Fort Saint-Jean
Fort Saint-Jean things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Fort Saint-Jean is a fortification in Marseille, built in 1660 by Louis XIV at the entrance to the Old Port.
attractions: Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean, Cathédrale Basilique Sainte-Marie-Majeure, dit « La Major », Les Petits Trains de Marseille, Cosquer Méditerranée, Old Port of Marseille, Old Charity Center, Hôtel Dieu Intercontinental Marseille, Palais du Pharo, Abbaye Saint-Victor, The Marseille Soap Museum, restaurants: Splendido, Rodizio Brazil - Marseille, THE QUEEN VICTORIA, La Perle vieux port, Fuxia Marseille, La Daurade, La table d'Augustine, Le Bouchon Provençal, Le Tribeca - Restaurant & pizzas napolitaines, Les Buffets du Vieux-Port
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Description
Fort Saint-Jean is a fortification in Marseille, built in 1660 by Louis XIV at the entrance to the Old Port.
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Don’t talk to me if you haven’t been to Marseille, France!
Lily RoseLily Rose
251
The Fort Saint-Jean is a must-see when in Marseille. You have a beautiful view of the old harbour, with Notre Dame de la Garde in the background (especially from the Tour du Roi René). You also have a very good view of La Major Cathedral. It is also very nice to find a shady spot under the trees and just enjoy the sea breeze. The best part? You do not have to pay an entrance fee to visit the outdoor area. In my opinion, this is the best thing anyway. Some of the exhibitions inside are interesting, but you can save yourself the cost. A tip: From the Le Panier district, a bridge leads directly to Fort Saint-Jean. This saves you the diversions via the Mucem (another bridge then leads from Fort Saint-Jean across to the Mucem if you want to visit the Mucem).
David KDavid K
50
Perched atop a hill overlooking Marseille's Vieux-Port (Old Port), Fort Saint-Jean stands as a sentinel of the city's rich history. Constructed in 1660 by order of King Louis XIV, this imposing fortress has played a pivotal role in Marseille's defense, witnessing countless battles and sieges over the centuries. Today, Fort Saint-Jean has transformed into a cultural hub, welcoming visitors with open arms. Its ramparts offer breathtaking panoramic views of the city, the port, and the shimmering Mediterranean Sea. As you stroll through the fort's courtyards and gardens, you'll be transported back in time, imagining the grandeur of bygone eras.
Ufuk YüksekkayaUfuk Yüksekkaya
00
Le Fort Saint Jean est un grand fort situé à l'entrée du Vieux Port de Marseille, face au Palais du Pharo, dans le 2e arrondissement. Pendant les croisades, il était le point de départ des Hospitaliers de Saint Jean pour rejoindre la Terre Sainte. L'ensemble de la construction a été achevée en 1365 mais le Roi René a encore fait édifier la grande tour carrée entre 1447 et 1453. Son but était alors de renforcer la protection du fort. En 1664, des armateurs marseillais construisent la grande tour ronde, très visible dès le premier regard. Appelée Tour Ronde ou Tour du Fanal, elle était utilisée pour observer les va-et-vient des navires de commerce à l'époque. Lorsque les Hospitaliers ont été expulsés, Louis XIV a ordonné une nouvelle rénovation du fort. Bien qu'il ait subi un réel endommagement pendant le Seconde Guerre mondiale, ce fort a déjà servi de prison d'état. Pour rappel, le niveau inférieur du fort contient plusieurs agencements dont la tour carrée du roi René, la Chapelle Saint Jean, le bâtiment du DRASSM ainsi qu'un espace liaison menant vers le niveau supérieur. Une fois au niveau supérieur, on accède à la galerie des officiers, à la Tour du Fanal, aux anciens casernements ainsi qu'à l'ancienne caserne ''Georges Henri Rivière''. Faisant partie du MuCEM ou Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée, le Fort Saint Jean reste un symbole militaire indissociable de l'histoire de Marseille.
Didier FREUNDDidier FREUND
20
I enjoyed walking in the gardens so much 😻. It felt peaceful and calm. If it were not raining today, I would have sat from time to time in a few of the many benches accommodated for tourists. And, I would have taken some deep breathes in and out to release the stress of walking around for hours 😄. The staff is super kind and helpful. They come in handy when you get lost 😂. My ticket which was for the MUCEM gave access to the fort. ✨
vanick kamvanick kam
10
Fort Saint-Jean is a fortification built in 1660 by Louis XIV at the entrance to the Old Port. In August 1944, during the liberation of Marseille from the German occupation, the explosion of an ammunition depot inside the fort destroyed a large part of its historic buildings. Classified as a historical monument in 1964, the damaged parts of the fort were rebuilt between 1967 and 1971. Today is a museum.
Natalie DazNatalie Daz
20
Nearby Attractions Of Fort Saint-Jean
Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean
Cathédrale Basilique Sainte-Marie-Majeure, dit « La Major »
Les Petits Trains de Marseille
Cosquer Méditerranée
Old Port of Marseille
Old Charity Center
Hôtel Dieu Intercontinental Marseille
Palais du Pharo
Abbaye Saint-Victor
The Marseille Soap Museum
Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean
4.4
(8.7K)Click for details
Cathédrale Basilique Sainte-Marie-Majeure, dit « La Major »
4.6
(6.8K)Click for details
Les Petits Trains de Marseille
4.3
(4.8K)Click for details
Cosquer Méditerranée
4.7
(2.9K)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Fort Saint-Jean
Splendido
Rodizio Brazil - Marseille
THE QUEEN VICTORIA
La Perle vieux port
Fuxia Marseille
La Daurade
La table d'Augustine
Le Bouchon Provençal
Le Tribeca - Restaurant & pizzas napolitaines
Les Buffets du Vieux-Port
Splendido
4.7
(8K)Click for details
Rodizio Brazil - Marseille
4.7
(3.9K)Click for details
THE QUEEN VICTORIA
4.0
(1.9K)Click for details
La Perle vieux port
4.3
(1.4K)Click for details
Reviews
Overview
4.7
(590 reviews)
Phone
+33 4 84 35 13 13
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Website
mucem.org
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Deep Dive
A deep dive into Fort Saint-Jean
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