Every major metropolis has its longest street. And France’s second longest city is no exception. A fun fact for Phocaean city lovers… After sharing with you the rankings of Marseille’s best and worst arrondissements, we now reveal its longest street.
What’s Marseille’s longest street?
When you think of Marseille’s longest street, some people think of Rue Paradis. For others, the longest street in Marseille is inevitably rue Saint-Pierre. But who’s right? To put you on the right track, here are two clues: it measures 3,400 meters and has over 600 building numbers, shops, banks, pharmacies, etc. With such a length, it inevitably crosses four arrondissements.
Passing through the 5th, 10th, 11th and 12th arrondissements of Marseille, it is indeed Rue Saint-Pierre. Although it’s not a main thoroughfare, it does hold the title of Marseille’s longest street. In fact, it begins on the Plaine, passes through the eastern districts (notably in front of the Timone). Then it goes all the way to the Pomme district.
As you’d expect, the prestigious Rue Paradis comes in second place, with a length of just 2,870 meters, compared with 3,400 meters for Rue Saint-Pierre. It starts just off the Old Port and stretches all the way to the southern quarters, where it ends at the Prado. It may not be the longest, but it’s still one of the most trampled by locals and tourists alike!
And if you’re curious to know which is the oldest street in Marseille, we’ve got the answer: Rue du panier! Now you know all about Marseille’s streets!