The Old Port District in Marseille

The Origins of the Old Port of Marseille

Located in the heart of the Phocaean city, the Old Port of Marseille has a charm all its own. Surrounded by Le Panier, the artists' quarter, Noailles and Saint-Victor, the Old Port lies at the heart of Marseille's 1^st arrondissement. Strolling along La Canebière, you will soon spot the masts of pleasure boats and yachts awaiting their owners in the harbour.

So when does the Old Port actually date from? In antiquity, the Calanque Calydon protected residents of neighbouring villages from enemies arriving by sea. It was therefore only natural that in 600 BC, Greek settlers founded their own "little Greece", named Massalia. Legend has it that sailors Protis and Simos founded the city. As they came from Phocaea, Marseille is still known today as the Phocaean city.

Little by little, the city expanded, and Louis XVI even ordered the ramparts torn down to allow further growth. By 1840, the Old Port ranked as France's second-busiest port, making it necessary to build the Port de la Joliette to relieve congestion in the Old Port basin. Port activity prompted the authorities to build Saint-Charles station in 1845 and expand public transport. In 1848, a pleasant promenade known as "La Corniche", linking the Old Port to Roucas Blanc, was created.

Must-Sees at the Old Port of Marseille

A true meeting point for Marseille locals and visitors alike, the Old Port is bursting with life and activity. At any hour of the day or night, its restaurants and bars welcome a lively crowd eager for something new. In 2012, the city undertook major redevelopment works, completed in 2020, which notably made the district semi-pedestrian and saw it ranked among the top 5 best districts in Marseille.

On either side of the harbour basin, two waterfronts face each other. The first is home to the Marseille Opera House, where art lovers come to enjoy beautiful performances. Before or after each show, spectators gather along the Quai de Rive Neuve for a drink at the Beau Rivage Café, or on Cours d'Estienne d'Orves at Le Marcello to sample delicious Italian wines and burrata.

Between the two waterfronts, facing the harbour entrance, visitors and locals alike can board shuttle boats to the Frioul Islands. They can also enjoy street performances and take photos under the shade sail.

The Quai du Port is home to Marseille's town hall and the famous Fort Saint-Jean. It also offers an excellent vantage point to admire Notre-Dame de la Garde, which stands majestically behind the boats. Its proximity to Le Panier district attracts young people and artists in search of good times with friends, who often head to La Caravelle for a drink and to unwind.

Living at the Old Port of Marseille

If you love a lively atmosphere, the Old Port district of Marseille is made for you. Between the comings and goings of pleasure and fishing boats, the buzzing nightlife and the rich, exciting cultural scene, you will never be bored at the Old Port. With bars, restaurants, theatres and the opera house nearby, there is always something to do close to home.

Around the harbour basin, small, typically Provençal streets promise more peace and quiet, along with the charm of the South. The proximity of the busy shopping street La Canebière is very convenient for all kinds of errands. What's more, the fishmongers' stalls surrounding the Old Port basin mean you can always find freshly caught fish.

Furthermore, the central location of this Marseille district makes it highly accessible by public transport. Indeed, Marseille's bus, tram and metro network is well designed and well maintained.

Property Prices in the Old Port District

Around the Old Port, you will find almost exclusively upscale apartments, among the most sought-after on the Marseille property market. If you're lucky enough to find a property overlooking the Quai du Port, you'll likely enjoy a superb view of the harbour basin and Notre-Dame de la Garde. Generally speaking, the further you move away from the port, Fort Saint-Jean and the MUCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations), the lower the price per square metre.

On the Quai du Port, expect to pay between €6,000/m² for a standard property and €8,500/m² for a prestige property, especially if it's located in a Fernand Pouillon building. If you're looking for a property on the Quai de Rive Neuve, near the Opera House and the Marseille Soap Museum, expect around €5,500/m² for a standard property and €7,500/m² for a prestige property. To find out more, contact your BARNES Marseille agency.