Palais du Pharo

The long list of France tourist attractions features Palais du Pharo in France. This was the sea side residence of Napoleon III. He however never lived in this palace. Covering a huge span of land, this palatial building stands tall on the La Tete du More. The huge area located in front of the building almost rendezvous with the open sea. However, this open ground was once used to execute military personnel who would be found guilty by the military court on charges of escapism and disloyalty. This site in Marseilles was stumbled upon by Napoleon III when in 1852 he was passing through the town. As the story goes, he apparently fell so much in love with the place that he expressed his willingness to have a residence built there. To honor his wish, the town council gifted him this piece of land.

The foundation stone for Palais du Pharo in France was laid on 15th August, 1858. Lefuel, one of the several architects who had earlier worked on the Louvre was commissioned by Napoleon III to build a palatial establishment on that ground. When the construction work ended after a number of years, Palais du Pharo in France became one of the proud symbols of the French architectural genius. This ornately designed building was however vandalized by a group of angry mob in 1871. The beginning of the 20th century saw the building converted into a school of medicine.

France travel guide seriously recommends you to pay a visit here. Though the access to the interiors of the building is strictly prohibited, gardens remain open daily for general public from 8 am to 10 pm. The garden overlooks the old port, which during the reign of Napoleon III became one of the busiest ports in France. This place makes for a great place of sightseeing in France.