Explore the floral scents, formal designs and hidden treasures at Marseille’s favourite park and one of France’s most notable gardens.
Take a day to explore Parc Borély (Borély Park), a beautiful setting for a morning stroll, a pleasant picnic or a spectacular view of a Mediterranean sunset. Discover the treasures within the park’s 17 hectares (42 acres), including the Château Borély and the E.M Heckel Botanic Garden.
Stroll through the two rectangular lawns that stretch down the western side of the park to the magnificent tree-lined facade of the Chateau Borély. Built in the 18th century, the chateau was a originally a country mansion for wealthy merchant Louis Borély. After extensive refurbishment, with a reopening in June 2013, the chateau now houses a fine arts museum. Browse the delightful collections of fashion, textiles and earthenware in rooms decorated with authentic 18th-century pieces. In the east wing of the chateau is a bookshop and the Borély Café.
In the park’s east lies English-style parkland with a circuit walkway surrounding a lake. Rent a bike and explore some of the many trails, then head to the lake and feed the ducks and swans. Stop for a while to take in the scents of the rose gardens. Bring a picnic to enjoy in the park's tranquil atmosphere.
Borély Park is a great destination for families as there are plenty of fun activities for children. Rent a go-cart, ride the merry-go-round or race model boats on the lake.
Don’t miss the adjoining E.M Heckel Botanic Garden at the eastern end of the park. Enjoy the aromas and visual beauty of 3,500 species of plant life collected from China, South Africa and further abroad.Take advantage of the nearby Borély Beach for an afternoon swim to end the day.
Access to Borély Park is easy with regular bus services leaving from the city center.It’s free to enter the park, however, the E.M Heckel Botanic Garden and Chateau Borély each have an admission fee.
