Borély Park, Marseille
Gardens in Marseille
Borély Park (Parc Borély) is Marseille's classic city escape: a grand historic estate turned public park where formal alleys, shady lawns and lakeside views all come with a salty hint of the nearby Mediterranean. Spread over 17 hectares in the Bonneveine district, it combines manicured French symmetry, more relaxed English landscaping and a direct pedestrian link to the seafront, making it easy to slip between city, park and beach in a single stroll.
Created as a country retreat in the 17th century by ship owner Joseph Borély and later remodelled under the guidance of renowned landscape designers, the park has evolved with Marseille itself. Today it is one of the best places to visit in Marseille if you want greenery, history and locals-at-play all in one place, and it is often visited on walking tours of Marseille that loop between the Prado beaches, the Château Borély and the seafront.
History and Significance of Borély Park
The story of Borély Park begins in the 1600s, when Joseph Borély acquired land in Bonneveine to build a country house away from the bustle of the harbour. His descendant Louis-Joseph Borély inherited the estate in 1770 and turned it into a showcase of taste and status, commissioning landscape architect Embry to create an elegant Garden à la française. Straight paths, clipped hedges and carefully framed views echoed the fashions of the time and aligned Borély with the great classical gardens of France.
In the 19th century the estate passed through several owners, including Paulin Talabot, the influential director of the PLM railway linking Paris and Marseille. The arrival of the railway era helped knit Marseille more tightly into the rest of France, and Borély evolved from a private domain into a space more closely tied to the growing city. When the city eventually bought the estate, it signalled a new chapter: this former aristocratic retreat would become a public park for all Marseillais.
The municipality entrusted Adolphe Alphand, one of France’s leading landscape architects, with the redesign. He structured the property into three distinct zones: a refined French garden to preserve the classical spirit, a softer English landscape park with winding paths and informal plantings, and a seaside horse racing track. For many years, Borély also served as Marseille’s botanical garden, underlining its scientific as well as recreational role, before those collections were moved to a dedicated nearby site.
Things to See and Do in Borély Park
A visit to Borély Park naturally starts with a wander through the French garden, where straight avenues radiate from the château, flowerbeds are carefully edged and fountains and statues punctuate the views. This is the part of the park where you really feel the 18th- and 19th-century heritage, especially with the façade of Château Borély as a backdrop. It is a favourite spot for photos, leisurely strolls and watching locals out for a Sunday promenade.
From there, you can drift into the English-style landscape garden, where paths meander around lawns, groves and a central lake. Here the mood is softer and more romantic: benches tucked into shade, families picnicking on the grass, joggers circling the water and ducks gliding across the surface. The surviving wooden lake pavilion, once linked to the botanical laboratory of the Institut Colonial, hints at the park’s scientific past and adds an extra touch of character to the lakeside scene.
On the western side, a two-hectare promenade created in 2002 leads you gently down towards the seafront, stitching together parkland and the Prado beaches. Cyclists, runners and dog walkers share the route, and in fine weather it feels like the whole neighbourhood is flowing between trees and sea. This spot is one of the best places to see in Borély Park if you enjoy that blend of city energy and coastal air, with just enough history in the background to give it depth.
How to Get to Borély Park
Borély Park lies in the Bonneveine/Prado area of southern Marseille, not far from the Prado beaches and the Corniche. Most international visitors arrive at Marseille Provence Airport, which offers frequent flights from across Europe and shuttle links into the city centre and towards the southern districts. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Marseille on Booking.com.
If you are coming by rail, your first stop will be Marseille Saint-Charles station, the main hub for TGV and regional services. 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 there, metro and bus lines run towards the Prado and Bonneveine areas, with stops a short walk from the park’s entrances.
Within Marseille, Borély Park is well served by buses and tram connections that link the city centre, the Old Port and the coastal neighbourhoods. Travelling by car, you can follow signs to the Prado beaches or Parc Borély and use nearby car parks or on-street parking before exploring 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. Many visitors also combine the park with a bike ride along the seafront, making use of cycle paths and bike-share stations.
Practical Tips on Visiting Borély Park
- Suggested tips: Bring a blanket and snacks to enjoy a lakeside picnic, and allow time to explore both the formal French garden and the more relaxed English-style areas.
- Best time to visit: Spring and early summer are especially lovely for flowers and mild temperatures, while autumn offers softer light and quieter paths.
- Entrance fee: Free entry to the park
- Opening hours: Open daily, generally from early morning until evening, with hours varying slightly by season.
- How long to spend: Plan 1-2 hours for a gentle stroll, or half a day if you want to picnic, visit nearby museums and combine the park with the beach.
- Accessibility: Main paths are wide and relatively flat, making much of the park accessible to wheelchairs and strollers; some smaller tracks may be uneven.
- Facilities: Expect lawns, benches, playground areas, toilets and occasional refreshment points; more cafés and restaurants are available along the nearby seafront.
- Photography tip: Capture Château Borély framed by the French garden, reflections on the lake at golden hour and long shots down the tree-lined avenues.
- Guided tours: Check for occasional guided walks or cultural events, particularly around the château and garden heritage, organised by the city or local associations.
- Nearby food options: Head towards the Prado beaches or the surrounding Bonneveine district for cafés, bakeries and restaurants ideal for a pre- or post-park meal.
Where to Stay close to Borély Park
Staying near Borély Park puts you within easy reach of both greenery and the sea. A stylish option along the Corniche is nhow Marseille, offering sea views and quick access by car or bus to the park and Prado beaches. For a more residential feel close to both shopping and the gardens, Mercure Marseille Centre Prado Vélodrome makes a convenient base within walking distance or a short bus ride of Parc Borély. If you prefer apartment-style stays near the coast, Résidence Odalys City Prado Castellane gives you flexibility for longer visits while still keeping the park and seafront within easy reach by public transport.
Is Borély Park Worth Visiting?
Borély Park is very much worth adding to your Marseille itinerary, especially if you want a break from busy streets without leaving the city. It offers an appealing mix of history, landscaping and local life: you can admire the classical lines of the château, wander under mature trees, watch model boats and ducks on the lake and then continue on to the seaside promenade. For families, joggers, photographers and anyone who likes to pair culture with fresh air, it is an easy, rewarding stop that shows a softer side of Marseille.
What Other Travellers Say...
Parc Borély on Av. du Parc Borély is a large, well maintained public park built around a château estate with formal 18th-century gardens, fountains and small lakes; visitors praise its calm, leafy paths for walks, runs and family days out, note play areas for children and a lakeside café, and mention wildlife such as ducks, peacocks, otters and water rats as well as pleasant sea views and a botanical garden to explore.
FAQs for Visiting Borély Park
Nearby Attractions to Borély Park
- Château Borély and museum: The historic mansion at the heart of the park, now home to cultural collections and occasional exhibitions.
- Prado Beaches (Plages du Prado): Popular city beaches a short walk from the park, ideal for swimming, sunbathing and seaside cafés.
- Parc Chanot and Orange Vélodrome: Marseille’s main exhibition centre and football stadium, located a short distance north of Borély.
- Corniche Kennedy: The scenic coastal road with sweeping sea views, easy to reach from the park and perfect for a walk or bike ride.
- Parc du 26e Centenaire: Another large urban park closer to the city centre, offering lakes, themed gardens and walking paths for more green-space exploring.
The Borély Park 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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Planning Your Visit
Open daily, generally from early morning until evening, with hours varying slightly by season.
Free entry to the park
Nearby Attractions
- Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde (2.8) km
Cathedral - Abbaye Saint-Victor (3.6) km
Abbey - Fort Saint-Nicolas (3.9) km
Castle - Vieux Port (Old Port) (3.9) km
Port - Church of Saint Ferreol (4.0) km
Church - Hotel de Ville (4.1) km
Town Hall - Fort Saint-Jean (4.2) km
Castle - Marseille History Museum (4.2) km
Museum - Maison Diamantée (Diamond House) (4.2) km
Historic Building - Jardin des Vestige (4.2) km
Gardens and Historic Site
