Easy hikes and walks in Bouches-du-Rhône

Named "Caroline" in honor of the Duchess of Berry, it was designed to combat yellow fever, which came from America and was thought to spread through the air. The architect had foreseen everything: maximum ventilation, permanent drafts, isolation of the sick... However, there was never any yellow fever on ships arriving in Marseille! The "Hôpital du Vent" (Wind Hospital) eventually welcomed soldiers returning from the Crimean War, as well as a few cases of plague and typhus. We now know that yellow fever is spread by mosquitoes. But what the sea breeze brought back, along with ships from distant regions, were extremely rare insect species that can be found within these walls.

The harbor entrance at the Old Port of Marseille is an impressive place full of history and Mediterranean flair. Between the old fortresses, the numerous boats, and the sparkling water, you immediately feel the special atmosphere of this city. It is particularly beautiful to simply stroll along the harbor and observe the hustle and bustle. The mixture of historical charm and lively port city makes this place unique.

The MuCEM is one of Marseille's most impressive landmarks. In addition to exciting exhibitions, the exceptional architecture right by the sea is particularly captivating. Definitely walk across the footbridge to the historic Fort Saint-Jean – from there you will enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the Old Port and the Mediterranean coast. Even if you don't visit an exhibition, a stroll through the freely accessible outdoor areas is worthwhile.

The port of Marseille is one of the largest and most important seaports in Europe. It plays a central role in trade, industry, and ferry traffic in the Mediterranean and connects France with many international ports.

Anyone hiking the Chemine de la Redonne from Carry to the port of Redonne can marvel at dreamlike villas, bays, and imposing viaducts. You can completely forget about it by bike. There are several barriers, long stairs, and steep climbs. It's also not for strollers!

The Sémaphore de Pomègues, on the Frioul islands, is a construction from 1906 which originates from a first coastal defense station created in 1806, under Napoleon I, tasked with monitoring maritime approaches and signaling any enemy activity with optical signals. In the second half of the 19th century, semaphore stations, with their telegraphic capabilities, were the only communication channel between ships and the mainland. True telegraph offices where the aspect of surveillance over the sea completed this central role. In 1947, the site was armed with four 95 mm cannons on lateral mounts. Remaining operational with a guard role until January 1999, today the station provides assistance to navigation and maritime traffic regulation. Since 2006, it has hosted the Mediterranean Institute of Oceanology.

The Mucem is one of the most important urban planning projects that reshaped the city's face for Marseille - European Capital of Culture 2013. Dedicated to the Mediterranean, the museum is located on the J4 pier and is connected to the nearby 15th-century fortress of Fort St. Jean by a suspended walkway. Designed by architect Rudy Ricciotti, it is a monolith 72 meters per side. Inside, a smaller square forms the heart of the museum with exhibition and conference rooms. The internal structure, made of steel and glass, is covered by a delicate ornamental skin of filigree concrete that opens the building to natural light and the surrounding panorama, creating intricate plays of light and shadow. The Museum is organized on three levels with a series of rooms, an auditorium, and a bookshop. The roof constitutes a peculiar feature, freely accessible to visitors. https://mucem.org/

Go behind the scenes and discover the filming locations of the series Camping Paradis. Action!