Marseille, the "Radiant City"

 

Ranked, in the wake of the opening of the Grotte Cosquer cave, by TIME magazine among the 50 World's Greatest Places of 2022, Marseille both fascinates and intrigues. The European Capital of Culture in 2014, this Mediterranean port with picture-postcard landscapes has transformed into a dynamic economic metropolis and hive of cultural activity. Open to the world, it has continued to step up its initiatives in the fields of art, design, lifestyle and gastronomy. Urban yet with a village vibe, it blends attractive districts with folk traditions and plays host to a myriad of idyllic beaches sheltered by its rocky calanques.  

The real estate market

The market here is booming, with a price rise of 34% over the past five years. In the most popular arrondissements, they range from €4,200 per square metre (6th arr.) to €5,900 (8th arr.) and even €6,100 (7th arr.).

Our advice

“Well connected with plenty of local shops and activities, the 7th and 8th arrondissements are the top spots, especially along the seafront. Demand is particularly strong, so be quick to get in there.”

“A good time to buy a primary residence or to invest.”

Inside tip

The Endoume, Vallon des Auffes, Malmousque and Bompard (7th arr.) districts are home to adorable fishermen's houses, while Vauban (6th arr.) has charming village houses. Roucas Blanc and Corniche Kennedy (7th) have exceptional properties with sea views and high-end apartments, while Carré d’Or, Périer and Saint-Giniez (8th arr.) are filled with beautiful private mansions and Haussmann buildings. - Philippe MANNI, director of BARNES Marseille.

Art of living

Radiant Marseille has become a true capital of culture, design and good living. BARNES checks out its hotspots against the hum of the cicadas.

Culture

MUCEM

mucem

@MUCEM

Standing tall at the exit of the port of Marseille like a conquering vessel, the Mucem museum of European and Mediterranean civilisations, clad in a black concrete latticework by architect Rudy Ricciotti, is a visit in itself. A walk through its hull with occasional glimpses of the Mediterranean sea is a must. The Egyptian Pharaohs are the current ‘superstars’ at the museum.

Exhibition from 22 June to 17 October 2022, 1 Esp. J4, 13002 Marseille, France

La Vieille Charité

la vieille charité

@la vieille charité

This magnificent architectural site, including a chapel with an oval dome built in white and pink stone, can be found at the heart of the delightful ‘Panier’ suburb. Visitors can discover other worlds and other horizons at the Centre de la Vieille Charité, which now houses the Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology and the Museum of African, Oceanian and Amerindian Arts (M.A.A.O.A). The remarkable exhibition currently on display is dedicated to “migrating things”.

Exhibition from 8 April 2022 to 18 October 2022. 2 Rue de la Charité, 13002 Marseille, France

Le Corbusier

le corbusier

@le corbusier

Locals call it ‘La Maison du Fada’(‘The Nutter's House’). Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier designed what would become one of the icons of Marseille: La Cité Radieuse (the ‘Radiant City’), inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its avant-gardism. Primary-coloured windows, 21 housing units with proportions according to the architect’s 'modulor' system of measurement, and a roof terrace affording a spectacular view of the Mediterranean and hosting unconventional art exhibitions.

280, boulevard Michelet, 13008 Marseille

Eotia Gallery

EOTIA

@EOTIA

An apartment/gallery exhibiting artists’ works - paintings, photographs, prints and designs - and palettes. At the moment, Franck Lebraly is showcasing his southern origins through paintings tinted with the imprint of Klein, Cocteau and even the great Pablo Picasso.

46 Rue de la Paix Marcel Paul, 13001 Marseille

Shopping

Sessùn Alma

Sessun Alma

@Sessun Alma

In the centre of the renowned Rue Sainte, between the walls of a former city soap factory, Marseille-born brand Sessun has set up its trendy living space in the form of a cosy concept store and a restaurant using fresh produce. A constantly renewed selection of craft objects, coffee table books and textiles.

127 Rue Sainte, 13007 Marseille

Les Chapeaux de Lisa

les chapeaux de Lisa

@les chapeaux de Lisa

Surrounded by Marseille’s chicest boutiques on Rue Paradis, this fascinating speciality shop stocks endlessly elegant hats. The owner of this enchanting place has an eye for picking out the perfect headpiece for a wedding or special event.

93 Rue Paradis, 13006 Marseille, France

Maison Empereur

Maison Empereur

@Maison Empereur

The oldest hardware store in France (1827) is a family-run business filled with history and prized by the bourgeois bohemian in search of local authenticity. From tableware and household goods to cutlery as well as traditional games, you’ll find everything here including overalls, a Notre-Dame de la Garde medallion, a panisse press and the famous “La cuisinière provençale” cookery book.

4 Rue des Récolettes, 13001 Marseille, France

Le Four des Navettes

le four des navettes

@le four des navettes

It’s impossible to resist the scent of orange blossom that floats down Rue Sainte, near the Abbaye Saint-Victor and its unique viewpoint over the Old Port. A Marseille tradition passed down from generation to generation since 1781, baking Marseille “navettes” sweet biscuits is an institution. Just wait till you’ve had a taste!

136 Rue Sainte, 13007 Marseille, France

The hottest reservations in town

Café Borély 

Café Borely

@Café Borely

After a stroll through Parc Borely, you simply must enjoy a stop at this charming Café in the shade of the Château Borely. There’s nothing quite like a cup of coffee or a Sunday brunch under the pines of the sandy courtyard by the cool fountain...

Château Borely - Pavillon Est, 134 Av. Clot Bey, 13008 Marseille, France

Le Tuba Club

le Tuba Club

@le Tuba Club

“Restaurant-cabin-sports club” are the words used to describe the new hotspot installed in a former diving club. This new local favourite lies in wait at the entrance to Les Goudes fishing village for a glamorous leisure atmosphere complete with private beach and sea-view restaurant in the style of a fishing cabin. The food is inspired by local produce, including calamari, crudos and barbecue-smoked sea bass.

2 Bd Alexandre Delabre, 13008 Marseille, France

La Grotte

Whether you’re motivated enough - or not - to climb up to the Calanque de Callelongue, you must try this picturesque restaurant nestled amid the little cabins of Les Goudes and its turquoise waters. Fish soup caught by Eric, the restaurant’s fisherman, fresh cuttlefish with parsley and garlic... The best of local heritage. And yet you’ll feel as though you’re at the far side of the world...

1 Av. des Pebrons, 13008 Marseille, France

La Villa

A charming restaurant at the heart of the Saint-Giniez district, between Rue Paradis and Avenue du Prado leading to the beaches. The region’s finest dishes are served under the shaded veranda, including freshly caught fish, of course, in an elegant and welcoming family atmosphere.

113 Rue Jean Mermoz, 13008 Marseille, France

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