Gare Saint Charles luggage storage

About Gare Saint Charles

Located in the St. Charles district right in the heart of the city, Gare Saint Charles has been an important part of Marseilles since it was opened in 1848. The 11th busiest station in France, it serves over 16 million passengers each year.

Back when the station was first built, it was a little way outside the city, which grew up around its seaport. The station was built on a hill overlooking the town, and an ancient cemetery had to be cleared to make way for it. The hilltop location of the rail station was linked to the rest of the city by the construction of the grand staircase in 1925. This staircase, decorated with statues inspired by the destinations travelers can reach from Marseilles Port, has since become an icon of the city and makes an impressive introduction to this Mediterranean town.

The station continued to grow throughout the 20th century, finally reaching its current size with 14 platforms. In 1983, the station was bombed by legendary international terrorist Carlos the Jackal. The station grew even larger in 2001, when the high-speed TGV rail line cut the journey time to Paris and other French cities from Marseilles. Now, St. Charles functions as a transportation hub for the entire Provence region and contains a busy bus station as well as the train station.

Things to do near Gare Saint Charles

It's just a short trip down the grand staircase from the train station to Marseille's center. And once there, you'll find yourself surrounded by things to do. One of the largest cities in the country, Marseille nevertheless has an atmosphere all of its own. As an important port for thousands of years, Marseille has always been a place where different worlds collide.

• Check out one of France's most notable public gardens, the Palais Longchamp. Located just to the east of the train station, this landscaped park and its impressive historic monument date back to 1869 and are a perfect place for photographs.
• Get some culture at Marseille's Fine Art Museum. Begun as a place to house works of art seized from the abolished aristocracy during the French Revolution, the museum boasts an impressive collection with work by artists such as Carracci, Canaletto, Rubens, and others.
• Enjoy the atmosphere in the old Port of Marseilles. This harbor has been a center of trade for over 2,000 years, and a large part of what has given Marseilles its unique character. Surrounded by restaurants and bars located in former warehouses, the harbor is also home to a fish market where you can pick up the catch of the day or simply watch the boats come and go.
• Learn more about the history of the city at the Marseilles History Museum. The city has been around since the time of the Phoenicians 2,600 years ago, so it's no surprise that this is the largest city history museum in France. Explore artifacts from the very first settlers in Marseilles up to the present day and gain a deeper understanding of the forces that have shaped the city.
• Take a stroll along La Corniche. This seafront promenade stretches for miles along the edge of the city from the Old Port. The bright blue water and rocky shore make for a spectacular sight, and it's the best place to people-watch in all of Marseilles.

Transit options near Gare Saint Charles

• Marseilles International Airport is the largest in Provence and connects to many destinations throughout Europe. Buses from Gare Saint Charles leave for the airport every 15 minutes, making the journey in around half an hour.
• As well as the train station, St. Charles is also a station for long-distance coaches. This makes the station easy to reach from other cities in France, Spain, Italy, and beyond.
• St. Charles has its own Metro station that is served by both lines of the Marseilles Metro. You'll also find a tram stop just to the south of the station. Plus, many of the city's bus routes stop at or near St. Charles.

Luggage storage near Gare Saint Charles

With reliably sunny weather and many fascinating neighborhoods to explore, Marseille is a perfect city to wander on foot. As a pedestrian, you’ll be able to stop in anywhere that intrigues you and soak up the atmosphere of this busy and vibrant city.

However, Marseilles is known for its hills. To make things easier on yourself, drop your extra bags at a luggage storage facility near Gare St Charles. No matter how many bags you have, Bounce can help you find a place to store them safely until you're ready to pick them up again.

Activities and attractions near Gare Saint Charles

• Notre Dame de la Garde: One of Marseille's top attractions, the church of Notre Dame de la Garde, located on a high hill above the city, should not be missed. A tourist train makes the church easy to reach, and it's worth seeing for the offerings that hang from the ceiling of the church, put there by fishermen grateful to return from dangerous voyages. The church also bears the scars of bullets and shells that struck it during the Second World War. Plus, the hill gives an unequaled view of the city and the sea beyond. Drop off any heavy bags at a luggage storage shop in Marseilles so you can take your time exploring the church and its location.
• MuCEM: MuCEM is a museum like no other, and that's not only because of its cutting-edge architecture. Located on the waterfront, the museum is dedicated to a broad view of Mediterranean civilization. This somewhat fuzzy focus allows the museum to cater to many different tastes, and whatever you're into, you'll probably find something interesting here. Plus, the tickets also give you entry to the 17th-century fort next door, which is well worth exploring.
• Calanques National Park: Don’t miss the stunning scenery of Calanques National Park. Just outside Marseilles, this natural area is a wilderness of white cliffs and bright blue sea. Perfect for hiking, climbing, swimming, and boating, you could spend days exploring the many rocky coves of the Provence coastline. Easily reached by tour bus or by boat from Marseilles, the park is one of France’s most celebrated outdoor destinations.