The Cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde is without exaggeration the most visited attraction in the French city of Marseille. The Catholic church stands on a high hill, so it is visible from almost everywhere. The abode was built in the middle of the 18th century on the site of a former chapel and since then has remained one of the main pilgrimage sites of Marseille. Especially here there are many believers on the day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, held every year on August 15. The top of the bell tower of the already majestic cathedral is decorated with an 11-meter gilded statue of the Virgin Mary with a baby.
Entrance and tours of Notre Dame de la Garde Cathedral are free for all visitors.
Notre Dame de la Garde Cathedral is open to the public all year round. However, in summer (from April to September) due to the influx of tourists it is open longer hours – from 7:00 to 19:15. In winter (from October to March) access to the temple is from 7:00 to 18:15.
You can get to the Cathedral of Notre Dame de la Garde by public transportation (bus number 60 reaches the temple) or by car, if you, for example, rented a car. There is a parking lot next to the cathedral, but note that at exactly 19:00 in winter and 20:00 in summer you will have to leave the parking lot. Bus fare will cost 2 EUR per person.
After a tour of Notre Dame de la Garde Cathedral you can have a snack in the restaurant working here. It is open daily from 8:00 to 17:30. The excursions themselves – as well as the entrance to the temple – are free for all visitors. But for the excursions to take place, it is necessary to send an application in advance (you can do it through the official website of the cathedral), indicating the date and the desired topic of the excursion.