Palais du Pharo Tours and Activities

Wouldn't it be nice to be a prince, to be able to go to seaside town, decide you liked it and wouldn't mind having a little holiday home there, then have the city give you the prime location on the waterfront to build your palace? Welcome to the mid-19th century world of Prince-President Louis-Napoleon. In September 1852, he visited Marseille, said he liked it, was given the Pharo headland overlooking Vieux Port and Ile d'If, built the magnificent Palais du Pharo, then never even stayed there. Luckily his wife seems to have had a more generous nature and the Empress Eugenie gave it back to the city.
In 1904, the city of Marseille turned the building into a medical school. This necessitated some architectural changes and the balance of the building's appearance was altered losing some of its beauty. Since then, the building has been again modified to become a modern conference centre, with many of the auditoriums skillfully concealed underground below the forecourt. It also has restaurants and of course, those views.
Jardin du Pharo is open everyday so you can enjoy the views from the headland, and appreciate the grand palace building from outside. Check locally for what's on: occasional art exhibitions allow you also to see inside and some rooms are richly furnished and open for viewing. Take the bus to Isabelle Carta stop, or walk or ride a bicycle out from the Vieux Port.
11 Tours and Activities to Experience Palais du Pharo

Marseille Smalll Group Electric Bike Tour

Electric Bike Tour to the Calanques from Marseille

Marseille Shore Excursion: Half Day Tour of Marseille by Electric Bike

Marseille Shore Excursion: Private Electric Bike Tour

5-Hour Private Sightseeing Tour of the Provence from Marseille in Luxury Car

Visit Marseille 4H

The Urban Hike of Marseille

Marseille Self-Guided Audio Tour

Notre Dame de la Garde, Panoramic Marseille

Marseille shore excursion: half-day tour of Marseille by e-bike + swimming

Marseille Shore Excursion: Private Electric Bike Tour to the Calanques
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