La Vieille Charité

MarseilleFrance 43° N · 5° E Verified Oct 2026

Marseille, a vibrant port city in southern France, is a treasure trove of historical sites, museums, and cultural attractions.

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What Marseille’s billetterie covers

Marseille is a vibrant port city in southern France, with historical sites, museums, art galleries and entertainment venues. “Billetterie” means the ticket offices or ticketing systems that provide access to attractions, events and transportation. This guide brings together ticket details and practical information for visiting Marseille, including La Cité Radieuse. (source)

History and architectural context

Marseille’s landmarks and museums offer insight into the city’s history and cultural life. Among them is La Cité Radieuse, an iconic building designed by architect Le Corbusier. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it combines architectural features with shops, restaurants and other contemporary uses.

What to see

Museums and historical sites

Entertainment venues

Marseille’s cultural scene also includes theaters, concert halls and sporting events.

Exploring La Cité Radieuse

Architectural tours

Guided tours offer a way to explore the building and may include:

  • Apartment N°50 — A preserved apartment with original furnishings and color schemes, offering a glimpse of Le Corbusier’s vision of modern living in the 1950s.
  • Rooftop Terrace — A communal space designed for residents’ leisure, with panoramic views of Marseille, a running track, a paddling pool open seasonally, and a sculpture garden.
  • Architectural details — Tours often highlight the “streets in the sky” (wide corridors on residential floors), modular apartments and raw concrete (béton brut).

MAMO (Musée d'Art Moderne de la Cité Radieuse)

Located on the rooftop, MAMO is a contemporary art center that hosts rotating exhibitions by internationally renowned artists. It also offers views of the city and Mediterranean Sea, even when you do not visit an exhibition. Check their website for current exhibitions and events.

Hotel Le Corbusier

The Hotel Le Corbusier, located within La Cité Radieuse, offers minimalist rooms designed in Le Corbusier’s signature style.

Shops, dining and events

La Cité Radieuse has its own shops, restaurants and amenities. The Librairie-Boutique sells a curated selection of books, design objects and souvenirs related to Le Corbusier and architecture. Restaurants and cafés in the building offer diverse cuisines and atmospheres.

Throughout the year, the building hosts cultural events, including concerts, film screenings and workshops. Check the official website or local event listings for upcoming events.

Practical visiting information

Attraction hours and tickets

  • MuCEM — Adult: €9.50; reduced: €5.50. Open daily except Tuesdays, 11 AM–7 PM.
  • Musée des Beaux-Arts — Adult: €6; reduced: €3. Open daily except Mondays, 10 AM–6 PM.
  • Château d’If — Adult: €6; reduced: €4. Open daily, 10 AM–6 PM.
  • Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde — Free admission. Open daily, 7 AM–6:30 PM.
  • La Cité Radieuse — Open Monday to Friday, 10 AM–6 PM, and Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM–7 PM. Some areas are open to the public; Apartment N°50 and MAMO require tickets:
    • Apartment N°50 tour: €10 per person
    • MAMO entry: €8 per person
    • Combined Apartment N°50 and MAMO ticket: €15 per person

Tickets for La Cité Radieuse can be purchased online through the official website or at the on-site ticket office.

Ticketing and transportation

The Marseille City Pass offers discounted access to museums, attractions, public transport and boat tours, with different durations available. Combined attraction tickets may also offer savings.

For local transport, tickets can be purchased in advance or used with a reloadable card such as the 'carte RTM'. Marseille’s RTM network includes buses, trams and a metro.

Getting around

Marseille is walkable, particularly around the Old Port and surrounding areas. Visitors can also rent a bike; the city has dedicated bike paths and several bike rental companies. Taxis are readily available, and Uber and Bolt operate in Marseille.

Boat trips leave from the Old Port for the nearby islands of Frioul and Château d’If, as well as scenic rides along the coast.

Money, food and accommodation

  • Currency The currency in France is the Euro (€).
  • Cards and cash Credit cards are widely accepted. Carrying some cash can be useful for smaller purchases and markets; ATMs are readily available throughout the city.
  • Tipping Tipping is not mandatory in France, but a small tip of around 5–10% is customary for good service in restaurants and bars.
  • Food and drink Marseille’s signature dish is bouillabaisse, a traditional fish stew. Pastis is an anise-flavored aperitif popular in the south of France. Marché de Noailles and Marché des Capucins sell fresh produce, seafood and local delicacies. The Old Port and Vallon des Auffes have seafood restaurants.
  • Accommodation Options range from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Airbnb is another option. The Old Port, Le Panier, and the 6th and 7th arrondissements are popular areas to stay.

Other useful information

The official language is French. Marseille is in the Central European Time Zone (CET). Standard electricity is 230V at 50Hz.

Marseille is generally safe, but visitors should take precautions in the city. Be aware of belongings in crowded places such as markets and tourist attractions, where pickpocketing can occur. Dial 112 for all emergencies.

For maps, brochures and visitor information, see the Marseille Tourism Office.

Tips for visitors

  • Book online in advance Many attractions sell tickets through their official websites or authorized ticketing platforms. Booking ahead can help avoid queues and may secure discounted rates. This is especially useful during peak season.
  • Book La Cité Radieuse tours early Tours, particularly those for Apartment N°50, can sell out quickly.
  • Allow time to explore Allow at least half a day at La Cité Radieuse to see the architecture, visit the museum and enjoy the atmosphere.
  • Check tourist offices Tourist offices around the city provide information on attractions, transportation and accommodation. They may also have a central billetterie for attraction and event tickets.
  • Check for combination tickets and free entry Combined tickets can reduce the cost of visiting multiple attractions. Many museums and cultural sites offer free admission on specific days or at certain times; check their details when planning.
  • Use public transport to reach La Cité Radieuse Take metro line 2 to Rond-Point du Prado station, then bus line 21 to the Le Corbusier stop.
  • Check event listings Marseille hosts events throughout the year, including the Festival de Marseille and Fête de la Musique. Check local listings for current events.

Nearby places

La Cité Radieuse is in the southern part of Marseille and can be combined with a visit to the Stade Vélodrome football stadium or Parc Borély, a public park.

From the Old Port, boat trips can take visitors to the islands of Frioul and Château d’If. The Old Port and Vallon des Auffes are also areas with seafood restaurants.

FAQ

What are the visiting hours for MuCEM?
MuCEM is open daily except Tuesdays, from 11 AM to 7 PM.

How can I buy tickets for Château d’If, and how much do they cost?
Tickets can be purchased on-site or online through the official website. The listed price is €6 for adults and €4 for reduced tickets. Another visitor listing describes adult tickets as usually around €6, with discounts for children and students, and says online booking may offer additional savings.

What are the visiting hours for Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde?
Visiting hours are typically 7 AM–6:30 PM. Check the official website for current hours.

What are the visiting hours for La Cité Radieuse?
It is open Monday to Friday, 10 AM–6 PM, and on weekends, 10 AM–7 PM.

How much are tickets for La Cité Radieuse?
Tickets cost €10 for Apartment N°50, €8 for MAMO, and €15 for a combined ticket.

Are there special events in Marseille?
Marseille hosts events throughout the year, including the Festival de Marseille and Fête de la Musique. Check local listings for current events.