Just a few minutes from the hustle and bustle of downtown, a sometimes overlooked park in Marseille offers an unexpected setting , in the Vauban neighborhood. Behind its shaded paths, the Parc des Sœurs Franciscaines Missionnaires de Marie blends heritage, nature, and a spirit of conviviality. Renovated in 2024, this vast space appeals to families as well as walkers seeking tranquility. With its pine grove, gardens, and historic chapel, the site has preserved its soul and invites visitors to take a leisurely stroll.
A former convent garden
During a stroll through the Vauban neighborhood, you’ll discover the Parc des Sœurs Franciscaines, as unexpected as it is welcome. Spanning nearly 11,000 m², it welcomes passersby with surprising tranquility. A natural oasis in the heart of the city, designed for families and walkers seeking a refuge. As you set off along the walking paths that crisscross the park, you’ll find the serenity you’re looking for—and much more.
Families enjoyplaygrounds featuring wooden obstacle courses, slides, and balance structures. Further on, groves and a pine forest provide cool shade during the summer. For relaxation, the park offers pergolas, Rognes stone benches, and picnic tables. A small square adorned with a fountain completes this bucolic atmosphere, reminiscent of the former garden of the Couvent de la Cômerie. The site is also home to the Saint-Michel Chapel, recognizable by its Neo-Romanesque style and curved wooden vaults. A discreet piece of heritage that contributes to the unique charm of the place.
A park spared from real estate development
Before becoming a public park, the estate belonged to the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Mary. A community established in Marseille in 1885 and founded by Sister Marie de la Passion, née Hélène de Chappotin de Neuville. In Vauban, the nuns lived on a vast estate that included an orchard, farmland, and several buildings. While some elements have disappeared over time, the spirit of the place remains palpable through the gardens and the preserved landscape features.
Long threatened by real estate development, the estate was ultimately preserved and transformed into a public park. Inaugurated in 2019, it has become one of the neighborhood’s most beloved green spaces in just a few years. Today, the Yes We Camp association manages the park, successfully transforming this exceptional site into a vibrant space.
Practical information:
📍 5 Rue Lacédémone, 13006 Marseille
📍With 3 entrances: Rue Lacédémone – Rue Breteuil – Rue Villa-Paradis
📆 Opening hours: September 1–May 31: 7 a.m.–7 p.m. | June 1–August 31: 7 a.m.–9 p.m.
