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
What to do and see in Bouches-du-Rhone, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur: The Best Historic Sites
Discover the best top things to do in Bouches-du-Rhone, France including Chateau d'If, Cathedrale St. Sauveur, Eglise St-Trophime, Site Archeologique de Glanum, Halle aux Grains, Palais du Pharo, Amphitheatre (les Arenes), Chateau des Baux de Provence, Chateau de l'Emperi, St. Paul de Mausole.
Restaurants in Bouches-du-Rhone
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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!
4. 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!!!
5. Halle aux Grains
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By thomascB3809XL - New Orleans, United States
The Corn Exchange is a classical building from the 18th century that shows the importance of the corn trade at at that time. The southern entrance overlooking Place Richelme is decorated with figures of fruits, cereals, and olives representing the function of the building. Today this is the home of the local Post Office.
6. Palais du Pharo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 765 reviews
Reviewed By 444Travelfor - London, United Kingdom
Nice park beautiful walk around the palace, beautiful vegetation on one side and on the other side beautiful view of the sea for very beautiful photos
7. 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!
8. 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.
9. Chateau de l'Emperi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 299 reviews
10. St. Paul de Mausole
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 989 reviews
Psychiatric centre which treated Van Gogh after he cut off his ear.
Reviewed By JenniferTN2015 - Belleville, Canada
We happened upon this on our walk to Glanum from St Remy. They have done an excellent job of showcasing Van Gogh’s art along the walk and it was very interesting to see the place where Van Gogh spent a year of his life
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