La Canebière, the emblematic avenue of Marseille

  1. Homepage
  2. Discover Marseille
  3. Culture and heritage
  4. Discover the sites and monuments in Marseille
  5. La Canebière

Whether you’re just passing through Marseille or a long-time resident, it’s hard to miss the Canebière. A truly iconic thoroughfare in the city, it links the Old Port to the Réformés district and is one of the must-see attractions. Bustling with shops, full of life and steeped in history, the Canebière remains one of the most famous avenues in Marseille.

A Brief History of the Canebière

Stretching for around one kilometre, the Canebière runs through the heart of Marseille, linking the Old Port tothe Église des Réformés. Since 1927, it has also included Rue de Noailles and the Allées de Meilhan. Its name comes from the Provençal word ‘canebiera’, meaning ‘hemp field’, in reference to the hemp trade which long brought wealth to Marseille. At that time, the city was one of the world’s most important centres for the hemp trade, supplying the ropes and slings essential to sailing ships.

The history of the Canebière began in the mid-17th century, when Louis XIV ordered the expansion of Marseille. Originally, the avenue stretched only between the Cours Saint-Louis and the Galères arsenal. At that time, it was 250 metres long and 11 metres wide.

Over the centuries, the Canebière was transformed and expanded. Between 1743 and 1751, several buildings were constructed between Rue Saint-Ferréol and Cours Saint-Louis, encouraging the establishment of luxury shops such as perfumeries, bookshops and confectioners. In 1785, following the decommissioning of the Galères arsenal, the avenue was extended as far as the Vieux-Port.

The Canebière as we know it today took shape mainly in the 19th century, during the Second Empire, with the development of the section linking the Quai des Belges to the Church of Saint-Vincent-de-Paul. In 1928, it was officially extended as far as the Réformés. Even today, its three successive sections bear witness to the evolution of Marseille and the various urban planning choices that have shaped this legendary avenue.

A tourist stroll, combining a leisurely wander with a spot of shopping

Since the return of the tram in 2007, La Canebière has undergone extensive restoration in recent years to make it more attractive, and has even been reclaimed for pedestrians. Passers-by can stroll leisurely along the wide, tree-lined pavements that form the main thoroughfare. A variety of cafés, restaurants and shops welcome customers for a moment of relaxation or a spot of shopping.

La Canebière is situated near the Centre Bourse (shopping centre) and perpendicular shopping streets where you can enjoy a spot of window shopping. For example, Rue Saint-Ferréol is a must-visit for shopaholics (Zara, Celio, H&M, jewellery shops, cosmetics brands…) Whilst Rue de Rome is a hotspot for budget fashion, often sought out by teenagers and young adults who flock there to find unbeatable bargains on clothes. If you’re laden with bags after your shopping trip, don’t panic! The tram stops right on this street with its wide pavements.

An avenue in the heart of Marseille, opening out onto the sea

Linking the Old Port to the neo-Gothic Reformed Church, the Canebière providesaccess to some of Marseille’s most iconic monuments and neighbourhoods, such as:

  • The Palais Longchamp, continuing along the Boulevard de la Libération;
  • The Cours Julien, an artists’ quarter renowned for its street art;
  • The Vieux-Port, with its esplanade and Norman Foster-designed canopy, the starting point for exploring the islands and calanques by boat.

From the Vieux-Port, situated below the Canebière, you can also make your way to the Panier district – Marseille’s oldest neighbourhood, with its colourful, leafy alleyways –Saint-Victor Abbey, the Mucem – France’s first museum dedicated to the Mediterranean – or head up to Notre-Dame de la Garde, commonly known as the Bonne Mère by the city’s residents.