Marseille shopping is a diverse and exciting experience, with a range of options to suit all tastes and budgets. The city is home to a variety of shopping malls and commercial centers, shopping districts and neighborhoods, luxury shopping options, street markets, fairs, and exhibitions. In this article, we will take a closer look at each of these shopping options and provide detailed information on how to reach them and how long you should plan to spend there.
Shopping Malls and Commercial Centers
Les Terrasses du Port
Les Terrasses du Port is a modern shopping center located in the heart of Marseille’s waterfront district. With over 100 stores, including popular international brands, as well as a variety of restaurants and cafes, it is the perfect destination for a day of shopping and dining. To reach Les Terrasses du Port, take the metro to Joliette station and then walk for about 10 minutes. You should plan to spend at least two hours here.
Cours Julien
Cours Julien is a unique shopping center located in the trendy neighborhood of the same name. Known for its independent boutiques, vintage shops, and art galleries, it is a great place to find one-of-a-kind items and support local businesses. To reach Cours Julien, take the metro to Estrangin-Prefecture station and then walk for about 5 minutes. You should plan to spend at least one hour here.
Shopping Districts and Neighborhoods
Le Panier
Le Panier is one of Marseille’s oldest neighborhoods and is known for its narrow streets, colorful houses, and independent boutiques. It is a great place to find unique souvenirs and gifts, as well as clothing and accessories from local designers. To reach Le Panier, take the metro to Vieux-Port station and then walk for about 15 minutes. You should plan to spend at least two hours here.
Le Prado
Le Prado is a popular shopping district located in the southern part of the city. It is known for its large department stores, such as Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, as well as a variety of other shops and restaurants. To reach Le Prado, take the metro to Rond-Point du Prado station and then walk for about 5 minutes. You should plan to spend at least two hours here.
Luxury Shopping
Rue Paradis
Rue Paradis is a street in the city center of Marseille, known for its high-end fashion boutiques and luxury brands. This is the place to go for designer clothing, jewelry, and accessories. To reach Rue Paradis, take the metro to Canebiere-Vieux-Port station and then walk for about 10 minutes. You should plan to spend at least one hour here.
Vieux-Port
The Vieux-Port area is home to a number of luxury boutiques, including Hermès, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. The area is also home to many exclusive art galleries and antique shops. To reach Vieux-Port, take the metro to Vieux-Port station and then walk for about 5 minutes. You should plan to spend at least one hour here.
Street Markets
Marché des Capucins
The Marché des Capins is one of the most popular street markets in Marseille, located in the city center. It offers a wide variety of products including fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, seafood, cheese, and more. It is a great place to find local and regional specialties and to get a taste of the local culture. To reach Marché des Capucins, take the metro to Canebiere-Vieux-Port station and then walk for about 10 minutes. You should plan to spend at least one hour here.
Marché de la Plaine
Marché de la Plaine is another popular street market in Marseille, located in the La Plaine neighborhood. It offers a wide range of products including fresh fruits and vegetables, clothing, accessories, and handmade crafts. It is a great place to find unique and affordable items and to explore the local culture. To reach Marché de la Plaine, take the metro to La Plaine station and then walk for about 5 minutes. You should plan to spend at least one hour here.
Fairs and Exhibitions
Foire Internationale de Marseille
The Foire Internationale de Marseille is an annual fair held in the city, featuring a wide range of products including clothing, jewelry, home decor, and more. It is a great opportunity to find deals and to discover new products and brands. To reach Foire Internationale de Marseille, take the metro to St Charles station and then walk for about 10 minutes. You should plan to spend at least two hours here.
Marseille Art Fair
The Marseille Art Fair is an annual event held in the city, showcasing the works of local and international artists. It is a great opportunity to discover new artists and to purchase original works of art. To reach Marseille Art Fair, take the metro to Vieux-Port station and then walk for about 10 minutes. You should plan to spend at least two hours here.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that Marseille also has a number of outdoor markets that take place on different days of the week in different neighborhoods. These markets offer a wide range of products including fresh produce, clothing, accessories, and handmade crafts. The Marché des Bouquinistes, for example, is an open-air market held every Tuesday and Friday, selling a variety of books, vintage postcards, and other paper items. Marché de Noailles is another popular market, held every Wednesday and Saturday, selling a wide variety of products, including clothing, accessories, and handmade crafts.
Another option for shopping in Marseille is the many department stores and large supermarkets located throughout the city. These stores offer a wide range of products, including clothing, electronics, home goods, and more. Some of the most popular department stores include Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, and Auchan.
Finally, it’s worth mentioning that Marseille is also home to a number of vintage and second-hand shops. These shops are a great place to find unique and affordable clothing and accessories, as well as vintage furniture and decor. Some of the most popular vintage shops in the city include Le Grenier à Chaussures, Les Petites Choses, and La Belle Époque.
Overall, Marseille offers a wide variety of shopping options that will satisfy all types of shoppers. Whether you’re looking for luxury brands, unique items, or great deals, the city has something to offer. With the variety of shopping centers, districts, markets and fairs, you can be sure to find something to your taste and budget. And don’t forget to take in the vibrant culture and ambiance of the city while you shop!
Another aspect of shopping in Marseille that should be highlighted is the city’s growing e-commerce scene. With the rise of online shopping, many local businesses in Marseille have also started to sell their products online. This is a great option for those who want to shop from the comfort of their own home or for those who want to purchase products from local businesses but are unable to visit the city.
Popular e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Etsy, and even Facebook marketplace have a presence in Marseille, allowing local businesses to reach a wider audience. Additionally, many local businesses also have their own websites where they sell their products. This allows customers to purchase products directly from the source and support local businesses at the same time.
Another interesting aspect of online shopping in Marseille is that it can also be a way to find unique products from local artisans and craftspeople. Many of these artisans and craftspeople sell their products online, and it is a great way to find unique, handmade items that you won’t find in regular stores.
In conclusion, shopping in Marseille is an exciting and diverse experience, with a wide range of options to suit all tastes and budgets. From modern malls to traditional street markets, and from luxury boutiques to independent shops, the city has something to offer for everyone. And with the growing e-commerce scene, local businesses in Marseille can now reach a wider audience and provide an easy way for customers to shop from the comfort of their own home. Whether you’re a local resident or a tourist, be sure to explore the many shopping options that Marseille has to offer.
