Pharo Palace, Marseille

Palace in Marseille

CC BY-SA 1.0 / Benoît Prieur

Perched on the headland at the entrance to the Vieux-Port, Pharo Palace (Palais du Pharo) is one of Marseille's most recognisable silhouettes. Built in the mid-19th century as an imperial residence for Napoleon III, it never actually hosted the emperor, but its grand architecture and commanding setting still radiate that era's ambition. Today, the palace and its park are open for conferences and events, while the surrounding gardens offer some of the best vantage points in the city.

Walk out onto the lawns and you are rewarded with wide-open views of the Old Port, Fort Saint-Jean, MuCEM and the islands beyond. Locals come here to picnic, jog and watch the sunset, and visitors quickly realise that this headland is a highlight of any walking tour of Marseille, linking the historic harbour with the Corniche and the open sea.

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

History and Significance of the Pharo Palace

The story of Pharo Palace begins in 1852, when Prince Louis-Napoleon (the future Napoleon III) commissioned architect Vaucher to find a suitable site for a new imperial residence in Marseille. The chosen promontory, long known as Tête de More, took on the name Pharo from the adjacent western bay. It was a symbolic choice: a strategic headland at the gateway to the Old Port, perfectly placed to showcase imperial power to ships arriving from across the Mediterranean.

Although Vaucher drew the first designs, it was Napoleon III’s architect Lefuel who ultimately shaped the palace we see today. The city donated the land, underlining how keen Marseille’s leaders were to associate themselves with the empire. Yet history moved faster than the building schedule: Napoleon III never spent a night here before his fall, and after his death Empress Eugénie chose to return the palace to the city. With imperial dreams over, the building was repurposed in 1904 as a medical school, embedding it in Marseille’s civic life.

Following the political upheavals of 1870, imperial symbols on the façade were stripped away, erasing overt references to the fallen regime. Even so, the overall composition retains its confident Second Empire language: a large, symmetrical block with generous windows and a commanding stance over the sea. In recent decades Pharo Palace has been transformed again into a major conference and events venue, with modern extensions discreetly added to the historic core, proving that this 19th-century landmark can still serve 21st-century Marseille.

Things to See and Do in the Pharo Palace

For most visitors, the main draw is the setting rather than the interior. The surrounding park, Parc du Pharo, is a favourite green space where you can stroll along paths that hug the cliff edge, pause on benches facing the fort and harbour, or spread out a picnic blanket on the lawns. On clear days, the panoramic view ranges from the entrance to the Old Port, across to Fort Saint-Jean and MuCEM, and out to the Frioul Islands and Château d'If. The light constantly shifts, making this an especially atmospheric place at sunrise or sunset.

When the palace is hosting public events, exhibitions or open days, it is worth stepping inside to appreciate the scale of the reception rooms and the way the modern conference facilities have been woven into the original shell. Even if you cannot visit the interior, you can walk right up to the building and take in details like the grand windows and classical lines, imagining the imperial receptions that never happened.

The park is also a handy jumping-off point for further explorations. From here you can drop down towards the Corniche for a coastal walk, or loop back towards the Old Port via the Catalans beach and the Saint-Victor area. The combination of sea views, urban skyline and easy paths make Pharo Palace an easy, low-effort outing that fits neatly into a day of exploring the city. This spot is one of the best places to see in Pharo Palace if you want that picture-perfect shot of Marseille opening out to the Mediterranean.

How to Get to the Pharo Palace

Pharo Palace stands on the Pharo headland at the entrance to Marseille's Old Port, in the city's central area. International travellers usually arrive via Marseille Provence Airport, which has regular European connections and shuttle links into the city centre and the Vieux-Port area. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Marseille on Booking.com.

If you are arriving by train, Marseille Saint-Charles station is the main hub for TGV and regional services, with metro and bus connections down to the Old Port and on towards the Pharo district. 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 Vieux-Port, it is a pleasant walk uphill along the waterfront, or a short hop by bus.

Within Marseille, several bus routes link the Vieux-Port, Catalans beach and the Pharo area, making it easy to reach the palace without a car. If you are driving, follow signs for Vieux-Port and Pharo, then use nearby street parking or car parks before walking into the park and up to the building. 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. The final approach is on foot through the gardens, which are open to the public and well signposted.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Pharo Palace

Suggested tips: Plan your visit for late afternoon or early evening to catch golden light over the Old Port and islands, and bring a light jacket as the headland can be breezy.
Best time to visit: Spring and autumn offer comfortable temperatures and clear views; in summer, mornings and evenings are best to avoid the heat.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: The Pharo garden is open all year round to the public from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Official website: https://www.marseille-tourisme.com/en/discover-marseille/culture-heritage/discover-the-sites-and-monuments-in-marseille/the-palais-du-pharo/
How long to spend: Allow 45-90 minutes to stroll the park, enjoy the views and take photos; longer if you are attending a conference or event inside.
Accessibility: Paths in the park are generally well maintained, though there are slopes; wheelchair users may find the main viewpoints accessible but should check details in advance.
Facilities: Public benches and green spaces are available in the park; cafés and restaurants can be found nearby towards the Catalans beach and the Vieux-Port.
Photography tip: Bring a wide-angle lens for sweeping harbour panoramas and zoom in on details like Fort Saint-Jean, MuCEM and passing ferries or sailing boats.
Guided tours: Occasionally, guided walks or heritage tours include the Pharo headland and palace as part of a wider route around the Old Port and coastal defences.
Nearby food options: Combine your visit with a coffee or meal around the Vieux-Port or at the restaurants near Plage des Catalans, just a short walk downhill.

Where to Stay close to the Pharo Palace

If you want to be within easy walking distance of Pharo Palace and still close to the Old Port, consider a stay at Newhotel of Marseille, just below the palace and a convenient base for both conferences and sightseeing. For classic harbour views and quick access to boats, museums and the historic centre, Sofitel Marseille Vieux-Port offers upscale comfort overlooking the marina. Another solid option within reach of both the Pharo headland and the city's main attractions is Radisson Blu Hotel, Marseille Vieux-Port, facing the Old Port and a pleasant stroll away from the palace via the waterfront.

Is the Pharo Palace Worth Visiting?

Pharo Palace is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you enjoy viewpoints and urban landscapes. Even if you never step inside the building, the surrounding park offers some of the best perspectives on Marseille's Old Port, coastal forts and islands. Its history as an unrealised imperial residence turned civic landmark adds an interesting layer to what might otherwise be simply a pretty viewpoint. Given how easy it is to reach from the city centre, it is an ideal stop to pair with the Vieux-Port, MuCEM or a coastal walk along the Corniche.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.7 (3,991)

Palais du Pharo, at 58 Bd Charles Livon in Marseille, is a 19th-century palace turned conference centre set above gardens that open onto sweeping seafront and Vieux Port views; visitors praise the elegant building, relaxed park atmosphere, plentiful seating and picnic-friendly lawns, and recommend coming up the hill for panoramas at sunset or for a peaceful place to rest and watch the boats and forts across the water.

Rena Koleda

4 weeks ago

"I really enjoyed visiting the Palais du Pharo. The building itself is elegant, but what impressed me most was the view. From the gardens you can seethe whole Vieux Port, the sea, and the forts across the water. It’s the kind of place where you naturally slow down, sit on the grass, and just look around. Even without going inside, the walk up the hill and the panorama make it completely worth it. It felt peaceful and open, one of my favorite spots in Marseille...."

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Pavan Warpe

3 months ago

"This place is a hidden gem, perfect for a relaxing stroll along the Vieux Port. You can enjoy the lively scene as boats come and go from MarseillePort. There’s plenty of seating, especially towards the Vieux Port entrance. The landscape is stu ing, and there’s a beautiful garden. You could even plan a picnic or a casual get-together with friends and family. I haven’t been inside, but it’s always a great spot if you need a peaceful escape...."

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Jaku Bui

4 months ago

"I strongly recommend this place. You can’t imagine how beautiful is it with the sunset! Gorgeous! You must visit this place!!!!"

FAQs for Visiting Pharo Palace

Access to the interior is usually limited to conferences, fairs and special events, but the gardens and viewpoints around the palace are open to the public.

Yes, the park around the palace provides spectacular, unobstructed views over the Old Port, Fort Saint-Jean, MuCEM and the offshore islands.

From the Vieux-Port, follow the waterfront towards the sea, then head up the gentle hill towards the Pharo district; it takes around 15-20 minutes at a relaxed pace.

The park is very family-friendly, with open lawns and safe paths, though you should supervise children near cliff edges and lookout points.

No booking is required to enjoy the park and viewpoints; only event participants need to register if attending a conference or meeting inside the palace.

Nearby Attractions to the Pharo Palace

Vieux-Port (Old Port): The historic heart of Marseille, lined with cafés, restaurants and boat departures, just a short walk downhill from the palace.
Fort Saint-Jean and MuCEM: A striking combination of 17th-century fort and contemporary museum at the harbour entrance, easily reached on foot from the Pharo area.
Plage des Catalans: A small city beach below the headland, ideal for a quick swim or a seaside pause after your visit.
Abbaye Saint-Victor: An ancient abbey overlooking the Old Port, with a fascinating crypt and a strong sense of Marseille's early Christian history.
Palais du Pharo gardens to Corniche walk: From the park you can continue along the coastal Corniche for sweeping sea views and a relaxed promenade towards other beaches.

The Pharo Palace 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!

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