Palais Longchamp, Water tower and museum complex in 4th district, France
The Palais Longchamp features a grand semicircular colonnade connecting two museum wings with a central fountain displaying cascading waterfalls and sculptures.
Built between 1862 and 1869 by architect Henri Jacques Espérandieu, this monument marked the completion of the Durance Canal bringing water to Marseille.
The left wing houses the Museum of Fine Arts with paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries, while the right wing contains the Natural History Museum.
The monument exterior remains accessible at all times, while both museums welcome visitors from Tuesday to Sunday between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
The central fountain includes sculptures of Camargue bulls pulling a cart with a female figure, representing the arrival of water from the Durance River.
Location: 4th arrondissement of Marseille
Inception: 1869
Architects: Henri-Jacques Espérandieu
Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture
Address: Bd Jard. Zoologique, 13004 Marseille, France
Website: https://marvellous-provence.com/marseille/what-to-see/palais-longchamp
GPS coordinates: 43.30430,5.39450
Latest update: May 27, 2025 08:43
France's historical architecture documents two millennia of construction, from Roman amphitheaters to modern bridge engineering. The structures demonstrate developments in engineering and architecture across multiple periods. The heritage extends from medieval fortifications like Carcassonne and the Fortress of Salses through Gothic cathedrals such as Notre-Dame de Paris and Amiens Cathedral to Renaissance châteaux including Chambord and Chenonceau. Roman engineering persists in the Pont du Gard and the Arena of Nîmes, while the Papal Palace in Avignon and Sainte-Chapelle illustrate medieval political and religious authority. The Loire Valley châteaux and fortified structures like Bonaguil and Pierrefonds demonstrate defensive architecture and aristocratic living. The 20th century brought new perspectives with Le Corbusier's Villa Savoye, a defining work of modern architecture. The Millau Viaduct represents contemporary engineering achievement. Pilgrimage sites like the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-d'Auray and Mont Saint Michel Abbey combine religious significance with architectural skill. These structures provide insight into French history, construction traditions and technical innovation through the centuries.
The route connects Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica, the old port and Calanques National Park with historical buildings. The locations display the maritime history, urban architecture and coastal landscape of Marseille.
This selection presents notable photography locations across Marseille, from the Vallon des Auffes fishing port to the Byzantine architecture of La Major Cathedral. The route includes historic structures like Fort Saint-Jean, natural sites such as Calanque de Morgiou, and architectural landmarks including the Palais Longchamp and Le Corbusier's Cité Radieuse.
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