Nestled in the heart of the lively Noaillesdistrict , Maison Empereur is a true Marseilles institution. Founded in 1827, this emblematic boutique at 4 rue des Récolettes, a stone’s throw from the Canebière, invites you to take a trip back in time. Nearly 200 years of history and still standing: all the more reason to discover or rediscover it!
A Marseille history handed down from generation to generation
If you’re familiar with this address, then you know what an institutionMaison Empereur is for the people of Marseille. But before it can earn its status as “France’s oldest hardware store”, we first have to go back to its origins.
Back in 1827, long before it was a hardware store. And long before it was bought by François Empereur, who incidentally gave his name to the store. In 1827, Empereur was still located on the Place de la Bourse. It was not until 1845 that it moved to number 4 rue des Récolettes, where it remained ever since…
Although François Empereur was a cutler by trade, it wasn’t until his son Louis took over that the store became a hardware workshop. And like all family stories, this one grew. It was the son of Alfred Empereur’s son-in-law who added the qualifier “armurerie” to what was already a Swiss Army knife shop.
Today, Laurence Renaux-Guez, representative of the 7th generation of the family (and the first woman), runsthe business. And she, too, adds her touch of color, making the Maison Empereur a pretty picture that tells the story of each member of the family who has been responsible for it.
A giant hardware store with the charm of yesteryear
With over 1,000 m² of floor space, two storeys and departments stretching all the way to Rue d’Aubagne, Maison Empereur has nothing to envy of today’s big names. On the “historic” floor, you can even walk on the original parquet flooring of the former Salon Saint Louis, a 19th-century dance hall that nestled between the Grand Hôtel Saint Louis and the Hôtel meublé Saint Louis.Imagine everything you can find! Hardware, garden centres, gunsmiths, cutlery, drugstores and much, much more… With over a thousand references,you’re sure to find what you’re looking for!
A paradise for antiques, unusual objects and gift ideas in Marseille
Maison Empereur is also a place for surprising, retro finds, perfect for giving or treating yourself. Christmas, birthday, special occasion… France’s oldest hardware store is a veritable temple of gift ideas.
At Maison Empereur, every department has a surprise in store. Here, cult objects from our childhood rub shoulders with nuggets from the art of living and tradition.Surprising finds with a retro twist, perfect for giving or treating yourself. Christmas, birthday, special occasion… France’s oldest hardware store is a veritable temple of gift ideas.
You’ll love the wooden Pinocchio – a multi-functional toy that can be transformed into a puppet, a marionette, a push toy, a pencil sharpener, an egg cup or even a yoyo – or the kaplas that awaken creativity. In the cutlery department, Opinel knives await everyday adventurers, while the essential eau de Menton delicately scents the shelves. You’ll also find sheepskin slippers perfect for winter, and an old Peugeot mill for cooking enthusiasts. Modernity and nostalgia blend naturally: you always leave with something, a souvenir, a useful object… or simply a smile.
A hidden tea room
After having explored every nook and cranny, there’s nothing better than a break in the little café hidden away in the heart of the boutique. A warm atmosphere guaranteed – perfect for warming up in winter or recharging your batteries between two shopping sprees. You’ll enjoy a moment out of time, just like the house itself.
📍4, rue des Récolettes – Marseille 1e