The Thiers district

Just a stone’s throw from Marseille’s Old Port, discover a vibrant, cultural district. The triangular-shaped Thiers district is located in the 1st arrondissement, bordered to the north by La Canebière and Boulevard de la Libération, to the east by Place Jean Jaurès and to the south by Cours Julien. Its central location means you can easily explore a number of Marseille’s must-see tourist attractions. It is home to the city’s oldest lycée, the church of Saint-Vincent de Paul, the Théâtre de l’Odéon, and a host of charming hotels, restaurants and cafés.

A little history

This district, close to the city centre, grew considerably in the 19th century, at a time when Marseille was developing rapidly around its commercial port. The district owes its name to Adolphe Thiers, a French politician and the first president of the Third Republic. He played an important role in the modernisation of France at the time and contributed to the development of Marseille around maritime traffic activities.

In the early 20th century, the Thiers district was a lively and sought-after area, with shopping streets and elegant homes. Now undergoing a major transformation, the Thiers district is home to a diverse and dynamic population. It also benefits from its proximity to the Canebière, Marseille’s most emblematic avenue, and the Cours Julien, a cultural melting pot and renowned street art scene.

A district ideally located in the heart of Marseille

The Thiers district is just a ten-minute walk from Marseille’s famous Old Port. You can stroll along the port, admire the boats and enjoy the lively atmosphere. There are plenty of restaurants, bars and shops nearby.
The church of Saint Vincent de Paul, dedicated to a French Catholic saint known for his work with the poor and destitute, is known as the Eglise des Réformés. It was built in the 19th century in recognition of his charitable work. Its neo-Gothic architecture is impressive, with a facade adorned with sculptures and details, and the building can easily deceive the untrained eye as to its date of construction. Inside, the church has a large nave and colourful stained glass windows that create a spiritual and soothing atmosphere. The church is also home to some remarkable works of art, including a beautiful high altar. It has a double organ and a choir organ, which are regularly used for concerts and religious celebrations.

You can stroll down La Canebière, which borders the Thiers district, towards the shops of the Centre Bourse and rue Saint-Ferréol, or head to the Vieux-Port for a gourmet or refreshing break on a terrace. The Centre Bourse is also home to the Musée d’Histoire de Marseille and the Jardin des vestiges, which bears witness to the founding of Marseille by the Greek sailors of Phocée.
Marseille is renowned for its lively markets, and the Thiers district is no exception. You can visit the nearby Marché des Capucinsin the Noailles district, which offers a variety of fresh produce such as fruit, vegetables, fish and spices, or the Marché la Plaine on Place Jean Jaurès (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays). Local flavours and friendly locals await you!
Housed in a historic building dating from the 19th century, the Théâtre de l’Odéon offers a varied programme ranging from classical theatre to contemporary productions. It hosts plays, dance performances, concerts and other cultural events.
The Cours Julien is renowned for its street art frescoes and alternative culture. Many trendy restaurants and bars are open all day and into the evening.

The Thiers district by public transport

You can easily get to this central district by metro or tram:
– Metro Line M1: Réformés Canebière station;
– Metro Line M2: Noailles station;
– Tramway Line T1: Noailles stop;
– Tramway Line T2: Canebière Garibaldi stop.

Several bus routes also serve the Thiers district:
– Bus line 52: Gambetta Réformés and Roosevelt Réformés stops;
– Bus Route 74: Réformés Canebière and Place Jean Jaurès stops;
– Bus Line 81: Noailles stops.

Prefer to get around by bike? There are self-service electric bike hire stations in the district.