Palais Longchamp

Palais Longchamp

Introduction Walking along Marseille’s famous Canebière boulevard, you will come across the Palais Longchamp, the imperial residence of Napoleon III. This palace was built during his reign.

The basic layout of the Palais Longchamp features a central group sculpture and fountain, flanked by two extended wings of colonnades, at the ends of which stand museums – the Museum of Fine Arts and the Marseille History Museum. The overall architectural style blends Baroque, Roman, and Eastern influences.

It is said that the standing figure in the central sculpture represents the river god; the two goddesses on either side hold grapes and wheat sheaves, symbolizing wine-making and agriculture respectively; the surrounding loyal bulls symbolize the region’s livestock farming and bullfighting traditions. The energetic, galloping bulls evoke the grandeur of ancient deities riding dragons and phoenixes, battling through heaven and earth. There are many fascinating sights to explore in the Palais Longchamp. In addition to the exquisite sculptures and fountains, the Marseille Museum of Fine Arts and the History Museum are also worth spending half a day visiting and admiring.

Friendly tip: The best angle for photos is directly in front of the Palais Longchamp. Transportation Take the metro to Longchamp-Cinq Avenues or Réformés station.

Marseille, France