The Antiquaires district

Spanning the 6th and 8th arrondissements of the city of Marseille, in the Bouches-du-Rhône department, the Antiquaires district is situated on the famous Rue Edmond Rostand, stretching from Boulevard Périer to Boulevard Paul-Peytral. This neighbourhood is described as one of the most beautiful in the whole city. Renowned for its quarterly flea market, it is home to various art galleries, antique dealers, second-hand dealers and second-hand bookshops. A true paradise on earth for artists, discover the history of this neighbourhood and the places you simply mustn’t miss.

History of Rue Edmond Rostand

The history of this street is very recent, historically speaking. It owes its name to the famous poet, writer and playwright Edmond Rostand, who was himself born at No. 14 on this street on 1 April 1868. Edmond Rostand is best known for writing the play *Cyrano de Bergerac*, but also for his poems *Les Musardises* and *Ode à la musique*, and his play *Les Deux Pierrots*.

Previously, this street was known as ‘rue de Marbre’ until 1860, when the city changed its name to ‘rue Montaux’, which is none other than the name of the landowner who donated the land for the development of Marseille. On 18 November 1919, the street was officially renamed after Edmond Rostand.

The Antiquaires district is home to the oldest Greek Catholic church in France, as well as the world’s very first Melkite church. It was built in 1822 at the request of Greek Catholic refugees. On 7 March 1878, the architect Pierre Bossan inaugurated the church of the Dominican Convent. The Dominicans are an order dedicated to the salvation of souls. They celebrate Mass every day in the church. Catholics from all over Europe visit the church throughout the year. Dressed entirely in white, the Dominican friars invite everyone to visit the site.

As well as its great artistic appeal, this district of Marseille boasts a relatively recent historical heritage. It is mainly known for its antique shops and other second-hand shops.

The neighbourhood’s must-sees

The Antiquaires neighbourhood is very popular with artists staying in Marseille. In this neighbourhood, and particularly on Rue Edmond Rostand, you’ll find a wide range of art shops. From second-hand dealers and second-hand bookshops to interior designers, cabinetmakers, painters and art galleries, Marseille’s artisans are proud to welcome you. A national antiques fair has been held here for over 25 years now, four times a year. All professionals in the trade can register to sell their antiques there.

If you decide to visit the heart of Marseille, don’t miss this famous neighbourhood and its unique shops, which are a treasure trove for bargain hunters. We recommend stopping in front of the building where the renowned Edmond Rostand spent his youth, at No. 14, to which the neighbourhood pays tribute. The building has now been purchased by Alain Storione, a wealthy entrepreneur and businessman from Marseille.

The entire neighbourhood is made up of charming Haussmann-style buildings with cut-stone façades, inspired by the Napoleonic era. As you enter the main street, you’ll see a large iron arch bearing the inscription ‘Quartier des Antiquaires’.

Some excellent, renowned restaurants are tucked away in the heart of this artistic neighbourhood. Here is a list of the very best:

Le Al Dente, at 10 Rue Edmond Rostand. This Italian restaurant specialises in traditional, homemade fresh pasta.
Le Rosemonde, at 26 Rue Edmond Rostand. Here you’ll find high-quality traditional cuisine to satisfy young and old alike.
La Pequeña Boqueria, at 18 Rue Edmond Rostand. This iconic restaurant transports you to the heart of Spain with its delicious, authentic tapas and charming atmosphere.

The advantage of this neighbourhood is that you can enjoy exploring it whatever the time of year. The off-season is much quieter, making it easier to wander the streets and browse the artisan shops. As it’s situated in the heart of the city, you can easily plan an itinerary to explore the neighbouring neighbourhoods.

In the 8th arrondissement, you’ll find the famous Velodrome Stadium, the pride of Olympique de Marseille supporters. Not far from there is the Bonneveine area, home to Marseille’s largest beaches.

Practical information

To get to the Antiquaires district, we recommend using the city’s public transport, as this will help you avoid the traffic jams in the city centre. The T3 tram line will take you there (stop: ‘Rome Dragon’), as will bus routes 41, 54 and 81, and metro line 1 (stop: ‘Estrangin’)

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