Place Henri Dunant

A monumental surprise in the heart of Marseille

Among the most memorable discoveries of our stay in Marseille, the Palais Longchamp truly amazed us. Often overshadowed by landmarks such as Notre-Dame de la Garde or the Old Port, this unique site is well worth a visit—if only for its spectacular fountain and shaded gardens.

A water tower turned symbol of modernity
At first glance, one might mistake it for a royal palace… but it is not. The Palais Longchamp was built starting in 1862 as a monumental water tower, celebrating the long-awaited arrival of water from the Durance River to Marseille. At the time, the city suffered from shortages and epidemics, so this colossal project represented a major leap forward in public health.

Its architecture, designed by Henri-Jacques Espérandieu, glorifies this achievement with grandeur: colonnades, allegorical statues, pools, lions, tritons… The entire ensemble reflects the 19th-century blend of functionality and ornamentation.

Two museums, more for the curious than the passionate
Behind its solemn façade, the palace also houses two municipal museums:

• The Museum of Fine Arts, in the left wing, presents a classical collection with a few fine works, though nothing truly essential if you are already familiar with Europe’s great art museums.
• The Natural History Museum, in the right wing, is more family-friendly and accessible, featuring fossils, taxidermy animals, and educational displays, but remains modest in scope.

While neither museum is the highlight of the visit, they offer a pleasant break from the sun and a glimpse into Marseille’s 19th-century educational ambitions.

A peaceful garden and traces of a vanished zoo
The public garden behind the palace is among the most charming in Marseille. Free to enter, it invites visitors to stroll among lawns, animal sculptures, ponds, and shaded alleys. Scattered remains of the old zoo, which closed in 1987, can still be seen: empty cages and statues evoke this era with a touch of melancholy.

From here, you can also walk to the Marseille Observatory, or simply sit on a bench facing the palace’s monumental cascade. The view over the city, with “La Bonne Mère” (Notre-Dame de la Garde) in the background, is stunning.

In summary
The Palais Longchamp stands out above all for its spectacular architecture, its historic role, and the beauty of its outdoor spaces. The museums it houses may not be the main attraction, but together they complete the experience, making this one of Marseille’s most delightful places to explore.

For an overview of Marseille – click here

For all my posts on Marseille – click here