Visit the historic ‘Belem’ ship as it docks in Marseille this weekend
Vessel was used to carry Olympic torch to France in 2024
The ship, photographed here in 2025, will be docked in the city’s Old Port
ART KRIS/Shutterstock
The iconic Belem ship will be docked in Marseille this weekend, granting residents a glimpse of the vessel that brought the Olympic torch to the city in 2024.
The ship, celebrating its 130th anniversary this year, arrived in the city yesterday (May 6), almost two years to the day since it last laid anchor in Marseille as part of the prelude to the Olympic Games in Paris.
During its previous voyage, it arrived from Greece, bringing the historic flame across the Mediterranean as part of the Olympic Torch Relay, the tradition by which the Games are formally begun.
The Belem docked in the Quai de la Fraternité, and will be open for visitors to board on Saturday and Sunday, before it departs once more on Monday (May 11) to head towards Alicante.
“It is an honor for the Foundation and its ship to return to [Marseille] to share our floating museum… with as many people as possible,” said Christelle de Larauze, General Delegate of the Belem Caisse d’Epargne Foundation (that funds the ship), to France Info.
The ship has “forever written a true story with Marseille,” she added, referencing the use of the vessel to transport the Olympic Torch to mainland France as part of the iconic relay for the 2024 Paris Games.
Ship open to visitors
The Belem is the last of France’s traditional merchant navy vessels, but has spent time in both Italy and the UK during its varied history.
During its time as a merchant vessel, it carried rum and sugar from Brazil and the Atlantic, hence its Portuguese name.
Those wanting to visit the ship over the weekend can head to the Quai de la Fraternité, where the ship will be open between 10:00 and 18:00.
Tickets cost €9, with concessions for children, disabled people, and members of the Belem Foundation.
An online website for booking tickets with a specific time slot is available, however when a Connexion staff member looked on May 7, no tickets were seemingly available.
However, tickets will be available to purchase in-person for visitors turning up on the day through both cash and card, although there may be queues to board.
If you are unable to visit the vessel, our article here includes a 3D virtual tour of the ship.
Funds from ticket sales go towards the upkeep and preservation of the vessel, with fundraising currently taking place to restore the stern of the ship.
