Saint Victor was a Roman soldier who became a Christian martyr, and the 11^th century abbey in Marseilles is named for him. Initially, there were two monasteries of St Victor built by the 4^th century monk and theologian John Cassian – one for men and one for women; however, in the 9^th century, both were destroyed by the Sacarens and it would be over two centuries later before the single abbey was rebuilt. Following the French Revolution, the abbey was stripped of its treasures, and the building was used as a warehouse and prison. Today, the only part of the original abbey left standing is the church of St Victor which was dedicated by Pope Benedict IX in 1040.  In 1934, the church was made into a minor basilica.

Visitors cannot help being in awe of the rich and fascinating history of the Abbaye Victor, with its fortress-like feel and the ancient crypt, containing the remains of John Cassian, Saints Maurice, Marcellinus and Peter, as well as Bishop Saint Maurontius. The crypt also includes early Christian and late pagan sarcophagi on display, and many visitors say that the best part of the abbey is in fact its underground treasures. An English video helps with historical context and provides interesting information on the abbey and its crypt. Abbaye St Victor is very close to Marseilles’ Old Port so that the two locations can be combined in a single excursion.