The Palais Longchamp is one of Marseille’s most iconic landmarks, a grand monument built in the 19th century to celebrate the arrival of fresh water from the Durance River via the Canal de Marseille. Designed by architect Henri-Jacques Espérandieu and inaugurated in 1869, the palace is a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture, centered around its spectacular fountain known as the “château d’eau.” Flanked by sweeping colonnades, the building houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle, making it both a cultural and historical hub. The surrounding Parc Longchamp, listed among France’s Notable Gardens, offers lush greenery, sculptures, and tranquil pathways, once home to a zoological garden. Today, Palais Longchamp stands as a symbol of Marseille’s resilience and artistry, blending engineering triumph with architectural beauty.
Marseille France
Palais Longchamp is located on Place Henri Dunant at the end of Boulevard Longchamp in Marseille’s 4th arrondissement, in the Les Cinq Avenues district, a short walk from the Cinq Avenues Longchamp metro stop on line 1 and nearby tram and bus connections. The monument stands within Parc Longchamp, which includes formal gardens and the former zoological park, and it directly houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle de Marseille on either side of its grand fountain. In the immediate surroundings you will find residential boulevards with cafés and local shops, while major cultural sites such as the Friche la Belle de Mai, Musée Grobet-Labadie and central attractions closer to the Vieux-Port are reachable by a short metro or tram ride.
Museum
Marseille History Museum
Museum
Natural History Museum of Marseille
Museum
Musée des Beaux-Arts, Marseille
Museum
Musée Cantini
Museum
Musée d’Archéologie Méditerranéenne
Museum
Musée des Arts décoratifs, de la Faïence et de la Mode
Museum
Musée d'Art Contemporain de Marseille
Museum
Musée des Docks Romains
Museum
Musée d’Arts Africains, Océaniens et Amérindiens
Museum
Préau des Accoules - Musée des enfants de la Ville de Marseille
Museum
Musée Grobet‑Labadié
Museum
Mémorial des Déportations
Museum
Musée de la Moto
Museum
La Criée Theatre
Theatre
Théâtre du Carré Rond
Theatre
Théâtre L’Art Dû
Theatre
Théâtre Badaboum
Theatre
Théâtre de l’Odéon
Theatre
Opéra de Marseille
Theatre
Divine Comédie
Theatre
Archange Theater
Theatre
Divadlo Théâtre
Theatre
Théâtre de l’Œuvre
Theatre
Théâtre de la Sucrière
Theatre
Théâtre strapontin
Theatre
Galerie Territoires Partagés
Gallery
Triangle‑Astérides
Gallery
Château d'If
Castle
Fort Saint‑Jean
Fortress
Fort Saint‑Nicolas
Fortress
Palais du Pharo
Palace
Port Antique
Historical sites
Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-Majeure
Cathedral
Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde
Cathedral
Église Saint-Cannat
Church
Église Saint-Vincent de Paul
Church
Église Saint-Michel
Church
Église Saint-Louis de Marseille
Church
Parc Borély
Park
Jardin botanique de la Ville de Marseille
Botanical Garden
Parc Longchamp
Park
Parc du 26e Centenaire
Park
Parc Balnéaire du Prado
Tourist attractions
Parc Émile Duclaux
Park
Parc Pastré
Park
Parc de la Magalone
Park
Parc de la Moline
Park
Jardin de la Colline Puget
Park
Funny Zoo Marseille
Park
Old Charity Center
Museum
Sky Centre Marseille
Observation deck
Marseille Observatory
Observatory
Association Andromède
Observatory