Day Tour Marseille – Aix en Provence

Morning – Jewish Heritage Sites in Marseille

Begin your day with a visit to the Great Synagogue of Marseille located in the Castellane district—also known as the Great Temple. Built under Napoleon III in the late 19th century, it stands today as one of the most remarkable religious structures of the Second Empire. Its Basilica-inspired architecture, monumental façade, and design blending Eastern and Western influences reflect the heritage and aspirations of Marseille’s Jewish community. This is also the oldest preserved synagogue in Marseille.

In the courtyard, pause at the Wall of Names, a solemn memorial featuring 12 engraved headstones honoring 2,000 Jews deported from Marseille between 1943–1944—most of whom perished at Auschwitz-Birkenau. This moving space offers an opportunity to remember, reflect, and honor their memory.

Continue to the Tiferet Israel Synagogue, also known as the Israelite Temple of St. Margaret. Built in 1970, this synagogue served Jewish families resettling after the Algerian War. Inside you will find a sanctuary for prayer, community celebrations, and a Hebrew language school—preserving tradition and continuity for future generations.

Enjoy lunch at Au Falafel—a local favorite near the Old Port and Opera House, serving authentic Israeli and Middle Eastern cuisine with warm Mediterranean flavors.

Afternoon – Aix-en-Provence & Camp des Milles Memorial

After lunch, travel toward Aix-en-Provence to visit one of France’s most important Holocaust memorial sites—Camp de Milles. This former internment and deportation camp, preserved over 7 hectares, is the last remaining site of its kind accessible to the public.

Between 1939 and 1942, more than 10,000 people were imprisoned here under harsh conditions—among them Jewish men, women, and children who were later deported to Auschwitz via Drancy. Camp des Milles also held many European intellectuals and artists, who left drawings, inscriptions, and artistic traces still visible on the walls today. Today, it stands as a protected site of remembrance, bearing witness to intolerance, antisemitism, and the consequences of hatred.

The memorial is divided into three powerful sections:

1. History & Context – Exhibits illustrating the camp’s role within local, national, and global events.

2. Memorial Experience – Access to preserved buildings, internment spaces, and prisoner artwork.

3. Reflection & Education – A space encouraging understanding of how prejudice escalates into tragedy.

This meaningful visit is a profound conclusion to a day exploring the Jewish past and present of Marseille and Provence.

Please note, this is just a suggested itinerary which is the part of our package to Provence, customized for each client. We do require that our journeys include minimum requirement:  accommodation for a minimum of 3 nights, transfers, touring and any special experiences.