, in a comfortable and air-conditioned vehicle. Your tour is tailor-made: you will be able to take more time on certain places, or shorten the visit of certain monuments or places of the city. Your driver will adapt and make sure to offer you the best experience for your visit.
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From
$294.62
per group
From
$294.62
per group
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