Sunday, March 2, 2025 is Grandma’s Day! In Marseille, family is very important – and Grandma is family! If you don’t often get the chance to spend time with her, now’s the time! Your grandmothers are a part of you, a part of your history, and above all, a precious link with the generations that precede you. A conversation with your elders can sometimes help you take a step back, see the world differently, or even make you laugh, so many differences exist between your grandmother’s life and your own. That’s why, to help you enjoy Marseille with your grandmother, we asked ourselves what they’d like to do with you! But first, a few tips: always have water with you, take a little armchair (or remember to take regular breaks) and most important of all: enjoy!
Organize a brunch to treat grandma to sweet and savoury treats
For some people, Sunday brunch is a real tradition, and what better time than Grandma’s Day to share this unmissable family gathering? And, as luck would have it, it falls on a Sunday! Sharing a brunch in honor of grannies is the perfect opportunity to get together over delicious sweet and savory dishes. They’ll be able to tell you all about their youth, or explain that their cooking is a whole lot tastier than “avocado toast”! So if you’re looking for the best places to celebrate this special occasion, Marseille Secrète reveals its favorites for an unforgettable brunch!
Take a stroll along Fort Saint Jean through the Mucem exhibitions
As you know, Fort Saint Jean is an exceptional site. Standing proudly on the edge of the Old Port, opposite Fort Saint-Nicolas, it is a true symbol of Marseille. We love to stroll here on days when the sea is calm, the sun is shining and the wind is rare. It’s like stepping back in time. Now part of the Mucem(Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilization), it’s one of the most visited monuments in and around the city. We urge you to take grandma to see an exhibition, because you’ll see that her vision is often quite different from yours! Built in the 17th century, the fort has witnessed many significant events, contributing to the enrichment of Marseille’s historical heritage. And as you’ve seen, grandmothers love to tell stories, so it’s likely that they’ll be the ones to tell you!
Visit the Cathedral de la Major, an architectural gem your grandmother will love
Sainte-Marie-Majeure Cathedral, also known as La Major, is one of Marseille‘s jewels, and a must-see place for your grandmother to discover and rediscover. Built in the 19th century, it is the only cathedral of its kind, and is an impressive testimony to the city’s history! Located near the port of La Joliette, its grandeur and beauty make it visible from afar. In a way, it symbolizes the power of Marseille. With its impressive dimensions, this cathedral can accommodate 3,000 people, and is even comparable to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome! If you’re impressed by its fascinating architecture, you’ll be even more so by its colorful mosaics and finely detailed sculptures. Its rich history is sure to echo that of your grandmothers, who will be happy to tell you about life in their time. Listed as a historic monument, La Major is a journey back in time that never ceases to amaze.
Introduce your grandmothers to Marseille’s finest tea-time pastries
If many of them call themselves “granny cakes”, it’s not for nothing! If it’s primarily to please you, it’s also to taste them! We’ll give you the scoop: most grandmothers are gourmands! Do you think you know who finishes the Christmas chocolates every year? Well, all that to invite you to help them discover Marseille’s wonderful pastries! For once, you’re in charge of the cake! And one thing’s for sure, once you’ve tasted the delights hidden behind the shop windows, your grandmothers are likely to ask for the recipe!
Take your grandmother to see a unique show
If your grandmother has lost the habit of going out to see shows, it’s a moment she’s sure to love sharing with you! And what better way than to help her rediscover classics like Romeo and Juliet? For this year’s Grandma’s Day, Le Ballet de Milan presents a spellbinding adaptation of the famous Shakespearean tragedy at Cepac Silo! Choreographed by Federico Veratti, this ballet celebrates a pure love that transcends barriers and death. Classical and contemporary dance blend harmoniously in a set inspired by Verona, with thrilling pas de deux and impressive virtuosity. A timeless story in which the passion of two young lovers defies tragic fate. How about it, Granny?
Climb (by car) to the Bonne Mère and its breathtaking view of Marseille
Perched at the very top of Marseille, the Bonne Mère shines brightly but is not always easy to reach, especially for a grandmother – and especially if she doesn’t drive! So, as our duty as grandchildren obliges us to take care of our elders, we invite you to take grandma to one of Marseille’s most emblematic landmarks (or take the little train if you don’t have a car). The Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, nicknamed “the Good Mother” by the people of Marseille (and even the French), offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of Marseille and the Mediterranean. Its impressive architecture attracts thousands of visitors every year, and it’s as beautiful as ever! And since February 3, it’s been getting a makeover!