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Cocktail bars Marseille

Marseille is teeming with original places to enjoy an aperitif, and when it comes to cocktails, our mixologists take it very much to heart, offering you the very best and the most original. Let’s take a look at some of these great places that make you want to go out, even in winter!

Published on 5 February 2025

Estelle Desrutins

Marseille in 3 words

Solar, bubbling, authentic

The must-try places around Cours Julien

We’re starting with Beer’Ocratie on the boulevard Chave, where we love the decor, the cosy terrace where you can have a drink even when it’s cold, and above all the boldness of the barman who doesn’t hesitate to have you try cocktails even made from things you thought you wouldn’t like. All in all, it’s delicious and very reasonably priced, from €8 (and €6 for non-alcoholic cocktails). Head back up towards Cours Julien and stop off at La Soifferie, the must-visit terrace in Notre-Dame du Mont! Local regulars flock here for its friendly atmosphere, its one-off events such as ephemeral second-hand clothes shops, and its extensive cocktail menu! Let’s stay focused and move on to La Bisette on rue André Poggioli. Fanny, Yann and Laurent have opened this address with two talented mixologists behind the bar who have created a menu of eight signature cocktails. The atmosphere is intimate and rather chill, with a tasteful decor and several DJ sets a month. Le Verre à Cruise and Le Vice-Versaround off the list! The former takes you to the heart of Beirut nights with its two mixologists of Lebanese origin, while Vice Versa awaits you to dance the night away in its secret dance hall in the bar’s basement. Last but not least, try the Paloma, a friendly, creative place where every cocktail is made using local, seasonal produce.

The iconic city centre bars

Who hasn’t dreamt of sipping a cocktail overlooking the Old Port from Dantes, the bar in the Sofitel? At sunset, with lounge music and a chic atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for a date with friends or loved ones! Also in the 7th arrondissement, Gaspard is the place to be for after work, just down the boulevard de la Corderie. And several times a month, they organise evenings in collaboration with local restaurateurs to accompany your cocktails with superb dishes! Head a little further up the 13006 to party at two not-to-be-missed addresses, Le Directoire and CopperBay. Le Directoire on rue Edmond Rostand, in the heart of the Antiquaires district, offers original cocktails, forgotten alcohols and good cheese and charcuterie platters in the evening. At Copper Bay on Boulevard Notre-Dame, in a Mediterranean setting, you can enjoy surprising drinks made with fresh produce by seasoned mixologists for whom the art of the cocktail holds no secrets! Like all good speakeasies, CarryNation keeps its address a secret until you’ve made a reservation, but we’d advise you to pay a visit to this Marseilles staple and take a trip back to the days of Prohibition!

Nuggets not to be missed

Move away from the city centre and take advantage of the Parpaing Qui Flotte, a veritable institution in the Chave district, offering affordable cocktails and great tapas. Don’t forget to book, as it’s been so successful over the years that it’s often sold out! A little further along, on the Réformés side, you’ll find the Apotek Bar, a small bar but with some great cocktails on offer! As well as being fairly inexpensive for a cocktail (between €5 and €10), the atmosphere is chic but friendly – a must-try! On the Castellane side, l’Ebenisterie needs no introduction, with its patio ideal for an aperitif even in winter, its carefully decorated room, its delicious cocktails and even its sharing plates that will delight your taste buds! Back to the Old Port, with Shamrock’s Side, a favourite with locals and tourists alike. Nestling in the heart of The Shamrock Irish pub, its cosy, loungey afterwork atmosphere means you can enjoy a great cocktail from a menu that’s sure to please everyone!

The new kids on the block!

Just a stone’s throw from the Old Port, La groupie du pianisteplunges you into a chic, intimate atmosphere inspired by the 1920s, where live music and exceptional cocktails combine for an unforgettable evening. Its refined decor, with a grand piano as its centrepiece, and its inventive menu designed by talented chefs make it an address not to be missed. On the Cours Julien, the Palomastands out for its original creations made from local produce in a warm and colourful setting. Founded by Marine and James in July 2024, Le Paloma invites you to rediscover the eponymous cocktail through innovative, accessible and festive variations, perfect for moments of sharing.