Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica (La Bonne Mère) Tours and Activities
112 Reviews

Perched atop the city’s highest hill, the magnificent Notre-Dame de la Garde, which is visible from all over the Marseille, is one of the city’s most striking landmarks. The Romano-Byzantine basilica dates back to the 19th century and is best known for its grand bell tower, which is capped with a gleaming gold statue of the Virgin Mary.
The Basics
No sightseeing tour is complete without a visit to Notre-Dame de la Garde; in fact, the religious site, nicknamed "La Bonne Mère," is one of Marseille’s most-visited attractions. There are many ways to absorb the highlights of the port city: you can take a half-day shore excursion, zip around by electric bike, or combine a tour with a visit to other Provencal villages, such as Cassis and Aix-en-Provence. Tours and shore excursions also run to Marseille from Toulon, Avignon, and Aix-en-Provence, typically in combination with other towns around Provence.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entrance to the cathedral is free, but there’s a small fee to visit the cathedral’s museum.
- Visitor facilities include two gift shops, a café, and parking.
- Most areas of the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Notre-Dame de la Garde perches on a steep hill. From Vieux Port (Old Port) just to the north, it’s a 20-minute bus ride—bus 60 runs from Cours Jean Ballard—to the basilica. You can also get there on foot (about an hourlong hike from the Old Port) or by taking the Petit Train from Quai des Belges.
When to Get There
La Bonne Mère is open daily year round, but it can get busy in peak season (July and August), when it’s best to visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the tour groups. Assumption Day (August 15), when a special mass is held at the church, tends to draw large crowds.
Inside Notre-Dame de la Garde
After admiring the basilica’s elaborate facade and Virgin Mary statue, marvel at the lavish interior, which is adorned with colorful marble, maritime-inspired murals, and intricate mosaics. The cathedral was painstakingly restored in 2006, but bullet marks and shrapnel scars on the northern façade are visible remnants of the fighting that took place during the Battle of Marseille in August 1944. And don’t miss checking out the view from the dome—it’s a dramatic panorama of the terracotta roofs dotting the city below.
Address: Montée de la Bonne Mère, Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, France
Admission: Free
41 Tours and Activities to Experience Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica (La Bonne Mère)
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Marseille Smalll Group Electric Bike Tour
146
Discover the beauty and culture of historic Marseille on this family-friendly electric bike tour. Accompany your guide and a small group on a ride through Marseille’s ancient streets. Explore off-the-beaten-path corners of the city, picturesque ports and main attractions like Palais du Pharo and Notre-Dame de la Garde, and cruise along the waterfront for gorgeous Mediterranean views. See more of France’s oldest city with ease.
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From
$39.94
Price varies by group size
From
$39.94
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Learn More

Electric Bike Tour to the Calanques from Marseille
76
Discover the remarkable beauty of France’s Mediterranean coast on a full-day electric bike tour! This unique outdoor excursion takes you to lovely ports and fishing villages like Madrague Montredon and Vallon des Auffes and through dramatic calanques-filled coves. Along the way, stop to swim and have lunch.Then head back to Marseille for a tour of great sites such as Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica.
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From
$103.59
Price varies by group size
From
$103.59
Price varies by group size

Marseille Shore Excursion: City Sightseeing Tour of Marseille
24
Spend the morning exploring Marseilles’ historical neighborhoods on a small-group tour with a guide. Perfect for visitors looking to maximize their time in the city, the tour covers many of the city’s main sights in half a day. Peruse shops and restaurants in the along the water in the old port, and take in panoramic views along the Cape Croisette.
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From
$80.67
From
$80.67

Marseille Shore Excursion: Half Day Tour of Marseille by Electric Bike
84
Spend your time in port in Marseille exploring with ease by electric bike on this half-day cycling tour. Spin through the city streets with a guide, and discover top attractions such as Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica and the Palais du Pharo. Enjoy panoramic French Riviera views along the pretty Corniche Kennedy, and visit traditional ports including the Vallon des Auffes. Along the way, explore the ancient Panier neighborhood and new Joliette district, and gain insight into centuries of rich maritime history.
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From
$73.63
Price varies by group size
From
$73.63
Price varies by group size

Provence, Marseille and Cassis Sightseeing Tour
59
Discover highlights of the French Riviera on this small-group tour of Marseille and Cassis. Journey along the rugged yet beautiful Route de Crêtes, where you’ll catch panoramic views of the Gulf de Cassis from Cape Canaille. Cruise from Cassis (option) to view the region’s three famous calanques, then head back to Marseille to tour the city’s main attractions like Notre-Dame de la Garde and the Abbey of St Victor.
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From
$84.70
From
$84.70

Marseille Shore Excursion: Private Marseille and Cassis Tour
25
Take advantage of your time in port with a private shore excursion through Marseille and Cassis! This 7-hour guided tour crosses the breathtaking Marseille-Cassis calanques for exceptional views of the Côte d’Azur from Cape Canaille. Explore the quaint fishing village of Cassis or take a sightseeing cruise before returning to Marseille to tour the city’s highlights such as Notre-Dame de la Garde and the Abbey of St Victor.
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From
$359.99
Price varies by group size
From
$359.99
Price varies by group size

Provence Small-Group Sightseeing Tour: Marseille, Aix-en-Provence and Cassis
18
Immerse yourself in the distinctive beauty of Provence with a full-day tour of the Aix-en-Provence, Cassis, and Marseille. With your small group, view elegant mansions along Aix’s Cours Mirabeau and tour Paul Cézanne’s art studio (additional expense) before heading to Cassis to view breathtaking calanques from the village’s charming harbor. End in Marseille with a historic tour of main attractions such as the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde.
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From
$157.31
From
$157.31

Marseille Shore Excursion: Private Electric Bike Tour
25
Experience the beauty and culture of France’s oldest city on a 4-hour electric bike tour! On this private Marseille shore excursion, accompany your local guide on a journey through the city’s colorful streets. Explore off-the-beaten-path areas, picturesque ports and main attractions like Palais du Pharo and Notre-Dame de la Garde, then cruise along the waterfront for postcard-perfect Mediterranean views. Maximize your sightseeing time in Marseille!
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From
$106.09
Price varies by group size
From
$106.09
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

5-Hour Private Sightseeing Tour of the Provence from Marseille in Luxury Car
10
Experience the delights of storybook Provence with a half-day tour from Marseille in a luxury car. Your private tour is fully customisable, so you can create the perfect itinerary and enjoy the undivided attention of your guide. Perhaps drive along the Corniche coastal road from Marseille, visit the home of Paul Cezanne in Aix-en-Provence or hop off in beautiful Cassis for a boat cruise around the famous calanques (inlets). Alternatively, stay in Marseille and hit the shops of the Old Port or admire the views from Notre-Dame de la Garde.
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From
$704.08
per group
From
$704.08
per group
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
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Private Tour: Marseille and Cassis Day Trip
9
Embark on a private day trip encompassing two French Riviera favorites: Marseille and the ancient fishing port of Cassis. Marvel at the incredible coastal scenery of the Corniche des Crêtes as you make your way toward Cassis. Once there, peruse the charming streets or set out on a relaxing cruise (own expense) for close-up views of the 'fjords of the French Rivera.' Return to Marseille for a city sightseeing tour that includes Notre-Dame de la Garde, a stunning Neo-Byzantine church that's also a popular pilgrimage site.
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From
$359.99
Price varies by group size
From
$359.99
Price varies by group size

Private Day Tour of Aix en Provence, Marseille & Cassis
6
Maximize your stopover in Marseille with the best panoramic tour to discover Aix en Provence, Marseille and Cassis.
Explore Aix en Provence with your private guide.
Discover Cassis and its superb panorama at the top of Cap Canaille.
Explore Marseille and visit Notre Dame de la Garde
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From
$453.70
Price varies by group size
From
$453.70
Price varies by group size

Aix-en-Provence, Cassis, Marseille
7
Aix en Provence is the most romantic town of Provence, Cassis, colorful village by the sea and a drive thru Marseille, the oldest town in France.
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From
$821.46
per group
From
$821.46
per group

Tour of Marseille for Cruise Lines
You can invinter up to 50 people for this round.
Maximize your stopover in Marseille with a panoramic tour of 4 hours directed by a guide-lecturer native of Marseille.
You will discover the most beautiful places of the oldest city of France and will not miss anything thanks to your guide.
You will also enjoy some free time on the old port to taste the local specialties and to do some shopping.
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From
$1,329.33
per group
From
$1,329.33
per group

City Tour Marseille 45"
1
discover Marseille differently, in SIDE-CAR let yourself be amazed by this unique journey through its lively streets and its old mythical port
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From
$101.11
per group
From
$101.11
per group

City Tour Marseille 2h
1
LA BELLE ÉCHAPPÉE vous propose de découvrir MARSEILLE autrement, à bord de nos side-car vintage partons pour 1H30 d'une visite atypique avec nos SIDER
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From
$217.81
per group
From
$217.81
per group

Live Marseille like a local! - 3 day tour
Take a walk in the cultural and thematic circuits
Photographic workshop
Brewery and tasting of different styles of beers
Panier district, the oldest district of Marseille
The Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde
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From
$166.35
Price varies by group size
From
$166.35
Price varies by group size

Private Tour of Marseille's Bay and Tiny Fishing Ports
Discovery tour of the bay of Marseille, from the 2,600 year old town of Le Panier, Old Port to tiny fishing villages scattered along the coast - Vallons des Auffes, Pointe Rouge, Saména, Les Goudes and Callelongue, at the limit of the city. Along the way stop to visit a few of the fishing villages, some haven't changed in appearance for decades. These tiny ports make you feel you've travelled far, but you're still in the city of Marseille. Most famous of all - Les Vallons des Auffes, today an integral part of the city, created by Italien immigrants in the 17th century who made rope for boats & Les Goudes, a tiny fishing port at the extremity of the bay. Beyond Cape Croisette, Callelongue at the start of the Calanques national park. Lots of opportunity to explore along the way - our final stop return along the coast up to Notre Dame de la Garde the cities principle cathédrale, spectacular views over the city & bay of Marseille.
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From
$284.35
From
$284.35
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Marseille and Cassis Tour
1
Explore Marseille and discover the port of Cassis with its National Park.
Spend your day by the sea and get some opportunities for a swim in the Calanques National Park in Cassis.
Enjoy a private guided tour in Marseille to see the best of the Capital city of Provence.
Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and see the Château d'If in the middle of the bay. Stop by the Old Port and the Longchamp palace for pictures.
Drive across the National Park to reach Cassis. On the road you can stop for pictures as much as you want.
Visit the lovely port of Cassis, enjoy its pristine beaches or take a boat tour inside the fjords of the National Park.
We provide the best professional tour guides in the south of France.
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From
$1,011.02
Price varies by group size
From
$1,011.02
Price varies by group size

Aix en Provence & Marseille Tour
Explore Marseille and Aix en Provence, the two most important cities of Provence.
Spend the morning in Aix en Provence where you will fall in love with the daily market.
Enjoy a private guided tour in Aix en Provence to see the best of the old town and its palaces from the 17th century.
Visit the Saint Sauveur Cathedral, explore the Mazarin neighborhood and discover where Paul Cézanne was born.
Spend the afternoon in Marseille.
Enjoy a private guided tour in Marseille to see the best of the Capital city of Provence.
Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and see the Château d'If in the middle of the bay. Stop by the Old Port and the Longchamp palace for pictures.
We provide the best professional tour guides in the south of France.
…More
From
$1,011.02
Price varies by group size
From
$1,011.02
Price varies by group size

Aix en Provence, Marseille and Cassis Tour
Explore the best of Provence in a day with our privae tour to Aix en Provence, Marseille and Cassis.
This tour a must if it is your first time in Provence.
You will tour Marseille, capital city of Provence and biggest port in France; explore the most beautiful city of Provence in Aix en Provence; and see the most jaw-pending panorama on the coast from the top of the cliff in Cassis.
We provide the best professional tour guides in the south of France.
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From
$985.75
per group
From
$985.75
per group

Private Tours in Provence
Unique expérience with a local guide from Marseille , with a réal passion about history and legends. I love to share culture and local customs with people .
Passionated about MArseille and the provence région .
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From
$145.34
From
$145.34

Seaside Tour in Jeep Beetle Cabriolet Marseille La Ciotat Cassis
29
Departing from Marseille, you will drive your 4x4 Jimny jeep with manual gearbox or automatic Beetle yourself in an exceptional site between sea and mountains, don't forget your driving license.
A guide will open the route with his 9-seater shuttle, you will follow him throughout the course.
You will be able to contemplate one of the most beautiful bays in the world (La Ciotat) and, via the route des crêtes, the magnificent creeks of blackcurrant seen from above at 350 meters above sea level by the sea. Sublime views .
If the ridge route would be closed (strong winds), we could change the route.
We will pass on our return, by the highest point of Marseille, Notre Dame De La Garde, where you can take photos.
We will adapt our schedules according to your time of departure and arrival of the ship.
3 jeep cabrio and 3 Beetle cabriolet automatic for more user-friendliness. the price shown is per car, from 1 to 4 people.
Unique in Marseille
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From
$350.92
per group
From
$350.92
per group

Guided Tour in Marseille: Port & Old City
2
Marseille is the oldest port in the Mediterranean and the oldest city in France over 2600 years old! With such a rich history and a multitude of colorful faces, it is an exciting and vibrant city. From early barbaric tribes, the Phoenicians, the Romans, The Crusaders, to kings, Napoleons, the wars, battles, triumphs and her glorious ascent to the Capital of Provence and European Capital of Culture. Marseille, eternal.
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From
$60.49
From
$60.49
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Learn More

Vespa rental in Marseille
Unique rental service that delivers Vespa directly to the customer's point of departure. No need to travel to an agency, we get in touch with the client and deliver the Vespa wherever they want. We also provide smartphone supports so that the customer can walk independently with his GPS. Finally, we support the client with personalized cards (we list the best places to visit, dine, discover ...).
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From
$66.55
per group
From
$66.55
per group
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