Marseille’s best (and worst) arrondissements… according to the locals!

Useful for French people looking for a new life or a pied-à-terre, the villeidéale.fr allows residents to rate a city according to very specific criteria. Among many surveys and studies, this barometer – though unofficial – is perhaps the most authentic way of assessing the quality of life in France’s cities. As far as Marseille is concerned, each arrondissement is entitled to its own assessment. So, what do the people of Marseilles think of their neighbourhood? 

Marseille’s favorite arrondissements

Marseille through the eyes of its inhabitants, it’s certainly the best way to determining where it’s good to live (or not) within the walls of the Phocaean city. The Ville Idéale website lists residents’ opinions according to 9 clearly defined characteristics. Culture, transport environment, safety, health, etc… It’s all there! A score out of 10 is then derived from these criteria, to give an indication of a district’s overall quality of life.

6.68/10 for the environment, 6.44 for transport, 6.56/10 for safety and an excellent score of 7.28/10 for health! All in all, Marseille’s 12th arrondissement scored a handsome average of 7.19/10, topping the list of “best arrondissements” in the city. On the other hand, the 13th arrondissement, a poor performer in terms of environment and safety, seems to be disliked by its residents, with a score of just 4, as does Marseille’s 15th arrondissement… What do you think? Remember that the Ideal City website is a participative site, and that you too can give your neighborhood a rating! 

The complete ranking :

1. Marseille’s 12th arrondissement: 7,19/10
2. Marseille’s 2nd arrondissement: 7,10/10
3. Marseille’s 9th arrondissement: 6,66/10
4. Marseille’s 7th arrondissement: 6,55/10
5. Marseille’s 16th arrondissement: 6,45/10
6. Marseille’s 11th arrondissement: 6,08/10
7. Marseille’s 8th arrondissement: 5,93/10
8. Marseille’s 5th arrondissement: 5,26/10
9. Marseille’s 4th arrondissement: 5,06/10
10. Marseille’s 6th arrondissement: 4,64/10
11. Marseille’s 1st arrondissement: 4,51/10
12. Marseille’s 10th arrondissement: 4,30/10
13. Marseille’s 3rd arrondissement: 4.09/10
14. Marseille’s 14th arrondissement: 4,05/10
15. Marseille’s 15th arrondissement: 3,93/10
16. Marseille’s 13th arrondissement: 3,72/10

How would you rate your neighborhood?