Le Panier is not only Marseille’s oldest district, it’s also its most authentic, poetic and popular! Overlooking the Vieux Port and the rest of the city, you’ll fall under the spell of its narrow streets, colorful shutters and typical Mediterranean-style boutiques. Let’s discover this symbolic Marseille landmark!
Perched high above the city, this village in the heart of Marseille has its own social and cultural mix, a diversity that has been built up by the arrival of Corsican, Italian and Asian migrants… That’s what gives Le Panier its soul! The district is rapidly developing around seafaring and craft trades. Le Panier is a real community, with a warm atmosphere that only the locals themselves can experience.
The name “Le Panier ” comes from the method used by the “filles de joie” of the Logis du Panier inn to collect money from men who wanted to visit. They would lower a basket using a rope, and then raise the money.
A renewed reputation
Today, Le Panier is a popular district for tourists, thanks to its authenticity, its new craft stores and the small cafés that are springing up on every street corner.
In fact, policies to renovate and rehabilitate the Panier’s cultural venues have led to an unprecedented gentrification movement. While this has led to an increase in the number of tourists, it has also led to a massive influx of outsiders into the real estate market. As a result, housing prices have risen in a district that remains, above all, a working-class neighborhood.
A village in the city
In Le Panier, the pedestrian lanes are overflowing with typical little bistros, artisan boutiques, second-hand goods shops, designer workshops and now concept stores. It’s all about “made in Marseille”! Clothing, gastronomy, soap… You’ll find a multitude of designers, particularly in ceramics, such as L’Etoile errante and La Petite fleur du Panier.
For lovers of traditional products, 72% Pétanque offers the famous Marseille soap, scented with verbena, pastis or lavender, all in a vintage ambiance to match. As for gastronomy, the restaurant and delicatessen Comptoir O Huiles specializes in extra virgin olive oil!
Street art, one of Le Panier’s trademarks
Here, the street is a gallery. Some artists and artisans even exhibit in the streets, as on the Cours Julien. However, street art in the Panier is subtle, hidden and occasional, and doesn’t cover every wall in the district. So it’s a good idea to get lost in the meanders of the steep alleyways to observe these veritable masterpieces!
The Vieille Charité center, an incredible building to top it all off!
© Alexrk2 | Wikipedia
It’s a nugget that’s well established in the neighborhood. Built in Marseille in the XVIIᵉ century to plans by the famous architect and sculptor Pierre Puget, La Vieille Charité originally had a very different vocation. Indeed, this strikingly designed building was conceived as a home for the city’s destitute and destitute. Today, it hosts a number of exhibitions that are well worth a visit!
Points of interest
- La Major Cathedral
- Canebière
- The Old Port
- Panier district
- Old Charity
- Place des Treize-cantons
- And many more to discover!
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