Marseille’s Old Port is a few steps away, but compared to the Jardin des Vestiges, it is practically new. Discovered during excavations to build the nearby Centre Bourse shopping mall, the garden includes the rehabilitated remains of bits of Marseille’s oldest port, going back to the 6th century B.C. After looking at the artifacts in the Musee d’Histoire de Marseille next door, wander across the grassy lawns to admire the extensive civic architecture that helped make the city the center of Hellenized Gaul.
Start from the north, where the heritage-listed Mur de Crinas (Crinas’ Wall) stands, practically identical to its appearance as a basement wall for the home of a prominent Roman citizen in the 2nd century B.C. Notice how the house was part of the exterior of Marseille’s walls, standing next to the Porte d’Italie, defended by two towers whose bases still flank both sides of the opening. Imagine those two square defensive positions, manned by wary soldiers who watched arriving ships for signs of aggression against this prosperous city.
Continue on to the paved road, an example of famous Roman road-building, one of the empire’s greatest legacies in southern Europe.
Nearby, marvel at the huge 2nd-century B.C. basin. Once fed by an underground piping system, this reservoir provided fresh water for ships docking here after long journeys across the Mediterranean. End at the necropolis, whose delicate decorations attest to the long multicultural heritage of the seaport.
Part of the Musee d’Histoire de Marseille, the Jardin des Vestiges is located just behind the Centre Bourse, the large mall in the downtown shopping district. Walk here in 5 minutes from the Old Port. Travel to the garden in 5 minutes by train or by a 12-minute walk from the main train station. Find metered parking in a few garages nearby.
The Jardin des Vestiges is open from mid morning to early evening every day except Monday. The ticket price for the museum includes access to the garden.
