What are the main forts to visit in Marseille?

Marseille has two iconic forts at the entrance to the Old Port: Fort Saint-Jean, on the north bank, now connected to the Mucem, and Fort Saint-Nicolas, on the south bank, also known as the Citadel of Marseille. Both were built during the reign of Louis XIV in the 17th century.

What is the difference between Fort Saint-Jean and Fort Saint-Nicolas?

Fort Saint-Jean is situated near the Mucem and its outdoor areas, ramparts and gardens are freely accessible. Fort Saint-Nicolas, situated near the Palais du Pharo, is a former military citadel that is gradually being opened to the public through guided tours and cultural events.

Which fort offers the best view of Marseille’s Old Port?

Both forts offer remarkable panoramic views. From Fort Saint-Jean, you can admire the Old Port, the Mucem and the Cathedral of La Major, whilst the ramparts of Fort Saint-Nicolas offer an unobstructed view of the Old Port, the Pharo and the harbour of Marseille.

Can you visit Fort Saint-Nicolas in Marseille?

Yes. Fort Saint-Nicolas, now known as the Citadel of Marseille, is gradually being opened to the public. Visitors can explore it on guided tours, self-guided walks (depending on the time of year) and at cultural events organised throughout the year.

Which forts in Marseille are worth visiting?

During your stay in Marseille, set out to explore the iconic forts that guard the entrance to the Old Port. With a long military history, Marseille boasts fortifications dating back to antiquity. Facing each other, Fort Saint-Jean and Fort Saint-Nicolas dominate either side of the harbour and are among Marseille’s must-see monuments. Discover the history, architecture and secrets of these two unmissable historic sites in Provence.

The history of Fort Saint-Jean

Situated at the entrance to the Old Port, on the north bank, Fort Saint-Jean is one of Marseille’s most iconic historic monuments. Overlooking the harbour entrance, it forms part of a military complex closely linked to the city’s history. Originally, the site was home to the Commandery of the Knights Hospitaller of Saint John, which served as a staging post for the Crusaders on their way to Jerusalem from the 12th century onwards. Completed in 1365, this complex comprised a chapel, a church, a hospital and a palace.

In the 15th century, King René had an imposing square tower built between 1447 and 1453 to strengthen the defences of the port of Marseille. The famous round tower, now the fort’s iconic feature, was built in the mid-17th century.

In 1664, shipowners proposed further fortifying the site by adding a watchtower, visible up to 20 kilometres out to sea, to facilitate the arrival of merchant ships. A few years later, on the orders of Louis XIV, Fort Saint-Jean was built between 1668 and 1671 following the expulsion of the Knights Hospitaller.

Following a revolt by the people of Marseille, the engineer and architect Vauban had a moat dug to isolate the fort from the rest of the city. The site retained its military function until the French Revolution, when it was converted into a state prison. During the Second World War, whilst being used as an ammunition depot by the German army, the fort was severely damaged by an accidental explosion.

Opposite Fort Saint-Nicolas, Fort Saint-Jean is now one of Marseille’s must-see landmarks. Much loved by visitors and locals alike, it offers a remarkable view of the Old Port and the harbour of Marseille. Having become a true cultural hub, the fort regularly hosts exhibitions and audiovisual installations. It is connected by footbridges to the Mucem, the first major national museum dedicated to the civilisations of Europe and the Mediterranean, as well as toSaint-Laurent Church, forming a unique heritage complex in the heart of Marseille.

Address: Promenade Louis Brauquier – 13002 Marseille

Fort Saint-Nicolas

Situated on the left as you face the Old Port of Marseille and in the immediate vicinity of the Pharo Gardens, Fort Saint-Nicolas was originally built primarily to protect against the people of Marseille and their rebellious spirit, rather than against foreign invasions. It was in 1660, following a series of political demonstrations and revolts, that Louis XIV orderedthe construction of Fort Saint-Nicolas to ensure the protection of Marseille’s harbour against an attack from the sea. This construction was also a means for the Sun King to control a city that had long been hostile to him.

The current site, near Saint-Victor Abbey, was chosen, and work began on 2 March 1660 during the King’s visit to the building site. It took just four years to build the structure, which is considered a remarkable feat given the scale of the project.

At the time of the French Revolution, a crowd of revolutionaries, suspicious of the citadel which they perceived as a physical and symbolic threat, decided to destroy it. However,the National Assembly, keen to preserve a defensive structure for the town, issued a decree ordering a halt to the demolition of the fortress. It was not until 1834 that the citadel was restored, using grey stones that contrasted with the pinkish hues of those originally used. In 1860, Fort Saint-Nicolas was divided into two parts by the construction of the new Boulevard Charles Livon.

Today, the fort still comprises two sections: the part facing the sea is called Fort Ganteaume and houses the military club and the officers’ mess, whilst the section on the landward side, the upper fort, is called Fort d’Entrecasteaux, named after a French navigator. Only one section of the complex is open to the public and can be visited. Visitors can climb the ramparts of the fort, which was listed as a historic monument in 1969, to admire a splendid view of the harbour and the city of Marseille.

If you would like to visit Fort Saint-Nicolas, please do not hesitate to contactthe Marseille Tourist and Convention Bureau, which will be able to provide you with information on tour options.

Address: 2 Boulevard Charles Livon – 13007 Marseille