We took these pictures in October. On this one from le Vieux Port (Old Harbor) you can see far away, perched at the top of a hill, Notre Dame de la Garde. The basilica (XIXth century) dominates Le Vieux Port of Marseille. 
In Marseille, Notre Dame de la Garde offers a unique point of view of the city. When we tell people that we live in Marseille, the first thing they remember from a visit they might have made to the city is Notre Dame. Many people hike up the hill to the church mainly for the view.
This is where we realize how Marseille is so spread out. So many neighborhoods left to discover. 
Built by Esperandieu between 1853 and 1864 in the romano-Byzantine style, it replaces a chapel which dated 1214. Later, in 1524, It will be fortified by François 1st. I stole this picture from the web since we haven't found a way to fly above the town yet!
Everyone in Marseille refers to the church only as la Bonne Mère, the Good Mother. The habitants see the basilica as a real pilgrimage. They ask for the support of Mary for the fisherman, the protection against wars, diseases… and it seems to be working. The basilica survived mysteriously to the World War damages.
The inside is taken over by ex votos. In commemoration of Mary's protection, they include paintings, plaques, model boats, war medals and even soccer shirts given by players and supporters of l'Olympique de Marseille, the local soccer team. 
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