Notre-Dame de la Garde - "La Bonne Mère"

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Explore Marseille differently — by electric bike — following cultural routes with guided stops like this one.

🕊️ Notre-Dame de la Garde
The “Good Mother” — the beating heart of Marseille

📍 Why go up to Notre-Dame de la Garde?

You simply can’t miss her. Whether you're at the Old Port, on the Corniche, or wandering through the Panier district, she’s always there — standing tall, watching over the city from her hilltop perch.

In Marseille, we don’t say "I'm going to Notre-Dame."
We say "I'm going up to the Bonne Mère" — because it's a climb toward a haven, a promise, a light.

Visible from almost anywhere in the city, the basilica offers an unforgettable 360° panorama of Marseille, the sea, the Calanques, the Frioul Islands... and beyond. It connects you to the soul of the city.

🧱 One hill, three vocations

Standing at 154 meters, the hill of La Garde has served three main purposes over the centuries:

• A watchtower since ancient times, to scan the sea for ships and threats.

• A military stronghold, with a fort ordered by King Francis I in 1524 — still visible today.

• A place of prayer and pilgrimage. Since 1214, sailors have lit candles here before setting out to sea.

🏛️ A Romanesque-Byzantine gem

The current basilica was built between 1853 and 1864, based on plans by Henri-Jacques Espérandieu, a young Protestant architect — proof that Marseille has always favored talent over dogma.

You’ll be enchanted by its Roman-Byzantine style:

• majestic domes,

• over 1,200 m² of gold mosaics,

• colorful marbles and finely carved columns,

• and the gilded Virgin statue that shines over the city.

🌟 The Virgin on the bell tower: a golden beacon

• Height: 11.20 m

• Weight: 9.8 tons

• Material: copper, covered in gold leaf

• Installed in: 1870, atop a 41-meter bell tower

Hollow inside, the statue once had a spiral staircase leading up into her head for maintenance.
Currently under restoration until October 2025, her symbolism — that of a watchful mother protecting her people — remains as radiant as ever.

🛤️ The forgotten funicular

From 1892 to 1967, a funicular connected Cours Pierre Puget to the basilica. Nicknamed “the Good Mother’s train”, it brought visitors to the top in just five minutes.

Though it was dismantled due to lack of profitability, its memory lives on in the hearts of the Marseillais.
Sharp-eyed visitors can still spot traces of its existence today.

👀 Must-sees during your visit

🧭 Location ⭐ What to expect The Crypt A peaceful, solemn space carved into the rock Upper Basilica A dazzling burst of light, gold, and devotion Mosaics A masterpiece of color, worthy of Ravenna Ex-votos A touching gallery of hopes and life stories The Forecourt A breathtaking panoramic view over Marseille  

🕓 Useful Info

• ⏰ Open daily: 7 AM – 6 PM (winter) / 7 AM – 7 PM (summer)

• 🎟️ Free admission

• 🕊️ Silence and respectful clothing required

• 🛒 Gift shop, candles, and museum on site

• ⚠️ The bell tower statue is under restoration until October 2025

• 📹 3D virtual tour available