How to combine shopping and cultural visits in Marseille
Marseille Tourisme offers you the opportunity to walk through the streets of the 2nd to 6th arrondissement, combining a shopping break with the discovery of Marseille's emblematic places. We created a tour that will please fashion addicts as much as history and culture lovers. Let's go for the guided tour through our beautiful Phocaean city!
Shopping in the Joliette district
We start this tour on Place de la Joliette with these two shopping temples: the Terraces du Port and the Docks de Marseille. In the first shopping center you will find the usual big brands like Zara and H&M but also some jewels like Uniqlo or the Citadium concept store.
The second, is turned towards a more upscale shopping with concept stores and ephemeral stores. The Docks offer you an architectural setting steeped in history and where you can enjoy a coffee in one of its atypical courtyards or choose to have lunch in one of Marseille's many restaurants.
Both benefit from a fabulous architecture and a strategic location in the heart of Marseille's new business district called Euroméditerranée.
Shopping in Marseille: a perfect combination of shops and culture
A cultural break a few streets away, to admire and visit the Cathedral of the Major. Stroll along the quay of the Port for a tasty break. Sit at one of the sunny terraces for glass of Pastis, before continuing your walk towards the Old Port and the mythical Canebière and its adjacent streets, which make it a privileged area for shopping. If there are plenty of places to stroll in Marseille, the trip from the Joliette district to the Old Port is particularly pleasant. Indeed, if you walk along Fort Saint Jean, you will have a view over the whole port and Notre Dame de la Garde. But, for those who want to save energy, you can also take public transportation to get there. The journey will certainly be less beautiful but it will be faster!
Your day continues with the Marché des Capucins, the discovery of the Cours Julien, but also shopping on rue de Rome and many other surprises.
Finally, if this day hasn't exhausted you, why not take the opportunity to go out in Marseille? There are plenty of bars and you can enjoy the many terraces scattered throughout the city. No doubt you will find your happiness just a stone's throw from your hotel.
Feel free to comment on this tour and give us your impressions on the discovery of Marseille ;-)
Hike Info
- Distance: 6.08 kilometers
- Difficulty:
- Duration: 51 minutes to 1 hours
Points of Interest
Results ordered alphabetically
Espace Julien
L'Espace Julien est une salle de spectacle situé dans le quartier des artistes de Marseille : Le Cours Julien.
Les Augustins Church
Les Augustins church in Marseille is located on the Old Port. Easily recognizable by its immaculate white facade, it dates from the 13th century.
Les Docks
Les Docks of Marseille have taken over from the Old Port for trade. Built on the English model, they symbolize the industrial development of the city. Recently renovated, you can do a shopping session or have a drink in the various courtyards of the building.
Marseille Cathedral
It's the Cathedral of Marseille! Its real name is Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-Majeure, but we locals call it La Major. Standing proudly from the quays, it's the first thing the sailors see when they arrive in Marseille.
Notre Dame des Accoules
It is one of the oldest churches in Marseille. All we see now is the bell tower, so recognizable, and so important to the people of Marseille. Destroyed several times, it was rebuilt in the 18th century.
The Cours Julien
Visit the artistic district of Marseille and admire its Street-art. Enjoy a break in one of its bars and restaurants, Cours Julien / La Plaine is the most lively district of Marseille, day and night.
The Old Port
Emblematic site of Marseille with its sardine which is actually a boat that blocked the Old Port. Walk along the Old Port, let yourself be transported. You will enjoy the terraces of restaurants and cafés throughout your walk.
The Palais de la Bourse
A symbol of Marseille's economic development in the 19th century, the Palais de la Bourse celebrates the history of Marseille and its trade. A real little architectural masterpiece.
The Palais des Arts
The Palais des Arts in Marseille is a magnificent building dedicated to the arts that stands at Cours Julien. Also known as the Carli Palace, it is not well known to tourists, but it is worth the detour.
The Prefecture Building
The Prefecture of the Bouches du Rhône is a magnificent historical building in the heart of Marseille. Inspired by Florentine palaces and Second Empire style, the monument is really worth a visit.
