Marseille, France - City Tour & Notre Dame de la Garde

Notre-Dame de la Garde is a basilica. This ornate Neo-Byzantine church is situated at the highest natural point in Marseille, a 162 m (532 ft) limestone outcrop on the south side of the Old Port.

The exterior of the building is notable for its use of layered stonework of contrasting colours: white Calissane limestone is alternated with layers of green, Golfalina stone in a style reminiscent of Florence.

At a height of 41 meters (130 ft), the square bell-tower located above the entrance porch is made up of two identical storeys of five blind arches, the central arch bearing a window with a small balcony. This is surmounted by a belfry, each face of which is made up of three large bays divided by red granite columns, behind which are placed the louvres. This belfry is topped by a bordered square terrace with an openwork stone balustrade bearing the arms of the city on each side and an angel with a trumpet at each corner. These four statues were carved by Lequesne. From this square terrace a cylindrical bell-tower rises to a height of 12.5 metres (40 feet). This is made of sixteen red granite columns which support a monumental statue of the Virgin Mary, 11.2 metres (36 feet) tall. A staircase within the bell tower allows access to the terrace and the statue. However access is forbidden to the public. (wikipedia)

The statue of the Virgin Mary.  There is a staircase inside, but you can't use it now. We were told that you used to be able to take the stairs to the top of the statue, and actually look out of the eyes at the surrounding city.  You can see the opening in this close-up view.  I made the photo black and white so that it would be easier to see.

You can see the red granite columns in this photo, the detail work, and the different layers of stone

The grand view of Marseille from this very high point.

Wildflowers grew all along the walls and walkways.

A view of the "Marseille Cathedral" from on high.  More photos below as we drove past it.

These are more street scenes that we saw as we drove through the city.

I love the different street lights.

Advertising at the mall.

A carousel for the children.

Windows of a building in need of repair remain picturesque.

Many boats are docked in the area.

Masts of sailing ships line the old port.

Construction of a large entertainment facility in the port area.

Marseille Cathedral (Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-Majeure de Marseille or Cathédrale de la Major) is a Roman Catholic cathedral, and a national monument of France. It has been a basilica minor since 1896.

A sign telling you to "take your ticket here" and pay for parking.

The view of a cafe serving sandwiches and pizzas from the bus window.

We had a fun day as we toured France. We now return to the ship and get one last look of Marseille as we depart from the port.