Atop the highest point of La Garde in Marseille rests the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, a Catholic basilica that is a sight to behold. Crafted in the Romano-Byzantine architectural style, the basilica is laden with colored marble, mosaics and murals. As the trek up the 162m hill can be rather strenuous, you can choose to take tourist trains to the church instead. These tourist trains depart from the Vieux Port.

This spot is a popular pilgrimage site on Assumption Day (August 15th), whereby many Catholics come to pay their respects. Undoubtedly, the crowning glory of the structure is the statue of the Virgin Mary on top of the church bell tower, who locals fondly refer to as "la bonne mere", or "good mother", as she watches over their city indefinitely like a mother watches over her child.