OVERVIEW

Gain an insider’s understanding of the challenges in building two avant-garde landmarks by touring them with an architectural historian. Perched along the waterfront, La Villa Mediterranée was designed to embody Marseille’s deep bond with the sea. Instantly recognized for its prominent cantilevered overhang, this three-level public space also features a conference center with portholes beneath the sea. As you will discover, that lower floor presented all sorts of unusual circumstances that pushed the boundaries of architecture. The building faces MUCEM, a national museum devoted to Mediterranean civilizations. Its audacious design includes elements such as tree-like columns, a lacy façade that resembles a fishnet and a slender footbridge that connects it to the towering ramparts of Fort St. Jean. The square-within-a-square shape of MUCEM is classical in one sense but radically different because of the building materials. The concrete filigree that shields much of the structure is particularly stunning.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour two futuristic landmarks with an architectural historian that will describe the designs.
• Discover how the challenges of building an underwater conference center were overcome.
• Recognize how a national museum used revolutionary materials to achieve its design.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Enjoy a scenic drive through Provence before reaching the charming medieval town of Aix. This was the capital of the Provence region and its attractions are many. Embark on a walking tour of the Cours Mirabeau. This wide avenue is shaded by trees and was built in the 1600s on the site of the city’s medieval ramparts; its verdant tunnel of foliage protects pedestrians from the heat of the Provencal sun. The aristocratic facades of the old hotels line the Cours and their wrought iron balconies and finely carved doorways invite the visitor to explore. One of the nicest fountains you'll see is certainly the natural hot water fountain covered with moss, dating from 1734.

Marseille, one of the oldest ports in the Mediterranean, is a vibrant mix of old and new, ideal for exploring on foot. Here in Marseille, France’s second largest commercial port, is where the ancient Phoenicians and Greeks used to trade. The Greeks used to bring grapes to Marseille, making it the start of the French wine industry. Take a short coach ride along the commercial port with a hostess onboard. Meet your guide at the Old Port to begin your walking tour through the oldest neighborhood in Marseille. As you stroll, hear about the rich history of the city while taking in the great views of the Panier Area, the forts at the entrance of the harbor, the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde, and the Abbey of St. Victor, along with many other interesting sites. At the Town Hall on the Old Port you’ll have free time before heading back to your ship, either with your group or at leisure, if you prefer to stay in town a bit longer.

OVERVIEW

This excursion is for guests that use a cane/walker, have limited mobility issues or for companions of those guest that have booked mobility equipment tour.

Those guests that are fully dependent on their mobility device please book: MRS_A2 ACCESSIBLE Mobility Equipment-Marseilles & Basilica Notre Dame De La Garde.

Tour includes step-free routes, shorter distances and no stairs. Accessible restrooms with wide doors for wheelchairs are present along the tour route. Vehicles are adapted with an access ramp (or lift where available) to accommodate a limited number of wheelchairs and/or mobility scooters. Guides are not allowed to push wheelchairs; therefore, guests needing special assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied.

Admire the spectacular views from the basilica atop the highest point in Marseille and then descend into the most historical areas in France’s oldest city. The interior of Notre Dame de la Garde, the ornate Neo-Byzantine church perched atop the limestone hill is as magnificent as the panoramas. Completed in 1864, the Catholic basilica is adorned with mosaics, murals and hundreds of offerings given in gratitude and devotion. You will notice a vast difference between the height of the basilica and the low adjoining crypt that was dug out of the solid-rock hillside in the 13th century. Continuing on, you will drive into the Old Quarter of Marseille, an area that the Greeks founded in 600 BC. The quarter’s crooked streets are lined with architecture from various time periods. The Old Port is equally historical. As you travel about the atmospheric pedestrianized streets, the guide will point out the most noteworthy attractions, including the 17th-century town hall.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Gaze out over Marseille from its highest hill and browse the Catholic basilica at the summit.
• Wander through the labyrinthine streets in Marseille’s atmospheric oldest quarter.
• Tour the Old Port as the guide describes highlights such as the 17th-century town hall.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.