Between city and countryside in Marseille’s 8th arrondissement

Head to the junction of Boulevard Perier and Rue Paradis. The Perier metro station (line 2) is nearby. If travelling by car, you can find a parking space on Avenue du Prado or at the top of Boulevard Perier. If you have difficulty, car parks are available near Parc Chanot.

(S/E) Walk up Boulevard Perier, keeping to the left-hand pavement. Pass a few beautiful townhouses. At number 161, climb the stairs directly opposite, which consist of two distinct sections. Note: the path is circular, starting with a right turn then a left turn. Rejoin the boulevard at the top of the stairs and head to the start of Traverse Gagliardo on the right.

(1) Enjoy the view of Notre-Dame de la Garde, then return to Boulevard Périer to reach the top very quickly. Walk down Boulevard Georges Estrangin for 250 metres, and take Rue Pablo Picasso, which is on the left. Walk downhill, ignore Impasse Gilly, and continue along Rue des Colonies, then onto Avenue de la Garde Freinet (stairs). This descent gives the impression of being in the countryside and offers some beautiful views of Marseilleveyre, the Roy d’Espagne and the sea. Join Rue de Ramatuelle, then turn right to reach the J.F. Kennedy Corniche and cross it.

(2) Follow the coastal road to the left, then turn right at the next roundabout to reach the Prado seaside park. On your right, you’ll see the Roucas Blanc (meaning ‘white rock’ in Provençal) sailing centre, the venue for the sailing events at the 2024 Olympic Games. Walk along the beaches, then return to the Corniche in line with Avenue du Prado. You’ll see the Statue of David from behind. Walk along the Corniche on your right once more until you cross the Huveaune.

(3) Cross the Corniche and head towards Parc Borély.

(4) Turn right towards Château Borély. Inside the château, you can visit the museum of decorative arts, earthenware and fashion.

(5) Turn left and walk along the edge of the park until you reach the entrance to the Botanical Gardens. You can visit the Botanical Gardens, which include a small Chinese garden.

(6) From the park, walk through Borély Park so that you’re alongside the main pond; there’s a refreshment kiosk where you can take a break whilst enjoying the view, then head left to return to the main entrance.

(4) Cross the bridge over the Huveaune on the right.
Here you have two options:
- take the Huveaune footpath on the right via a pedestrian gate (suggested route). This path is very pleasant despite the presence of a lot of plastic in the Huveaune riverbed. You’ll emerge onto Avenue de Mazargues,
- if the path is closed, continue straight ahead onto Avenue du Parc Borély, then turn right onto Avenue du Prado (avoid the very narrow pavement on the right here), then right again onto Boulevard Pèbre, then left onto Rue Raphaël Ponson, and finally right onto Avenue de Mazargues until you reach the Huveaune.

(7) Cross Avenue de Mazargues until you reach the Huveaune. Follow the Huveaune footpath until it joins Boulevard Michelet.

(8) Note: turn right onto the boulevard to reach, a few hundred metres further on, the Cité Radieuse, built by Le Corbusier (between 1957 and 1962). It is possible to visit it discreetly, so as not to disturb the residents.
Back at the junction, continue along Boulevard Michelet, passing in front of the Stade Vélodrome, then carry on to the Prado roundabout. Walk along the right-hand side of Avenue du Prado, heading towards the sea, then turn right onto Avenue de la Cadenelle, until you reach the entrance to the park at the town hall for the 6th and 8th arrondissements.

(9) Cross the park, passing to the right of the town hall, until you emerge at the upper end onto Rue du Commandant Rolland. Walk up to Place Théo Lombard, then turn left onto Avenue Ambroise Paré, and cross Square Monticelli. Take Avenue Frédéric Mistral. This neighbourhood is lined with private mansions, some of which house consulates. You’ll come out onto Rue Paradis; turn left onto it and follow it until you reach the start of Boulevard Perier (S/E).

Museum of Decorative Arts, Ceramics and Fashion.
Botanical Gardens.
Cité Radieuse.