Rising above the sea on the edge of an old fortress, this round stone tower has watched ships come and go for centuries. Even people who know Marseille well often admire it from below without realizing how important it once was to the life of the port.

The Tour du Fanal, inside Fort Saint-Jean in Marseille, was built in 1644 to help guide ships safely into the Vieux-Port, especially at night or in foggy weather. Its name comes from the Greek word for “lantern,” a reminder of its original role as a beacon for merchant vessels approaching one of France’s busiest ports.

About 30 meters high, the tower stands on a square base and is crowned by a distinctive stone dome. Its double-cylinder design, balcony, and spiral staircase give it a strong military look, while its position above the water makes it one of the most recognizable elements of the fort. Over time, it served not only as a lookout point but also, when the fort became a prison, as a series of cells still marked by graffiti left by former prisoners.

Although the tower itself is not normally open to the public, you can admire it closely while visiting Fort Saint-Jean and the MuCEM. It is one of those details that turns a simple walk into a deeper understanding of Marseille’s maritime history.

👉 Local Tip: For the best view, look at the tower from different angles inside Fort Saint-Jean instead of only from the MuCEM footbridge. Its shape, balcony, and position above the sea stand out much better when you move around the fort.