The park  is in the former industrial district, not far from the city centre, and it’s one of the most recently opened parks in Marseille (2001). The roof of the old station and the layout of the rails reminds you of its past and sets the tone of the park together with its captivating gardens, summer fountains and a lake. Just in front of the the entrance there is a Arbre de l'Espérance (Tree of Hope) which symbolises humanity and fraternity, and represents the population of Marseille, with 500,000 names of the city’s  inhabitants written there. The park has four themed gardens: Provençal, Oriental, African and Asian, and around 1,500 trees, of which 26 are sequoias, representing the 26 centuries of history of the city.

There are playgrounds for kids and two little cafés. If you really want to blend into the local customs, head to one of the many places to play pétanque, a game similar to boules, played chiefly in Provence.

Parc du 26ème Centenaire

Place de l'Arbre de l'Espérance, 13010 Marseille 

Opening Times

January - February, 8:00 - 17:15

March - April, 8:00 - 18:45

May - August, 8:00 - 20:45

September - October, 8:00 - 18:45

November - December, 8:00 - 17:45