2024 Olympics: the four best spots along the route of the Olympic flame in Marseille

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On 8 May 2024, the Olympic flame arrives in Marseille. This is the prelude to a long journey of almost three months across France and its regions until its arrival in Paris on 26 July. Discover our selection of the four best spots to follow the Olympic flame’s journey in Marseille!

Published on 26 April 2024
Virginie Verdi
  • Marseille in 3 words

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1. The Pharo gardens, to watch the maritime parade

The Olympic flame will arrive at the gates of Marseille aboard the Belem on 8 May at around 11.00am. A grand maritime parade will bring the journey from Olympia in Greece to a fitting close. The legendary sailing ship, accompanied by a large number of boats, will sail along the coast from Estaque to Les Goudes. The maritime parade continues with a tour of the southern harbour, the Frioul islands and the northern harbour, before entering the Old Port at around 7pm.

Several locations have been set up to offer you the best possible view of the Belem and its escort. Our favourite is the Jardin du Pharo: easily accessible from the city centre, it offers a pleasant setting and a spectacular view of the islands, the Mucem and the Old Port. You’re ideally placed to admire the two passages of the maritime parade near the Frioul, at around 1pm and again at around 3pm.

Our tip: the park will be open from 11.00am to 7.00pm. Arrive early to get the best seats, and bring water, caps and sunglasses depending on the weather!

    esplanade du Vieux-port

      2. The Old Port, simply unmissable

      The Old Port isn’t the most original place to follow the Olympic flame… But how can you miss the place with the most events? The festivities kick off at 11am on 8 May and run until 5pm, with escape games, brass bands, sports demonstrations and initiations, street art frescoes, flash mobs and more.

      The ceremony begins at 7pm with the arrival of the Belem in the Port. The Olympic cauldron at the far end of the harbour is lit at 7.40pm, followed by a free concert by Soprano and Alonzo at 8pm.

      Our advice: a large crowd is expected in the Vieux-Port. Would you prefer to watch the torch relay in a quieter atmosphere? Then head for one of the points where the Olympic flame will pass through Marseille on 9 May.

      3. Parc Borély, a popular place to stroll in Marseille

      Familiar to everyone in Marseille, Parc Borély stretches across a vast esplanade, with ponds, lakes and shady paths that are popular with walkers. It is home to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, de la Faïence et de la Mode, housed in an 18th-century bastide château.

      For early risers, Parc Borély is the best place to watch the Olympic flame as it passes throughthe streets of Marseille on 9 May. Meet at 9.20am in the park, as the early hour should limit the crowds.

      Our advice: after watching the departure of the Olympic flame, you can go to the Prado beaches or the Corniche for a walk along the seafront.

        Bois Luzy - Parc de la Moline © WG OTLCM (1)Bois Luzy - Parc de la Moline © WG OTLCM (1)
        ©Bois Luzy - Parc de la Moline © WG OTLCM (1)
        Bois Luzy - Parc de la Moline © WG OTLCM (4)Bois Luzy - Parc de la Moline © WG OTLCM (4)
        ©Bois Luzy - Parc de la Moline © WG OTLCM (4)
        Bois Luzy - Parc de la Moline © WG OTLCM (5)Bois Luzy - Parc de la Moline © WG OTLCM (5)
        ©Bois Luzy - Parc de la Moline © WG OTLCM (5)
        Bois Luzy - Parc de la Moline © WG OTLCM (2)Bois Luzy - Parc de la Moline © WG OTLCM (2)
        ©Bois Luzy - Parc de la Moline © WG OTLCM (2)

          4. Parc de la Moline, the greenway to the east of Marseille

          The long Parc de la Moline covers part of the route of the L2 expressway. Located on the heights of the city in the 12th arrondissement, between the village districts of Montolivet and Saint-Barnabé, it offers a beautiful view over Marseille.

          On Thursday 9 May, from 2pm, there will bea range of sporting activities on offer, including boxing, archery, medieval fencing, rugby, taekwondo, break dancing and much more! A huge 15-metre fresco will be created in front of the public’s eyes, to keep an unforgettable souvenir of this event. So you and your family can keep busy until the flame passes through the park at around 4.45pm. If you’re from Marseilles, this is your chance to discover a park that deserves to be better known.

          Our tip: you can easily get to the Parc de la Moline by metro, La Fourragère station (M1).