Luggage storage Notre-Dame De La Garde

About Notre-Dame de la Garde

If you’re going to visit Marseille, your trip isn’t complete without a stop at the stunning Notre-Dame de la Garde cathedral. Also known as ‘La Bonne Mère’ (The Good Mother), this cathedral is emblematic of Marseille’s opulent history, with a stunning facade and intricate mosaics lining the church’s interior. For religious travelers and history buffs, it’s simply a can’t-miss. Perched atop a hill overlooking the rest of Marseille, a visit to Notre-Dame de la Garde not only offers a glimpse into France’s Catholic grandeur, but you’ll enjoy some of the absolute best views of Marseille and its magnificent waterfront. 

While the hill offers stellar views, it doesn’t exactly simplify a visit to the church, logistically speaking. It’s slightly isolated from the bustling Old Port and most of the city’s train stations and commercial center. Still, there are a few ways to get there, namely the bus stop with the same name. Here’s everything you need to know: 

How much does it cost to store luggage in Marseille?

If you’re choosing the Bounce luggage storage service, it only costs about €5for a 24-hour period. You’ll be able to use the intuitive Bounce app to find luggage storage and the prices, terms, and conditions. Of course, storing luggage with Bounce has more than its fair share of advantages. You won’t have to deal with hidden fees or inflexible schedules of bus stop luggage lockers, and you’ll have access to 24/7 customer support and helpful attendants at the storage facility, as Bounce partners with local shops. 

Will any hotel hold my luggage?

If you have a reservation with a hotel in Marseille, they will typically hold your luggage for a few hours before your check-in. You’ll have to show some form of ID to ensure you’re staying with them, but it’s an option.

Is hotel baggage storage safe?

Typically, dropping the bags off at your hotel concierge before or after check-in or check-out is one of the safest options. However, it can be highly inconvenient if you’re trying to sightsee in another part of the city. That’s why finding a service like Bounce with luggage storage facilities throughout Marseille is such a convenient option. You’ll be able to store roller bags and suitcases safely near the action without having to waste time by heading right to the hotel. 

Do Airbnbs hold luggage?

It depends entirely on the Airbnb! Some have lockboxes or storage lockers onsite where you can drop the bags off before you check in or after you check out, but it’s not necessarily a standard feature. 

Things to do near Notre-Dame de la Garde

Vieux Port 

This is your quintessential Marseille experience. This harbor has accommodated fishing boats, shipping vessels, and even warships for centuries, as Marseille has been one of the globe’s (and certainly the Mediterranean’s) most important port cities. Since the larger shipping docks have been relocated further away from the city, the Old Port has turned into a harbor for luxury yachts and sailboats, while the waterfront is now a bustling cultural area lined with seafood restaurants and cafés. You’ll want to explore the full neighborhood to admire the imposing St. Jean and St. Nicolas forts that protected the harbor in centuries past. You can also enjoy the nightlife scene around Place Thiars and Cours Honoré d’Estienne d’Orves. 

Musée des Civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée (MUCEM)

It’s hard to miss the stunning architectural marvel of the MUCEM, which is situated along Marseille’s historic waterfront. While the sleek MUCEM building is as modern as it gets, it’s seamlessly incorporated into its historic surroundings, with a footbridge connecting it to the Medieval Fort St. Jean. Inside, you'll find a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits detailing the Mediterranean region’s maritime history. The museum’s archaeological finds are renowned for detailing the prehistoric cultures of the Mediterranean. Outside, the museum grounds are lined with stunning gardens and boast some of the best views of the Old Port you’ll find. 

MUCEM Bag Policy

For security purposes, all bags larger than 17” x 12” are banned from the museum and must be placed in the onsite lockers. These fill up quickly, so the museum’s lockers aren’t always a reliable option.

Le Panier 

Marseille’s long history began with an ancient Greek settlement that still exists today, just in the form of the city’s most historic neighborhood. 'The Basket' (as it's known in Marseille) is a maze of cobbled streets and winding alleys looping around the steep hill the neighborhood is perched on. Le Panier was almost destroyed in World War II but was miraculously rebuilt in its original form following the city’s reconstruction. The neighborhood is filled with quaint artisanal stores, little cafés, and other charming businesses. The La Vieille Charité square is the best place to start.

Getting around Marseille from Notre-Dame de la Garde 

Getting to Notre-Dame de la Garde from Marseille’s Old Port

Many travelers will opt to actually walk from the bustling stretch near the Vieux Port up to Notre-Dame de La Garde. It’s about a 40-minute walk, but the route is through the heart of Marseille’s best areas. It only becomes difficult when you get to the hill, but that’s also where the views start to become incredible, so it’s a trade-off. You can also take the #60 Bus from the MUCEM, the Quai du Port, the Quai des Belges, or the Cours Jean Ballard. The Notre-Dame de la Garde Bus Stop is right at the basilica’s steps, and you’ll be able to take it right back to the Vieux Port once you’ve seen everything.  

Getting to Notre-Dame de la Garde from Plage des Catalans

From Marseille’s most popular beach, you can walk to Notre-Dame de la Garde in about 30 minutes, although the last stretch will be uphill. You can also take the #81 Bus (for about $2) from the beach to the Puget Moulet and walk about five minutes the rest of the way. 

Getting to Notre-Dame de la Garde from La Panier 

You can walk from Le Panier to the Colbert Stop (near Vieux Port) and then take the #60 Bus from the Vieux Port which will land you right at the basilica steps. The whole trip takes about 30 minutes and costs about $2. 

Luggage storage near Notre-Dame de la Garde

Bounce has dozens of luggage storage locations throughout Marseille, including a few directly serving the area around Notre-Dame de la Garde. Bounce’s mobile app also makes it easy to find the nearest luggage storage facility and book on the go, so your trip to Notre-Dame de la Garde will be a breeze. That’s why we're the best of the Marseille luggage storage options. Seen everything you need to see in Marseille? Bounce has locations in every major French city, so check out the app to see where you’ll be exploring next.