- # Marseille
- Must-Visit in Marseille: Palais Longchamp – 19th Century Waterfall Palace
- Feb,15,2026
When I visited Marseille, I made sure to stop by Palais Longchamp. This place is one of the must-see spots in the city. The palace is located at Bd Jard. Zoologique, 13004 Marseille. It is a beautiful piece of architecture built in the 19th century. I was excited to explore it because it looked like a special and historic place. Palais Longchamp was part of the Marseilles canal project, built by the city authorities to celebrate the arrival of water from the Durance River through the canal.
I arrived at Palais Longchamp and was immediately amazed by the large, beautiful building. The palace was built in 1862 and finished in 1869. It was officially opened to the public on August 15, the day after the emperor Napoleon III’s celebration. I could tell that the building was not just a palace but also an important part of the history of the city. The architecture was grand, with tall columns and impressive sculptures. The whole palace looked like something straight out of a storybook.
As I walked closer, I saw that the palace was surrounded by beautiful gardens. The gardens were large and green, and I could see flowers and trees everywhere. What caught my attention right away was the waterfall that flowed in front of the palace. The sound of the water falling down was peaceful and calming. The waterfall added to the beauty of the palace and made it feel even more magical. I spent some time sitting on a bench by the waterfall, enjoying the sound of the water and the beauty of the surrounding plants.
At the center of the palace’s colonnade, I noticed a huge fountain. The fountain was amazing, with water flowing from it and creating a lovely atmosphere. I could see sculptures around the fountain, which made the whole place feel like a piece of art. The sculptures were beautifully crafted, and they added a lot of charm to the space. I took some time to admire them and took a few pictures to remember the moment.
After enjoying the gardens and the fountain, I decided to explore the museums inside the palace. Palais Longchamp has two museums on either side of the building. On the left side, there is the Fine Arts Museum, and on the right side, there is the Museum of Natural History. I started with the Fine Arts Museum. It had many paintings and sculptures that showed the history of art in the region. The museum was peaceful, and I could take my time to look at each piece of art.

Next, I visited the Museum of Natural History. This museum was filled with exhibits about the natural world. I saw many interesting displays of animals, plants, and fossils. It was educational, and I learned a lot about the natural history of Marseille and the surrounding areas. The museums were both very interesting, and I enjoyed walking around and learning more about the city’s culture and history.
One of the best parts of visiting Palais Longchamp is the view from the palace. After exploring the gardens and the museums, I made my way to the top of the building. From there, I could see the whole city of Marseille. The view was amazing. I could see the busy streets, the buildings, and the boats in the harbor. The view also included the mountains in the distance, and the sight was incredible. I spent some time just standing there, looking out at the city. It was a perfect way to end my visit.
I spent some time walking around the gardens again. The area around Palais Longchamp is perfect for walking and relaxing. There were many other visitors, but the atmosphere was peaceful. People were sitting on benches, reading, or enjoying the beauty of the palace and gardens. It was nice to see how everyone was enjoying their time in such a calm and beautiful place.
Besides the palace and the gardens, there were also other areas nearby that I wanted to explore. The whole area around Palais Longchamp is full of green spaces and parks. I walked around and found more places to relax and enjoy the outdoors. The park was well-kept, with pathways and benches. It felt like a perfect escape from the busy parts of the city. I could also see families and children playing and having fun. It was a nice atmosphere, and I felt lucky to be able to experience such a peaceful place in the heart of Marseille.
Before I left, I took one last look at Palais Longchamp. The palace is not just a beautiful building but a symbol of the city’s history. It is a place where you can enjoy nature, art, and history all in one place. The fountains, sculptures, gardens, and the views make it a memorable visit. I was happy I had the chance to spend time there and enjoy everything it had to offer. If you are ever in Marseille, visiting Palais Longchamp is definitely something you should do. It’s a perfect spot to take in the city’s beauty and learn about its past.











