Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica (La Bonne Mère) Tours and Tickets
Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica (La Bonne Mère)
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.
People Also Ask
There are plenty of ways to experience Notre-Dame de la Garde. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:
It’s free to visit Notre-Dame de la Garde and enjoy the hilltop views, but many travelers opt to join a guided tour. E-bike tours of Marseille, including Notre-Dame de la Garde, start at US$42 per person, or you can visit independently with a self-guided audio guide from US$6.
Yes, Notre-Dame de la Garde is one of Marseille's most recognizable landmarks, as famous for its gilded Virgin Mary statue as it is for the panoramic views over the city. Perched at Marseille's highest point, it's about a 45-minute hike up to the hilltop. If your calves aren't up for the challenge, hop aboard the Little Train or take an e-bike tour.
Per one customer who booked the Marseille Grand E-Bike Tour: "le tour du Fada", "What an amazing way to see Marseille. Gaby was an excellent tour guide. She was so knowledgeable of the area and also gave us fabulous tips on what to do after the tour. I can highly recommend this tour as it's the best way to see Marseille and all it offers."
Marseille’s Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica is typically open every day of the year, from roughly 7am to 6pm. The parking lots close about 15 minutes after the basilica itself to accommodate late visitors. However, if you’d like to attend (or avoid) services, keep in mind the basilica's daily mass schedule.
No, there is no entrance fee to visit Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica, but there is a small fee to visit the museum on-site. The basilica itself, though, is open to the public free of charge, and that includes access to the interior, the crypt, and the panoramic terraces overlooking the coast.
Yes, Marseille’s Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica has an onsite, full-service restaurant with an a la carte menu. During the warmer months (roughly May to September), there’s also a pop-up refreshment bar at the base of the basilica. There are also vending machines (and an ATM) next to the elevators.
Yes, you can attend mass at Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica—it’s an active place of worship, visitors are welcome, and mass is typically held daily. There are usually morning and afternoon services, with schedules depending on the day and season. Check the site directly for the most up-to-date mass schedule.
The time it takes to tour Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica will vary depending on your interests and schedule. That being said, you can see the main highlights of the basilica and enjoy the terrace views in about 30 minutes. To fully appreciate the basilica's architectural details and scenic grounds, plan to spend about 1 to 1.5 hours.
The best time of day to visit the Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica depends on the experience you’re looking for. Mornings are typically pretty quiet, with great light (and church services ongoing). Midday normally means open doors, but it can be crowded and warm. The church is illuminated in the evening—great for photos—but doors may be locked. It’s up to you and your schedule.
There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting Notre-Dame de la Garde. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Marseille:
View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Marseille.