Shopping · Marseille · France
Shopping in Marseille
Shopping streets, markets and souvenirs worth the suitcase space.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Marian78ro, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Shopping in Marseille ranges from Provençal crafts in Le Panier to high-street chains on Rue Saint-Ferréol and a large waterfront mall at La Joliette. Market streets in Noailles are best for food and spices. Best souvenirs: Marseille soap, Santons and Navettes.
Key facts
- Shopping areas
- 4
- Markets
- 3
- Top souvenir
- Marseille soap
Where to shop
Le Panier
Small workshops selling Marseille soap, santons, ceramics and local design, around Rue du Panier and the Vieille Charité.
Rue Saint-Ferréol and Rue de Rome
The main high-street shopping streets of the centre, with French and international chains and department stores.
Les Terrasses du Port
A modern waterfront shopping centre at La Joliette with a long terrace overlooking the ferry port.
Cours Julien
Independent fashion, vintage clothing, records and comics in the streets around the square.
Markets
Marché des Capucins
The daily market at Noailles for fruit, vegetables, spices, olives and North African groceries.
Vieux-Port fish market
Fishermen sell the morning catch directly from stalls on the quay.
Foire aux santons
A seasonal fair of makers of Provençal Christmas crib figures, held in December near the Vieux-Port.
What to buy
Marseille soap
Savon de Marseille made with vegetable oils and stamped with its weight; look for genuine cubes made by local soap-makers.
Santons
Hand-painted clay figurines of Provençal villagers and trades, traditionally collected for Christmas cribs.
Navettes
Orange-flower biscuits in tins and boxes keep well and travel easily.
Pastis and Cassis wine
A bottle of pastis or of white wine from nearby Cassis is a classic local gift.
Olympique de Marseille shirt
The light-blue-and-white shirt of the city's football club is sold at the club's official shops.
Streets and markets worth a wander
_-_02.jpg){kind=link}
Neighbourhood · Le Panier
Le Panier
The oldest quarter of Marseille climbs from the harbour on the site of the Greek city.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Photo spot
- Shopping
- Art
Street · Endoume and Vallon des Auffes
Corniche Kennedy
The seafront road runs from the Plage des Catalans to the Prado beaches, with views of the Frioul islands and the Château d'If.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Outdoors
- Couples
Market · Cours Julien and Noailles
Noailles and the Marché des Capucins
Marseille's most cosmopolitan market district fills the streets around Place des Capucins and Rue Longue des Capucins with fruit and vegetable stalls, spice merchants, North African bakeries, butchers and kitchenware shops.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Food
- Shopping
- Free
Street · Cours Julien and Noailles
Cours Julien
A raised, tree-lined square with fountains and a children's play area, surrounded by streets where almost every wall, staircase and shutter is painted with murals.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Art
- After dark
- Food
Food and drink to take home
Edible souvenirs travel best when they are dry or sealed: consider Navettes and Pastis. The historic bakery next to the Abbaye Saint-Victor and bakeries across the city. Check your home country's rules on bringing food and drink back.
Shopping by neighbourhood
| Area | Price level | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Vieux-Port | $$$ | The old harbour, fish market and café terraces facing the forts |
| Cours Julien and Noailles | $ | Street-art terraces, spice shops and the city's alternative nightlife |
| La Joliette | $$ | Regenerated docklands with offices, a waterfront mall and ferry terminals |
Paying and bargaining
Prices are in EUR. Service is included in restaurant prices by law. Leaving small change or a euro or two for good service is common; up to about 5–10% is generous in upmarket restaurants.
- Greet shopkeepers and waiters with 'Bonjour' before asking anything.
- Cover up when leaving the beach; swimwear is not worn in shops, churches or restaurants in town.
When to shop
Shops and markets are quietest in January–February; the busiest months are July–August.
- January: Winter sales — citywide shop discounts (usually from early or mid-January)
- February: Oursinades sea-urchin festival in Carry-le-Rouet (usually Sundays in February)
- June: Festival de Marseille — dance and performing arts (usually June to July)
- November: Foire aux santons — fair of Provençal Christmas crib figures (usually opens late November)
Staying near the shops
$$ · Best for shopping, families and first-timers
La Joliette
Regenerated docklands with offices, a waterfront mall and ferry terminals
Questions travellers ask
+What should I buy in Marseille?
Marseille soap, Santons, Navettes and Pastis and Cassis wine.
+Where is the best shopping in Marseille?
Le Panier: Small workshops selling Marseille soap, santons, ceramics and local design, around Rue du Panier and the Vieille Charité.
+What are the best markets in Marseille?
Marché des Capucins, Vieux-Port fish market and Foire aux santons.