How long does it take to walk through Parc Borély to Cité Radieuse?

The walk itself takes about 20-30 minutes, but with stops at the botanical gardens and the rooftop, you should allow 90 to 120 minutes. The distance between the park and the building is roughly 1.5 kilometers.

Is Le Corbusier's Cité Radieuse free to visit?

Yes, access to the main entrance, the internal commercial 'street' on the 3rd floor, and the rooftop terrace is generally free for the public. However, individual apartments are private residences and cannot be entered without a specific invitation or resident-led tour.

Can I see the Mediterranean Sea from this walking route?

Absolutely. The best view is from the rooftop of the Cité Radieuse, which offers 360-degree views of the sea, the Frioul Islands, and the Marseille hills. Parc Borély also sits very close to the Prado beaches.

Is this walking route suitable for children?

Yes, it is very family-friendly. Parc Borély has large playgrounds, a lake with ducks, and plenty of space to run. The rooftop of the Cité Radieuse is also an exciting space for children to explore safely.

What is the best time of day to visit the Cité Radieuse?

Late afternoon is ideal. The 'Golden Hour' light hits the raw concrete beautifully, and the sunset views from the rooftop over the Mediterranean are spectacular.

What does 'Béton Brut' mean?

Béton Brut translates to 'raw concrete.' It is the architectural style Le Corbusier used for the Cité Radieuse, where the concrete is left unfinished after being poured into wooden molds, showing the texture of the grain. This style led to the movement known as Brutalism.

Are there places to eat along this route?

Yes, there is a cafe and restaurant within Parc Borély near the lake. Additionally, the Cité Radieuse features 'Le Ventre de l'Architecte,' a renowned restaurant and hotel cafe located on the 3rd floor.

Is the route accessible for strollers?

Yes, the entire route from the park to the building is stroller-friendly with paved paths and elevators available in the Unité d'Habitation.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

1 hr 50 min

Duration

4

Stops

Easy

Difficulty

About This Tour

Marseille is often celebrated for its Vieux Port and ancient roots, but this walking route takes you into the heart of its 20th-century soul. Starting in the sprawling, verdant landscape of Parc Borély, this self-guided walk offers a refreshing escape from the city’s bustle. You will wander through botanical wonders and past the regal 18th-century Château Borély, which now houses a treasure trove of decorative arts. However, the true climax of this neighborhood stroll lies just a short distance away: Le Corbusier’s Cité Radieuse. Known as the Unité d'Habitation, this 'Vertical City' is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a landmark of modern architecture. Designed to be a self-contained community, it features modular apartments, internal streets, and a rooftop that feels like the deck of a ship. Exploring this site independently allows you to appreciate the 'Béton Brut'—raw concrete—aesthetic that birthed the Brutalist movement. This is not just a building; it is a social experiment brought to life. This experience is widely considered a top walking tour Marseille provides for design enthusiasts. As you follow this Marseille walking route, you’ll experience the transition from classical French landscaping to the avant-garde visions of the 1940s. It’s a perfect travel experience for those who appreciate design, history, and the outdoors. Whether you are a solo traveler or exploring with friends, this walk provides a deep dive into the Sainte-Anne neighborhood’s unique character. By the time you reach the rooftop of the Cité Radieuse, with its panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the hills, you’ll understand why this structure remains one of the most influential architectural works of the modern era. This self-guided walk through Marseille’s southern districts is easy to navigate and offers a mix of natural beauty and urban innovation. Discover the secrets of Le Corbusier's vision and the elegance of Marseille's parklands at your own pace, without the constraints of a rigid schedule. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of architecture.

Highlights

Le Corbusier’s Unité d'Habitation (Cité Radieuse)
The 18th-century grandeur of Château Borély
Rare flora in the Jardin botanique de la Ville de Marseille
Stunning rooftop views of the Mediterranean and Calanques
The peaceful lakeside paths of Parc Borély

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (4)

1

Parc Borély

Welcome to Marseille’s most popular green space. Established in the 17th century by a wealthy merchant family, Parc Borély is a masterpiece of landscape design. As you walk, notice the contrast between the formal French-style gardens near the entrance and the more relaxed English-style parkland surrounding the lake. This park has served as a backdrop for local life for generations, from 19th-century horse racing to modern-day pétanque matches. The central lake, with its resident swans and rowing boats, provides a peaceful start to our architectural journey, representing the classical elegance that preceded the modern movement.

2

Jardin botanique de la Ville de Marseille

Tucked within the grounds of Parc Borély is the Botanical Garden. This living museum houses over 3,500 species of plants from around the world. As you explore, look for the traditional Chinese garden, a gift from Marseille's sister city, Shanghai. The garden is divided into thematic sections including medicinal plants, succulents, and a palm house. It’s a place of scientific study and conservation, reflecting Marseille's historic role as a major Mediterranean port where exotic seeds and plants first arrived in France. The tranquility here offers a moment of reflection before we transition to the industrial-modern part of our route.

3

Château Borély

Standing proudly at the end of the park's main axis is the Château Borély. This 18th-century 'bastide' was built as a summer residence for Louis Borély, a successful merchant. Its architecture is a perfect example of the neoclassical style popular among the Provençal elite. Today, the château houses the Museum of Decorative Arts, Fashion, and Ceramics. Even if you don't go inside, take a moment to admire the golden limestone facade and the symmetry of the courtyard. It represents the height of traditional luxury in Marseille, providing a stark architectural contrast to the 'machine for living' we are about to see next.

4

Unité d'Habitation (Cité Radieuse)

Leaving the park behind, we arrive at Le Corbusier’s Unité d'Habitation, locally known as the Cité Radieuse. Built between 1947 and 1952, this is one of the most significant buildings of the 20th century. Le Corbusier designed it to solve the post-war housing crisis by creating a 'Vertical City.' Notice the 'pilotis'—the massive concrete stilts that lift the building off the ground. Inside, the building contains 'streets' with shops, a hotel, and 337 modular apartments. Head up to the rooftop terrace, which serves as a public square with a nursery school and an art center (MAMO). The raw concrete, or 'Béton Brut,' gave rise to the term Brutalism. From the roof, enjoy the panoramic views that Le Corbusier intended for every resident to share.

Frequently Asked Questions

The walk from Parc Borély to Le Corbusier's Cité Radieuse is widely considered the best for architecture. It showcases the transition from 18th-century neoclassical design at Château Borély to the mid-century Brutalist masterpiece of the Unité d'Habitation.