When Marseille was European Capital of Culture in 2013, it opened a new museum at the mouth of the Old Port: the MuCEM, Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations, designed by Rudy Ricciotti. The building is a square glass box wrapped in a lattice of dark fibre-reinforced concrete, standing on the old J4 pier and linked by a slender footbridge to the ramparts of Fort Saint-Jean.
The fort has guarded the northern side of the harbour entrance since the Middle Ages; it was rebuilt in the 1660s under Louis XIV. Its terraces and the Mediterranean garden inside the walls are open to walk, and together with the MuCEM roof they give wide views over the sea towards the islands.
What to see and do: MuCEM & Fort Saint-Jean
The collections
Permanent and temporary exhibitions on the cultures of the Mediterranean world — its religions, food, travel and everyday life. Skip-the-line tickets can be booked online.
The footbridge and the fort
Cross from the MuCEM roof to Fort Saint-Jean by the high footbridge and wander the ramparts and gardens.
La Major
Next door stands the Cathédrale de la Major, a vast 19th-century cathedral in striped green and white stone, facing the sea.
How to get to MuCEM & Fort Saint-Jean
- A ten-minute walk from the Vieux-Port along the quay; metro Vieux-Port or Joliette, or tram T2 to République-Dames.
- Some Frioul boat trips leave from the quay near the MuCEM.
Insider tips
- The fort gardens and the footbridge are a lovely free walk even if you skip the exhibitions.
- Keep the MuCEM in mind for a day when the Mistral stops the boats to If.
- The roof terrace has a restaurant and café with views of the sea.
Best tours & tickets for MuCEM & Fort Saint-Jean
These well-reviewed experiences pair well with a visit to MuCEM & Fort Saint-Jean:
Museum ticket from €11 Marseille: MuCEM Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket
Entry to the MuCEM, Marseille's landmark museum of Mediterranean civilisations, with its footbridge to Fort Saint-Jean. Handy on a day when the Mistral stops the boats.
- Skip the ticket queue
- Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations
- Optional audio guide
Guided e-bike tour from €50 Marseille: Sightseeing E-Bike Tour via MuCEM & La Corniche
A three-hour guided e-bike ride that takes in the MuCEM waterfront and runs along the Corniche, with sea views towards the Frioul islands and the Château d’If.
- The MuCEM and Fort Saint-Jean
- Along the Corniche Kennedy
- Rated 4.9
Guided walking tour from €50 Marseille: Half-Day City Highlights Guided Walking Tour
A half-day guided walk through the heart of Marseille — the Old Port, the lanes of Le Panier and the stories that link them — rated 4.9 by several hundred participants. A good way to spend the morning before an afternoon boat to the Château d’If.
- Old Port, Le Panier and the city’s history
- A 4.9 rating from hundreds of walkers
- Local guide
