Audio Guide of La Vieille Charité

La Vieille Charité is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday). It is closed on Tuesdays and some public holidays. It is always recommended to check the latest opening hours on the official website before your visit. It is located in the Le Panier district and can be reached on foot, by bus (La Vieille Charité stop), or by metro (Joliette or Colbert stop).

Access to the central courtyard and arcades is free. However, the museums housed inside, such as the Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology and the Museum of African, Oceanian, and Amerindian Arts (M.A.A.O.A.), require an admission ticket. You can check the latest prices and possible discounts on their website.

To explore the building at a relaxed pace and visit both museums, we suggest allowing at least 2 to 3 hours. If you only want to stroll through the courtyard and admire the architecture, one hour will be enough to enjoy its unique atmosphere.

Built in the 17th century as a hospice for the poor and beggars of Marseille, La Vieille Charité is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture, designed by the architect Pierre Puget. Its impressive central oval chapel and three-story galleries make it a place of rich social and cultural history for the city.

For a quieter experience, we recommend visiting La Vieille Charité early in the morning just after opening, or late in the afternoon before closing. Weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends. Avoid the peak tourist months of July and August if you are looking for a more peaceful visit.

The central courtyard and ground floors of La Vieille Charité are generally accessible. However, as it is a historic building, some areas or museum entrances may have steps. We recommend contacting the site administration directly (+33 (0)4 91 14 58 80) for specific accessibility information at the time of your visit.

Of course! You are in the heart of the historic Le Panier district, the oldest in Marseille. Just a short walk away, you can explore its narrow streets filled with artisan shops, enjoy the view from Place de Lenche, or head to the MuCEM and Fort Saint-Jean, both within easy walking distance.

I recommend wearing comfortable shoes, as you will be walking through a historic building and the neighborhood's cobbled streets. Take the opportunity to wander slowly through the courtyard, sit for a moment, and soak up the atmosphere. And do not forget your camera to capture the beauty of its architecture. It is a truly photogenic place!