LE PANIER, A QUARTER OF MARSEILLE YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST VISIT!

Updated : 2 February 2026 at 10:02

Le Panier is the oldest quarter in Marseille and certainly one of the most famous ! It’s an absolute must if you’re visiting Marseille during your holidays in south of France. With its village-like atmosphere, typical bistros, narrow streets decorated with colourful details, and creative workshops, you’ll be charmed by everything you see.
Made famous by the french TV series “Plus Belle la Vie”, it has also become a pilgrimage site for fans eager to discover the show’s iconic filming locations.

So, if you’re ready, come along with us to explore Le Panier quarter !

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WHAT TO SEE IN LE PANIER QUARTER IN MARSEILLE ?

Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or for a full day, there’s plenty to see in Le Panier quarter ! This area is rich in beautiful monuments and has a vibrant cultural life. To help you plan your visit, here’s our selection of must-see places :

DISCOVERING THE MONUMENTS OF LE PANIER

Le Panier may be small, but it is rich in heritage and culture. Here are the main points of interest you shouldn’t miss :

La Vieille Charité

La Vieille Charitée

Practical informationS for visiting La Vieille Charité –

L’hôtel de Cabre

La Maison diamantée

Notre Dame des Accoules Church

Visit of the Accoules, famous monument of Le Panier district in Marseille
La Major Cathedral

Visit of Le Panier district in Marseille : don't miss the Major Cathedral
The Old Windmills

THE hOtel Dieu

The hotel Dieu à Marseille
The Trinitarian Convent and Tower

Barquiou Washhouse Fountain

Visit of Panier quarter in Marseille - Itinerary

ADMIRE THE STREET ART BLOOMING ON THE WALLS

In Le Panier, street art is an institution. New murals appear regularly, making it difficult to list them all. The best way to discover them is simply to wander through the neighbourhood.

Visit Le Panier district in Marseille and its amazing street art
Visit Le Panier district in Marseille and its artistic street art
Visit Le Panier district in Marseille and its illustrations on the walls

That said, here are some streets where you’re guaranteed to see urban art, including works by famous Brazilian engraver Nhobi. (In french) :

Rue Fontaine de Caylus

Rue du Panier

Rue du Bon Jésus

Rue Puits du Denier

Rue des Repenties

Rue Baussenque

Rue des Honneurs

Rue de la Charité

Rue du Refuge

Montée des Accoules

WHAT TO DO IN LE PANIER, MARSEILLE ?

Explore the iconic streets of this quarter

As a human-scale neighbourhood, you’ll naturally pass through several iconic streets during your visit. Here are the ones you absolutely shouldn’t miss :

Neighborhood restaurants in Le Panier district
The flowery streets of Le Panier in Marseille
Walk into the streets of Le Panier
  • Montée des Accoules : the main entrance into Le Panier, passing by the Accoules bell tower. The famous Savonnerie Marseillaise is located at the beginning of the street.
  • Rue des Repenties et la rue des Muettes : narrow alleys typical of Marseille’s oldest quarter.
  • Passage de Lorette linking Rue de la République to Le Panier, is one of the most beautiful entrances to the quarter. After years of abandonment, it is currently being renovated and will soon host several shops, including the Berth+CathA gallery and a restaurant.
  • Rue du Petit Puits, known for its very colourful decor, you’ll pass the door of the Bien-Fêteurs association.
  • Impasse Sainte-Françoise, located at the far right end of Rue du Petit Puits, where you’ll spot the wooden chapel of Lacydon. This unique chapel is no longer active and only opens during special events organised by the Lacydon-Major association.

DID YOU KNOW ?

– A VISIT FOR YOUNG AND OLD

To change from traditional guided tours, take part in a real treasure hunt ! With family or friends, you’ll enjoy an original experience exploring Le Panier with your eyes wide open while solving riddles.

RELAX IN ONE OF LE PANIER’S SQUARES

During your walk, take advantage of the many charming little squares to enjoy a break. Here are some of our favourites :

Place des Pistoles

Place de Lenche

Place du Moulin

Place Bargemon

Place des 13 cantons

Place des 13 Cantons in Le Panier district

BROWSE THE SHOPS OF LE PANIER

Le Panier is one of the best areas in Marseille for wandering and shopping. Throughout your visit, you’ll come across small designer studios, vintage shops, souvenir stores and local speciality boutiques. Here are some of our favourites :

Visit to designer boutiques in Le Panier
Petanque shop in Le Panier
Artisan shop in Le Panier
  • La Navette des Accoules : on Caisserie street, José Orsoni’s shop celebrates Marseille’s famous orange blossom biscuit.
  • La chocolaterie du Panier : very popular with locals, located on Rue du Petit Puits.
  • Le Musée de la Boule Bleue, where you can kiss Fanny’s famous statue !
  • Le Concept store UndARTground : rue des Repenties, even the exterior decor is worth the visit. Inside, you’ll find trendy posters, bags, shirts and books inspired by street art.
  • In no particular order, our favourite artisan shops : Brume d’été Créations, Pollen, Lily concept, le Galet Marseillais, 72% Pétanque, Les Oiseaux de Passage, Comme Avant, Bazar Marseillais, Dobles, Art Magic Kitchen, Alex Wood Bazar.

ANECDOTES, ITINERARIES AND TIPS

The quarter that inspired “Plus Belle la Vie”

For over 20 years, this 100% Marseille-based TV series has introduced this emblematic quarter to an entire generation. While most scenes are filmed in studios, one spot is a must for fans : Bar des 13 Coins (45 Rue Sainte-Françoise).
This is the real-life bar that inspired the fictional Bar du Mistral run by the character Roland Marci. In reality, neither the Bar du Mistral nor Place du Mistral actually exist. However, as you wander through Le Panier, you’ll easily recognise the spirit, atmosphere and architecture of the series.

Visit of Le Panier in Marseille : the famous "bar des 13 Coins"
Boutique series "Plus belle la vie" in Le Panier

FOR NOSTALGIC FANS –

WHERE TO eat IN LE PANIER quarter ?

Le Panier is one of the richest quarters in Marseille when it comes to dining options. While there are some real gems, its popularity also means a few tourist traps. Here are the places we’ve personally tested and recommend:

  • Trattoria Partenope : a true neighbourhood bar turned into an authentic Italian tavern serving delicious Neapolitan dishes.
  • Di Carlo : located in a former butcher’s shop, this small tapas bar offers simple but very tasty food.
  • Côté Rue : just off Place de Lenche, this restaurant reinvents tapas with creativity and generosity. Everything is homemade using local products, so delicious!
  • La Placette : below the Hôtel Dieu on Victor Gelu Place, this homemade cuisine restaurant is a must. Great food in an exceptional setting.
  • Entre Terre & Mer : high-quality shellfish and seafood, located in a former shop called “Au Vieux Panier”.
  • Cookiss : for lovely cookies !
  • Les Sablés Marseillais : a beautiful shop offering artisan biscuits in original shapes and flavours such as lemon, rosemary and orange blossom.

– A VISIT FOR FOOD LOVERS

WHERE TO STAY WHEN VISITING LE PANIER quarter ?

If you’re spending a weekend or more in Marseille, you’ll find a wide range of accommodation options. To explore emblematic quarters like Le Panier, it’s best to book either :

In le Panier


Stay right in the heart of the action with accommodation in the quarter itself ! Steep alleyways, artisan shops and typical cafés allow you to fully enjoy the village atmosphere. Our recommendations include :

Le Couvent, a historic building tastefully decorated.

Le Panier Enchanté, with its charming suites and landscaped garden.

At the Vieux-Port


Close to Le Panier, the Vieux-Port is the historic heart of Marseille and home to many restaurants, shops and bars, making it an ideal place to stay. Here are a few suggestions :

Le Grand Hôtel Beauvau for an exceptional stay with port views.

Le New Hôtel Le Quai also very well located and offering good value for money.

OUR OPINION

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2 thoughts on “LE PANIER, A QUARTER OF MARSEILLE YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST VISIT!”

  1. This post is extremely well done, very practical, getting to the point, it is very useful for me in planning my express stay (of only a few hours) in Marseille! Thank you for all this information and for these beautiful photos, I would like to have more time here but I have no doubt that I will have other opportunities to come!
    I’m just a little disappointed that there isn’t an insert “where to drink the best weed near the Panier district” 🙁
    See you very (very) soon ♥

    Reply
    • Thank you Marion 🙂
      You gave us the idea to write an article “Where to drink Bud in Marseille” haha
      We hope to see you again very soon in Marseille to show you the Panier, among others 🙂

      Reply

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