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 :
Built in the 17th century to house Marseille’s poorest residents, it is now listed as a historic monument, thanks in part to Le Corbusier, the architect of “La Cité Radieuse”. Today, it mainly hosts temporary exhibitions.
The architecture is stunning: arcades open onto an inner courtyard with a magnificent chapel at its centre.

– Practical informationS for visiting La Vieille Charité –
Opening : uesday to Sunday, 9am–6pm. Closed on January 1st, May 1st, November 1st and December 25th.
Admission : ree access to the MAM and MAAOA museums. Temporary exhibitions cost €12.
Like all municipal museums, La Vieille Charité is completely free on the first Sunday of each month.
This is the oldest house in Marseille, located on Rue de la Bonneterie. After the Marseille roundup during World War II, it was one of the only buildings on the north side of the Vieux-Port (along with the Maison Diamantée) not destroyed by the Germans.
In 1954, during the reconstruction of the neighbourhood, the Hôtel de Cabre was rotated 90° to align with the rest of the street.
One of the oldest buildings in the city, its unusual façade made of diamond-point stone gives it its distinctive character.
An emblematic landmark of Le Panier, this church is an integral part of the quarter’s landscape and can even be seen from the other side of the Old Port. We recommend walking up the Montée des Accoules and visiting the church.
Dating back to the 11th century, it has been rebuilt several times, most recently in the 19th century.

The most imposing and majestic cathedral in Marseille ! Sainte-Marie-Majeure is the only cathedral built in France during the 19th century and one of the largest.
Its Romano-Byzantine style is reminiscent of Notre-Dame de la Garde. We highly recommend stepping inside to admire its magnificent colourful mosaics.

Our tip : When visiting La Major, don’t miss the beautiful Saint Lazarus Chapel located at the back right of the altar.
In the 17th century, the “Place des Moulins” was home to as many as 15 windmills used mainly for flour production. Today, only three remain (two of them at number 28), which is quite unusual for France’s second-largest city.
They are no longer in operation and are now integrated into residential buildings, so they cannot be visited inside.
However, during Heritage Days, it is sometimes possible to visit the former water cistern beneath Place des Moulins.
This is the most iconic building in Le Panier. Overlooking the Vieux-Port, it offers breathtaking views of Notre-Dame de la Garde. Formerly a hospital, it has been restored and transformed into a 5-star hotel, perfect if you want to enjoy a luxurious stay.

Located on La Vieille Tour street, the “tour des Trinitaires” is the only remaining vestige of a convent built in the 17th century.
On Guintrand street, you’ll find the remains of what is considered the oldest fountain in Marseille.

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.



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



- 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 ? –
The wooden Lacydon chapel hides a secret treasure: Le Panier’s hidden swimming pool.
This 25-metre underground pool was built in the 1970s to compensate for the destruction of two water tanks that had served as a swimming pool for local children. Six years later, it was abandoned for not meeting safety standards. Despite several rehabilitation projects, this secret pool remains unused to this day.
– 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 :
Located near La Vieille Charité, this square is one of the quarter’s lively hubs. It’s a perfect spot to relax with a local Marseille beer while admiring large street art creations.
Perhaps the most famous square in Marseille, and certainly the liveliest ! According to legend, it’s also the oldest square in the city. Surrounded by bars, restaurants and the Théâtre de Lenche, it’s great for a drink, though less ideal for dining due to the number of “tourist traps”.
As its name suggests, this square hosted 15 windmills in the 17th century. Today, only the remains of three are visible, so don’t expect to see actual windmill blades !
One of the largest squares in Le Panier. With open views over the Vieux-Port, it’s a very pleasant place to relax or grab a bite. In the background, the magnificent architecture of the Hôtel Dieu is truly impressive.
Made famous by the french TV-serie “Plus Belle la Vie”, this small provençal square inspired the set design of the Bar des 13 Coins, which in turn inspired the fictional Bar du Mistral.
Here you’ll find the bar’s terrace and a few typical shops such as La Maison Janot and La Boule Bleue. Often lively, it’s a perfect place for a break during your walk.

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 :



- 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.


– FOR NOSTALGIC FANS –
If you’re a devoted fan of “Plus Belle la Vie” serie and want to discover the Place du Mistral, Le Select or the Bar du Mistral, head to the studios at the Friche Belle de Mai, near Saint-Charles train station. They are sometimes open to the public during open days, be sure to check in advance.
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 –
Discover Marseille’s culinary specialities by joining a food tour through Le Panier, Noailles and the Vieux-Port quarters. You’ll be accompanied by an expert guide and taste local food in typical restaurants.
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 :
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 :
– OUR OPINION –
Le Panier quarter is a must on your to-do list if you’re visiting Marseille for one day or more ! It’s an essential stop, and even though we visit often, we never tire of it.
The summer tourist buzz, the winter calm and gentle pace of life, its village atmosphere always shines through. Not to mention the incredible street art around every corner !
Another major plus: its proximity to the famous Vieux-Port makes it an ideal place to stay during your visit to the Phocaean city.
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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 ♥
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 🙂