Church of Saint Ferreol, Marseille

Church in Marseille

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Georges Seguin (Okki)

Right on the edge of the Old Port, the Church of Saint Ferreol is one of those places you might walk past without realising how much history is wrapped inside its walls. Once owned by the Knights Templar and later rebuilt by Augustinian hermits, it grew into an important spiritual and social hub for Marseille between the 15th and 18th centuries. Step inside today and you're surrounded by centuries of stories, from medieval guilds and royal weddings to revolutionary turmoil and quiet 19th-century devotion.

This harbourfront church is filled with artistic and historical treasures: finely worked altars by Dominique Fossaty, noble family tombs, relics of Saint Louis of Toulouse, striking sculptures from different eras and a neogothic organ that still anchors the musical life of the parish. It's a great place to pause between exploring the Vieux-Port and the historic streets around it, and a highlight of any walking tour of Marseille if you like places where art, history and faith intertwine.

History and Significance of the Church of Saint Ferreol
Things to See and Do in the Church of Saint Ferreol
How to Get to the Church of Saint Ferreol
Practical Tips on Visiting the Church of Saint Ferreol
Where to Stay close to the Church of Saint Ferreol
Is the Church of Saint Ferreol Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting the Church of Saint Ferreol
Nearby Attractions to the Church of Saint Ferreol

History and Significance of the Church of Saint Ferreol

The story of the Church of Saint Ferreol begins in the Middle Ages, when the site belonged to the Knights Templar, whose properties dotted major trade routes across Europe and the Mediterranean. In 1369, after the suppression of the Templars, the church passed to a community of Augustinian hermits who brought new energy and vision to the site. They began constructing a new church in 1447, and although it was consecrated in 1542, the vault was not completed until 1588, reinforcing its late Gothic and early Renaissance character.

From the 15th to the 18th century, the church became a focal point for professional and port-related ceremonies. Ship-porters dedicated altars to Saint Peter and Saint Paul as early as 1390, underlining how closely the building was tied to harbour life and trade. One of its most remarkable historical moments came on 28 October 1533, when Pope Clement VII celebrated the marriage of Catherine de' Medici and the future Henry II of France here, briefly turning this Marseille church into a stage for European royal politics.

The French Revolution nearly erased that history when many religious buildings were destroyed or repurposed, and Saint Ferreol came close to suffering the same fate. The church survived, though it passed through different hands and even carried the name of Saint Augustine for a time before being returned to the Catholic Church. Today its status as a cherished historic church, with noble family tombs and relics of Saint Louis of Toulouse, makes it one of the best places to visit in Marseille if you want to understand how deeply the city's story is anchored in its port-side parishes.

Things to See and Do in the Church of Saint Ferreol

One of the first things to look for inside Saint Ferreol are the altars crafted by Dominique Fossaty, whose work gives the church a sense of richness without overwhelming its relatively simple layout. These altars frame important family tombs, including those of the Mazenod family (1564) and the Montolieu family (1695), which offer a glimpse into the lives and status of Marseille’s elite across the centuries. Take your time wandering the aisles and side chapels; many details only reveal themselves when you get up close.

Art lovers will quickly notice the presence of Michel Serre, one of the most significant painters in Provence. Three of his works hang here: Sainte Marguerite, La Vierge à l'enfant apparaissant à Saint Pierre, and Saint Paul. Their strong compositions and rich colours bring drama and emotion to the walls. Sculptures by Raymond Servian, Élie-Jean Vézien, Louis Botinelly and Yves le Pape add a more modern layer to the church, depicting Saint Ferréol de Vienne, Saint Augustine, Saint Theresa, Joan of Arc and the Holy Family. Together, they create a dialogue between older Baroque painting and 20th-century devotional sculpture.

Don't miss the relics of Saint Louis of Toulouse, a reminder that this is still an active place of worship, not just a museum of religious art. Above it all, the neogothic pipe organ designed by Augustin Zieger in 1844 completes the picture. Even when it's silent, its tall pipes and carved case draw the eye up towards the vault, but if you are lucky enough to visit during an organ recital or mass, the sound carries beautifully along the nave and adds another dimension to your visit. This spot is one of the best places to see in Church of Saint Ferreol if you appreciate sacred music and historic instruments.

How to Get to the Church of Saint Ferreol

The Church of Saint Ferreol is located right by the Vieux-Port in central Marseille, making it very easy to reach during any visit to the city. If you arrive by air at Marseille Provence Airport, regular shuttle buses and trains connect you to the city centre, where you can continue by metro or on foot to the Old Port area. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Marseille on Booking.com.

By train, Marseille Saint-Charles station is the main gateway into the city and is well linked to the Vieux-Port by metro and buses. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place. From the station it’s only a couple of stops on the metro to reach the harbourfront, followed by a short walk along the quays to the church, which stands close to the water on the port’s edge.

If you are driving, follow the signs for Vieux-Port and central Marseille; several underground car parks around the harbour and nearby streets make it relatively straightforward to park and then explore on foot. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you. Once you’re by the Old Port, the church is easy to spot among the waterfront façades, and you can combine a visit here with a stroll along the quays and into the nearby historic districts.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Church of Saint Ferreol

Suggested tips: Combine a visit to Saint Ferreol with a walk around the Vieux-Port and nearby streets so you see how the church fits into Marseille's maritime heart.
Best time to visit: Late morning or mid-afternoon on weekdays tend to be quieter; evenings may be more atmospheric if there is a service or organ music.
Entrance fee: Free entry
Opening hours: Opening hours generally follow daytime church times with closures between services; exact times can vary by day and season.
Official website: https://saintferreolmarseille.fr/
How long to spend: Plan for 30-45 minutes to explore the interior, the artworks, the tombs and to sit a while to soak up the atmosphere.
Accessibility: Access is usually level or with minimal steps, but some areas may be less accessible; visitors with mobility needs should check local information before visiting.
Facilities: There are no dedicated visitor facilities inside, but the surrounding streets and Old Port area have plenty of cafés, shops and public transport links.
Photography tip: Discreet photography without flash is best; try capturing the play of light on the altars and paintings, and the organ framed by the stone vault above.
Guided tours: Some city walking-tours include Saint Ferreol, and occasional guided visits or concerts may be advertised by the parish or local tourism office.
Nearby food options: The Vieux-Port is lined with restaurants and cafés where you can enjoy a coffee or meal with harbour views after your visit.

Where to Stay close to the Church of Saint Ferreol

Staying near the Church of Saint Ferreol puts you in the very heart of Marseille, with the Old Port, main shopping streets and many museums within easy walking distance. For a convenient base just steps from the harbour, Hôtel Carré Vieux Port Marseille offers simple comfort right by the water. If you prefer a more design-focused stay while remaining close to Saint Ferreol and the Vieux-Port, Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites - Marseille Vieux Port combines stylish interiors with a central location. For those arriving by train who still want fast access to the Old Port and the church, Alex Hotel & Spa near Saint-Charles station gives you quick metro connections and an easy hop down to the waterfront.

Is the Church of Saint Ferreol Worth Visiting?

The Church of Saint Ferreol is absolutely worth a stop, especially if you're already exploring the Vieux-Port. Its layered history, from Templars and Augustinian hermits to royal weddings and revolutionary threats, makes it far more than just another parish church. Inside, the combination of noble tombs, high-quality paintings, evocative sculpture and a handsome neogothic organ creates a quietly impressive ensemble. As a calm, atmospheric break from the busy quays outside, it offers both cultural depth and a moment of reflection in the middle of the city.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (317)

Église Saint-Ferréol les Augustins sits at 1 Quai des Belges in Marseille near the Old Port and welcomes visitors daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM; visitors describe a simple yet beautiful interior that's worth a short stop for prayer, note it can feel crowded in the morning, and several accounts recall attending or stumbling upon services there, while others mention the site's long-held historical significance and varied architectural touches seen on the exterior.

Eileen Weed

2 months ago

"Saint Ferreol Church in Marseille is right near the Old Port and worth a few minutes to step in and say a prayer. It is a simple church inside, butthe location has hundreds of years of history...."

See More See Less

Seokjin Ham

3 months ago

"This church occupies a site with a long history. Construction of the church began in 1447 and it was consecrated in 1542. The structure was completedin 1588 in Gothic style, although parts of the exterior were later rebuilt in the 19th century with elements of Neoclassical and Neo-Baroque design. At one point the building faced demolition, but it was preserved thanks to its cultural and religious significance. Since 1803, it has carried the name of Saint Ferréol, which it still bears today...."

See More See Less

Eleonora Panciroli

a week ago

"Simple, but essential"

FAQs for Visiting the Church of Saint Ferreol

The church is located directly by the Vieux-Port in central Marseille, facing the harbour and surrounded by shops and cafés.

Entry is typically free, though small donations for the maintenance of the building are appreciated.

Around 30-45 minutes is usually enough to admire the artworks, tombs and organ and to spend a quiet moment inside.

Photography without flash is usually tolerated outside of services, but it is best to be discreet and respectful of worshippers.

Yes, many guided walks around the Old Port area stop by or mention Saint Ferreol, as it is a great place to visit on a walking tour of Marseille.

Nearby Attractions to the Church of Saint Ferreol

Vieux-Port (Old Port): The historic harbour of Marseille, perfect for harbourfront walks, boat trips and people-watching.
Marseille History Museum and Jardin des Vestiges: A major urban history museum and archaeological garden tracing the city's ancient port and development.
Le Panier district: Marseille’s oldest neighbourhood, full of narrow streets, colourful façades, street art and small independent shops.
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Marseille (Palais Longchamp): An impressive fine arts museum set in a grand 19th-century palace and park.
Fort Saint-Jean and MuCEM: A historic fort and striking modern museum linked by footbridges with superb views over the harbour and sea.

The Church of Saint Ferreol appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Marseille!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

Read our full story here

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!