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Marseille is a beautiful city to admire even as a family and with children. While not having many green spaces (especially in the center) you can choose from numerous places particularly suitable for children.
HOLIDAY WITH CHILDREN IN MARSEILLE
In addition to the beaches near the center, here are some of the places not to be missed if you are on holiday with children in Marseille.
PARC BORELY
Photo ©, Marcovdz
In our opinion, the most beautiful park in the city, a must see, whether you are alone, as a couple or with children in Marseille.
The meeting place for young people, from Marseilles who love to train, jog and play sports. The favorite place of children.
Gardens, games, fountains and even a pond for a boat trip. Possibility to rent bikes and tandems.
Ideal for a pleasant afternoon, to relax in the cool (especially in the warmer months), or for a picnic. Close to the gorgeous Prado beach, it’s a really nice and well-kept park.
Inside it houses a beautiful botanical garden with free access (from 10 to 18), upon registration on the site. It is a museum of decorative art.
In a privileged position, by the sea, is the Borely Hippodrome
You can get there by bus 19, 44, 583, S7 (sea side) and 47 (Av. Clot Bey side).
Open Monday to Sunday from 06:00 to 21:00. Free entry.
PETIT TRAINS
Photo ©, jean-louis Zimmermann
Unmissable event for children in Marseille, aboard these fun little white and light blue trains. Three different routes starting from Vieux Port, to discover the most beautiful and renowned places in the city.
This is the detail:
- Circuit 1. It reaches Notre Dame de la Garde, passing through the corniche and the promenade overlooking the Frioul. Active all year round.
- Circuit 2. Old Marseille and the Terrasses de Port, passing through the historic district “Le Panier”. Active all year round.
- Circuit 3. A route of about 30 minutes in which you cross the promenade, the Hôpital Caroline (Historic monument), the beach of Sainte Estève near Fort Ratonneau. From here you can admire the Château d’If and the port of Marseille. It works in July, August and on weekends in June.
The ticket for a return trip (Circuit 1 or 2) costs €9.00 per adult and €5.00 for children. The ticket for Circuit 3 costs €4.00 per adult and €2.00 for children.
ECOPARK ADVENTURES
Platforms, nets, rope bridges, obstacles… Fun, adventure and strong sensations guaranteed for a trip with family and friends! This is Ecopark Adventures, the place where children from 2 years old can show their skills.
An area in the heart of the city that includes a total of 8 routes of increasing difficulty. Children aged 2 to 4 will be able to practice their skills in the Minipark with the same type of obstacles as the large tree climbing routes (bridges, barrels, mini climbs, etc.) less than 1 meter from the ground. The older ones (from 5 years old) will be able to try different routes high up in the trees, with special harnesses.
Of course there will be more daring and adventurous routes for parents and adults as well.
A top place for adults and children in Marseille.
You will be assisted by qualified personnel.
Rates vary according to the age group. Here is the detail:
- From 13 years, €22.00
- From 7 to 12 years, €19.00
- 5 and 6 years, €14.00
- From 2 to 4 years, 5.00 €
For times, being extremely variable, please refer to the official website. In any case, the park is closed from mid-November to early February.
On Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and throughout the month of August it is always open from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 13:00 to 19:00.
Ecopark Adventures is located in Marseille-Saint Jerome. You arrive by bus 37.
PARC LONGCHAMP
Whether you are as a couple, as a family or with children in Marseille, be sure to visit Parc Longchamp, a splendid green lung which has been elected Historic Monument.
The Garden, inaugurated in 1869, is one of the rare green spaces in the center of Marseille, ideal for spending a relaxing and pleasant half day.
Eight hectares of park with majestic fountains, splendid architecture, the homonymous Palace and the Chateau Borély which houses a beautiful archaeological and painting museum.
Not to be missed, for the little ones, is the interesting Natural History Museum, inside a wing of the Palace. Inaugurated in 1819, it offers insights into scientific aspects, past and present biodiversity, with permanent exhibitions and shows.
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 18:00. Free admission to permanent exhibitions. Paid shows and stories (€3 for adults and €1.50 for children)
The park is easily reached by subway, getting off at the Cinq Avenue Longchamp stop.
It is preferable to access the park from the side of Boulevard Longchamp from which the Palace with Fountain and Statues overlooks.
COURS JULIEN
Cours Julien is one of the trendiest places in the city, in the heart of Marseille and not far from Port Vieux. With the metro you will have to get off Notre Dame du Mont; In this area there are numerous leisure areas, libraries, bars, fountains and games for the little ones. Ideal, therefore, during a family holiday. The nearby “Place Jean Jaurès” hosts the “La Plaine” market every Saturday and Sunday, an unmissable event for Marseilles and tourists.
Cours Julien can be easily reached on foot from the center of Marseille and by metro, getting off at the Notre Dame du Mont stop.
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