The heritage of the Bouches-du-Rhône is a living treasure. It tells the story of a region and the hands that shaped it. Every restored monument is a piece of memory brought back to life. Across villages and cities, in humble chapels and grand stone cathedrals alike, this heritage is being revived.
Marseille in three metamorphoses:
A sacred union for the Bonne Mère
Marseille is transforming, and with it, its most iconic landmark is evolving. From atop her hill, the Bonne Mère watches over the city, standing 11 meters tall. Even wrapped in 40 tons of scaffolding, Notre-Dame de la Garde commands silence and admiration. Beneath the metallic shell, a meticulous restoration is underway. No fewer than 30,000 gold leaves will cover the statue and its pedestal, restoring the radiant glow of this beloved symbol of the city.
The citadel embraces a cultural future
Facing Fort Saint-Jean, the imposing silhouette of the citadel a five-hectare military fort is writing a new chapter as a vibrant cultural hub. Inaccessible for 360 years, this 17th-century stronghold is undergoing a complete transformation. Artist residencies, exhibitions, concerts, and events now bring life to its ancient stones.
By 2027, new cultural spaces will be unveiled, including an open-air amphitheater. A public promenade will be built atop the Watchtower, offering an unprecedented view over the Old Port and the city. A spectacular rebirth bridging military past and creative future.
The église des Réformés in full revival
Towering over La Canebière for nearly 140 years, the Église des Réformés is reclaiming its grandeur. This neo-Gothic gem has undergone a major restoration. Stained-glass windows shine again, the stone has been cleaned, the spires now rise proudly 70 meters high, and the arches soar with newfound grace. The church is finally regaining its symbolic strength.
