Photo: Second Empire Landmark Marseille

The most outstanding Second Empire landmark in the city of Marseille in Provence, France in Europe is the Notre Dame de la Garde Church atop the La Garde hill.

The Notre Dame de la Garde in Marseille, Provence in France is the most outstanding Second Empire landmark and one of the best places to see it is from the Vieux Port. The Byzantine basilica sits atop the highest spot in Marseille at 162 meters. The limestone hill called La Garde is south of the Vieux Port.The present church Notre Dame de La Garde was built from 1853 to 1864 (the cornerstone was laid September 11, 1853), and was designed by Jacques Henri Esperandieu. Originally, there was a 13th century chapel of the same name on this site in Marseille.This Second Empire landmark of Marseille, Notre Dame de La Garde has a 60 meter bell tower on top of which there is a nearly 10 meter gold statue of the Virgin Mary and Child. The dome was beautifully restored in 2006, and is resplendent with mosaic, coloured marble and interesting murals.The walk from Vieux Port is about 1 kilometer but it is a steep climb. ... continue below the picture...

... You can ride the 'Little Train' or take the #60 bus from cours Jean Ballard in Vieux Port. However you get to Notre Dame de La Garde, the 360 degree view of Marseille in Provence and the surrounding land and sea is spectacular.Notre Dame de la Garde seen from Vieux Port in the city of Marseille, Bouches du Rhone, Cote Bleue, Blue Coast, Mediterranean, Provence, France, Europe.