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It is impossible to understand Marseille without visiting Le Panier, where it all began.
This neighbourhood intrigues, attracts and sometimes even confuses: what does Marseille’s Panier neighbourhood really have to offer today? Why is it still a must-see for visitors, especially those staying at YouCamp Marseille, our campsite near Marseille?
In this article, you will discover its history, its current appearance and the best things to do there!
The history of Le Panier in Marseille
Le Panier in Marseille is the historic birthplace of the city. It was here, on the northern shore of the Old Port, that the Greeks founded Massalia around 600 BC.
The neighbourhood then developed over centuries within the city walls, with narrow streets inherited from this ancient urbanisation. Long a working-class area, the Panier neighbourhood in Marseille became a destination for many waves of migrants in the 19th century, including Italians, Corsicans and then North Africans.
The 20th century marked a sudden break with the past. In 1943, part of the old neighbourhoods was destroyed during the evacuations and demolitions carried out during the Second World War.
Le Panier escaped some of this destruction, which explains why it remains today the main reminder of Marseille’s origins. This eventful, sometimes painful history still shapes the neighbourhood’s strong identity.
Le Panier today: a lively and authentic neighbourhood
Today, Le Panier in Marseille is a neighbourhood that is alive with daily life! It is home to residents, local shops, artisan workshops and cultural venues, all of which coexist alongside visitors.
The Panier district in Marseille has undergone major renovations in recent years, while retaining its history and layout of narrow streets, squares and stairways.
The walls are regularly covered with new street art creations, the terraces come alive depending on the time of day, and the squares remain places to meet.
Le Panier in Marseille is not static: it is evolving, transforming and continues to play a unique role in Marseille life!
What to do in Le Panier in Marseille?
Strolling through the narrow streets of Le Panier
Strolling through the narrow streets is the best way to discover Le Panier in Marseille! Street art is everywhere: collages, murals, stencils, sometimes discreet, sometimes very visible. They are part of everyday life in Marseille’s Le Panier district and evolve over time. Between a climb, a detour and a break in the shade, the walk quickly becomes enjoyable and lively!
Discover the Old Charity
You can’t visit Marseille’s Panier district without stopping by the Vieille Charité! Located in the heart of the neighbourhood, this peaceful spot contrasts with the hustle and bustle of the surrounding streets. The site hosts cultural events throughout the year that are open to all and often free of charge. In Marseille’s Panier district, the Vieille Charité is a real landmark, frequented by locals and visitors alike.
Sit on the terrace at Place de Lenche or Place des Pistoles
After your stroll, there’s nothing easier than settling down on a terrace on Place de Lenche or Place des Pistoles. These two squares are popular places to take a break in Marseille’s Panier district. The atmosphere changes depending on the time of day, but the principle remains the same: sit down, look around and enjoy the moment, Marseille-style, without rushing!
Lunch at Étienne’s
Déjeuner Chez Étienne is one of the best-known restaurants in Marseille’s Panier district. This historic restaurant attracts both regulars and visitors alike, who come for its pizzas, squid and Provençal dishes! The atmosphere is relaxed, straightforward and unfussy, just like Marseille’s Panier district itself. It’s the perfect place to sit down for a bite to eat, have a chat and leave feeling full before continuing your stroll around the neighbourhood!
Stop at the church in Les Accoules
Located a stone’s throw from the Vieille Charité, the Notre-Dame-des-Accoules church is one of the historic landmarks of Marseille’s Panier district. Today, only its bell tower remains, but it is enough to remind us of the importance of this place in the city’s history. In Marseille’s Panier district, it’s a short but informative visit that gives you a better understanding of the district’s former role in Marseille life.
After visiting Le Panier, you are just a stone’s throw away from the Old Port and the Mucem, with the option of continuing your stroll towards the Joliette district!
And to fully enjoy Marseille and its surroundings, when you stay at YouCamp Marseille, you are choosing a mobile home rental just a stone’s throw from Marseille, ideal for visiting the city while staying in a peaceful setting!
Sources :
- https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Le_Panier
- https://www.marseille-tourisme.com/decouvrez-marseille/culture-et-patrimoine/les-111-quartiers-marseillais/le-quartier-du-panier/
- https://www.marseilletourisme.fr/fr/que-voir/patrimoine-culture/eglises/notre-dame-accoules/#:~:text=La%20cour%20et%20les%20cryptes,soir%2C%20%C3%A0%2010h30%20le%20dimanche.