Top Things to do in Bouches-du-Rhone
Top Hotels in Bouches-du-Rhone
- 1. Aquabella Hotel & Spa
- 2. Hotel La Residence du Vieux Port
- 3. Alex Hotel & Spa
- 4. nhow Marseille
- 5. Grand Hotel Beauvau Marseille Vieux-Port-MGallery
- 6. Golden Tulip Marseille Euromed
- 7. Villa Saint Ange
- 8. Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Hotel
- 9. InterContinental Marseille - Hotel Dieu, an IHG Hotel
- 10. Aquabella Hotel & Spa
The 10 Best Sights & Landmarks in Bouches-du-Rhone, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur
Discover the best top things to do in Bouches-du-Rhone, France including Parc National des Calanques, Chateau d'If, The Panier, Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde, Cathedrale St. Sauveur, Eglise St-Trophime, Site Archeologique de Glanum, Amphitheatre (les Arenes), Chateau des Baux de Provence, Chateau de l'Emperi.
Restaurants in Bouches-du-Rhone
1. Parc National des Calanques
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,949 reviews
Reviewed By milgil24 - Sydney, Australia
The stunning natural beauty of the Calanques along the South Coast of France is a must do. We went on a boat tour which departed from Marseille (booked through Airbnb experience) which was amazing, but there are so many ways to visit this national park.
2. Chateau d'If
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,725 reviews
This famous fortress, standing on a rocky island off the coast of Marseille, was immortalised by Alexandre Dumas in The Count of Monte Cristo as the prison where the novel’s hero, Edmond Dantes, was incarcerated before ultimately escaping. The castle was built by Francois I in 1524 and over the centuries it gained a fearsome reputation as many opponents of royal power were jailed and died in the fortress. The Castle of If has been perfectly preserved and is one of the most impressive historical sites on the Mediterranean coastline. Open: > 15th May to 20th September: from 9.30 a.m. to 6.15 p.m. > 21st September to 14th May: from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. The last visit depends on the timetable of boats, information at the tourist information center, on our website monuments-nationaux.fr or on Frioul If express. Closed: > Mondays from 21st September to 14th May. > 1st January, 25th December and subject to bad weather. Admission fees: Adults : 5,50 €; Concessions (18 to 25) = 4 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups.
Reviewed By tanyac179 - Surrey, United Kingdom
We opted for this trip as part of our Marseille tourist pass. Enjoyable boat ride (great views on boat) in lovely warm weather and you can spend as much time as you like walking around. Fascinating history - there is no lift & area is uneven which was a little bit difficult for our elderly relatives but we had plenty of time to explore which helped. Walk up is steep in parts too. Nice cafe with wonderful view and prices not too bad - we just had drinks & ice cream.
3. The Panier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,447 reviews
Reviewed By Ilmar1 - Perth, Australia
The one unique thing about this area which makes it worth visiting is the quality of the street art (or graffiti) which adds a very colourful dimension to the narrow streets. Virtually nothing was open when we visited except a few shops selling mass produced souvenirs, so there was nothing to do but take photos. I was told this was because it was no longer tourist season (which explained the almost deserted streets) and the december rush had yet to begin. Take an hour to walk slowly around and admire the views. It is worth it.
4. Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13,186 reviews
Reviewed By JenLovesTrains - Bad Hindelang, Germany
It’s a steep climb up to the basilica with stations of the cross along the way. Well worth it for the views over all of Marseille. It looked as though a little tourist train goes though if you don’t want to do the walk. The basilica itself is beautifully decorated with mosaics and full of a variety of thankful donations, including ship and plane models hanging from the ceiling, medals, paintings and many many marble plaques. We enjoyed reading those! People’s thanks range from being saved from submarine bombardment in the war through being healed of an ulcer to passing an exam. There’s also a crypt, gift shop, restaurant and museum but we didn’t go to the restaurant or museum. They crypt is full of votive candles and the gift shop is crowded but has a good selection of postcards.
5. Cathedrale St. Sauveur
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 978 reviews
Reviewed By EdwinP278 - Charlotte, United States
Wonderful historic cathedral - great visit to a beautiful old church. We loved our walk to the cathedral enjoying the market in Aix, viewing the sidewalk cafes, and then our visit to St. Sauveur. Recommend stopping at a sidewalk cafe and enjoying a nice Rose from Provence, sampling sausages and cheese in the market, and enjoying a strill along the pedestrian friendly streets and alleys. One of our favorite stops on our cruise.
6. Eglise St-Trophime
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 901 reviews
Reviewed By MaryannF650 - Clarksville, United States
During a river cruise, we participated in a shore excursion of Arles where we engaged in a historic and photographic walking tour. Located on the main square, Eglise St. Trophime was part of our visit. We were so fortunate to have had a tour guide who provided us with an extensive history of St. Trophime. What incredible architecture. How photographic! According to available literature, "The Church of St. Trophime was built in the late 11th and 12th centuries and was named after the city's first bishop. This fine Romanesque edifice is notable for its magnificent carved west portal, interesting furnishings and glorious cloisters containing impressive sculpture...they show all sorts of biblical scenes, like the Apocalypse and the Gospel of St. Matthew. If you look up at the tympanum you can identify Jesus seated above the 12 apostles, beneath some 40 angels in the archivolt. The interior of St. Trophime has early Christian sarcophagi, 13th century plaques and epitaphs, baroque paintings and nine Aubusson tapestries from the 17th century. Located in the Place de la Republique, not far from the Quai Lamartine pier. Don't miss it!
7. Site Archeologique de Glanum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,405 reviews
At the heart of the magnificent Alpilles mountains, the archaeological site at Glanum features the remains of an important Roman settlement that prospered from the 6th century BC to the third century AD. This fascinating site includes the ruins of both civic and religious edifices and is unique in Provence. Open: > 1st April to 30th September: from 9.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. > 1st October to 31st March: from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last admission 30 minutes before closing time. Closed: > Mondays from 1st October to 31st March. > 1st January, 1st May, 1st November, 11th November and 25th December. Admission fees: Adults : 8 €; Concessions (18 to 25) = 6,50 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups
Reviewed By 797tomc - Raleigh, United States
This was my 5th time to visit and I have written other rave reviews, so I will just repeat that this is well-worth a visit if you have any interest in Greek/Roman history and ruins. It is also been interesting to see how Glanum has changed and grown over the last 10 years, since discoveries are on-going. My wife's dream is to come work in the ruins for a few months--if anyone at Glanum reads this and wants another volunteer!!!
8. Amphitheatre (les Arenes)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,291 reviews
Reviewed By Solarbearz
We toured the amphitheatre during a recent visit to Arles. First, it was incredibly impressed from the street, being in such good condition considering its age. Entering the amphitheatre we walked through corridors of beautiful hewn stone that took us back to centuries past. We finally entered the arena and took seats in the cool sun to take it all in. It is in such good condition that it is hard to believe it is so old. The best part was knowing that the amphitheatre is still in use. The arena was set up for bull fights which I wish we could have seen. Provençal fighting bulls don’t end up as hamburger, but instead, the bulls become celebrities in their own right and have quite a fan following until they are retired. We were told that when these bulls finally died of old age they were buried standing up and facing the Mediterranean. I’m planning on doing this with with my hubby if I can outlive him. We were lucky to tour the amphitheatre on a cool day in November when the tourist count was extremely low. The only thing better would have been to arrive on a day when a bull fight was scheduled, as I am sure it is a magnificent event in such an historic setting!
9. Chateau des Baux de Provence
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,959 reviews
With a view over Provence to the Mediterranean, the Château des Baux is one of the most beautiful sites in France. It is also a unique place marked by a turbulent past of more than ten centuries: from the Counts of Les Baux (who claimed to be descended from King Balthazar) to the Château’s destruction in 1483 by Richelieu after the wars of religion.This medieval stronghold contains both a castle and a village.
Reviewed By 18philippeb - Toulouse, France
We do recommend to visit this castle for at least three reasons. First of all the place offers unique views on the countryside to the south, the Alpilles mountains to the north and of the village itself. Furthermore, the castle itself is an interesting example of medieval architecture with it’s walls, towers and the dungeon. Visiting all this and more requires good shoes and good shape to get up and down through narrow and sharp stairs. Finally the site organizes educative shows about craftsmanship and even war machines. You’ll need about one hour and a half to complete the visit.
10. Chateau de l'Emperi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 299 reviews
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