Marseille is known for its bustling art scene. Gallery-led spaces and foundations support emerging as well as established artists with a fiercely independent attitude, offering new art exhibitions.
The small marseillais triumphal arch is smaller than its Parisian counterpart but nevertheless impressive, even if surrounded by drug addicts and alcoholics.
Old Port
The Old Port (Vieux Port) of Marseille features a bustling yacht marina and offers luxurious hotels, waterfront cafes offering fresh mullet and lobster from the quayside fish market, late-night bars and the centuries-old Fort Saint-Jean to safeguard entryways, while nearby Saint Laurent Church can be found for added charm.
Daviel Pavillion stands as an icon of New Orleans’s long history of welcoming and assimilating migrants and newcomers. Constructed of pink local stone, its wrought iron balconies boasting daisies as a symbolic motif are now part of Town Hall.
Named for its legendary story, Marseille’s Old Port takes its name from Simos and Protis’ expedition that led Phocaean colonists from around 600 BCE into Lacydon cove that would later become Vieux Port. They met Nannos, King of Segobriges Gallic tribe, presented him with princess as bride-dowery to offer Nannos (also called Nannus in modern-day French), accepted, and this wedding became part of its origin story – becoming part of Marseille lore today.
Over subsequent centuries, the city expanded on both sides of its natural harbor. Under Louis XII and Louis XIV in particular, quays were constructed as an essential shipyard for royal galleys; additionally on these quays was established Arsenal des Galeres which became home to both weapons storage as well as unfortunate galley slaves being imprisoned there.
Marseille experienced its golden age as a maritime port during the early twentieth century; however, during World War II the Nazis destroyed much of its historic old town including its iconic aerial ferry (transbordeur). This monumental act led to severe disruption across France.
Today, the Old Port is an active place, where fishermen sell their catch at a morning fish market and visitors stroll past houses painted cream, blue, lavender and yellow. Plus Belle la Vie’s popular TV soap opera also takes place here and fans from throughout France (and even Finland!) come every year to visit.
Le Panier Quarter
“The Basket”, as it is widely known locally, dates back to its origins as an original Greek settlement and still retains a village-like feel today. With steep streets, charming alleyways and delightful hidden squares for exploring, “The Basket” makes an excellent destination. There are traditional shops selling ‘boules de Marseillaise”, pastis and soap as well as boutiques selling antiques made by local artisans as well as small bistros where one can sit down for an aperitif and take in its ambience.
Le Panier used to be off limits to many residents during the 19th and early 20th centuries; however, due to widespread gentrification it has undergone dramatic transformation and crime rates have significantly decreased, becoming one of the city’s most desired neighbourhoods today.
Restricted to the area between the city’s ramparts – beyond which construction was not allowed – this historic district’s narrow and steep streets have become its hallmark. Colorful murals decorate house walls often packed together, and some feature statues and motifs with neo-Byzantine influences. Also located here is Cathedrale La Major which was constructed during the 1850s to symbolize its newly acquired trading wealth and opened by Napoleon III himself.
Other attractions in the district are an octagonal 16C palace with diamond-patterned facade, as well as the elegant Church of Saint-Laurent which holds some remnants from its original 12C cathedral on its site. Furthermore, plaques and statues honouring historical figures like Euthymenes, sailors like Jean-Baptiste Lemaire who died at sea like Victor Gelu (known as ‘the poet of Marseille) as well as artists with social consciousness like Honore Daumier, Antoine Vollon and Jean-Louis Lagnel who created first’santons’ (creche figures) ever produced here in Marseille.
Off the main streets, Marseille boasts an intricate maze of narrow alleyways lined with small bistros that offer delicious meals at affordable prices. Here too are many of its talented artists and their studios are open for visitors to visit.
Street Art
Street artists have taken art out of galleries and into public spaces to experiment with new mediums and convey powerful messages through art. Many street artists employ art as a form of social activism that sheds light on important societal issues or challenges the status quo, with backgrounds as tattooists, set designers, photographers or more all contributing to their current visual language – creating an eclectic, emotive yet visually arresting style of contemporary art that has quickly become one of its most significant trends.
Street art stands apart from traditional artworks by being impermanent; therefore it cannot be purchased or sold. This gives each piece of street art its own sense of immediacy and energy; furthermore it allows artists to experiment with various styles and techniques without fear that their efforts might never last permanently.
Wander through Marseille’s streets to witness its vibrant street art scene! Start at Oogie’s rainbow mural-clad restaurant before making your way up Cours Julien where there is an array of mural alleys with eye-catching cartoons, surreal patterns and political statements adorning its walls.
Marseille’s murals are not only strikingly beautiful, but they have the power to transform communities as well. By drawing tourists and inciting vibrancy in rundown neighborhoods, street art can help revitalize them through encouraging businesses and residents alike to relocate there – this process of revitalization is known as gentrification and has attracted widespread attention among city planners and developers.
MuMA stands as an emblem of this vibrant cultural hub between Marseille’s Old and New Ports, representing their meeting point. Here you’ll find modern and contemporary art from both centuries, as well as pieces that pay homage to Marseille’s vibrant past and present. Additionally, MuMA houses a cafe where visitors can sample traditional bouillabaisse dishes.
Another popular attraction at this museum is its rooftop terrace, offering stunning city views. Additionally, the garden has been turned into an outdoor gallery for local and international street artists to exhibit their works.
Calanques
Calanques’ bright blue sea and rugged cliffs make a truly magnificent scene in Marseille, making this natural masterpiece one of its most breathtaking features. Perfect for hiking, swimming or sailing activities; kayaking enthusiasts also frequent this area. It offers unparalleled views over Marseille from the water!
The Calanques, formed during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods out of limestone, is an amazing geological formation created during these two periods and nestled between Marseilles and Cassis overlooking turquoise waters. The marine park offers both historical and cultural interest – once home to military batteries built to defend against British naval invasion in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries and later chemical plants; yet nature has slowly started reclaiming itself, leading to hiking becoming very popular during this time period, leading to hiking trails being constructed along its coastline.
Today, the Calanques form part of a National Park and are legally protected. Additionally, they form part of a network of sites of special ecological interest in France – these areas boasting unique biodiversity thanks to rugged coastlines, cliffs, fjord-like landscapes, pebble beaches and turquoise waters.
Spring and fall are ideal times to visit the calanques, when temperatures are not too hot – perfect conditions for hiking followed by refreshing swim. Summer months can get quite scorching but early arrival or departure could still allow you to experience all that these remarkable areas offer!
Many calanques can be reached on foot from Marseille, but one of the more difficult destinations is Calanque Morgiou (known locally as “the Dead Rock”). Reaching this trail requires physical fitness as it may become treacherous in strong winds (known locally as “Le Mistral”). A bus from Vieux Port or Pointe Rouge to University of Luminy or Port-Pin (bus number 21 outside summer months) provides transport for this hike of roughly an hour’s duration.