La Joliette Marseille
A modern district in Marseille blending contemporary architecture with stunning Mediterranean views, perfect for shopping and exploring.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal for exploring
La Joliette Marseille
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal for exploring

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A modern district in Marseille blending contemporary architecture with stunning Mediterranean views, perfect for shopping and exploring.
"Modern, convenient, and with great sea views, La Joliette is a refreshing contrast to Marseille's historic heart."
🚶♀️ Walkable & Accessible
La Joliette is very walkable. Public transport is efficient for longer distances. :bus: :metro:
🎨 Art & Culture Hub
Discover street art and visit museums like MuCEM for a dose of culture. :museum:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Les Terrasses du Port
Shopping Mall
A modern shopping destination with stunning sea views and a rooftop terrace offering panoramic city vistas.

MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations)
Near La Joliette
Architectural marvel showcasing Mediterranean history and culture, connected by a striking footbridge.

La Major Cathedral
Near La Joliette
An imposing neo-Byzantine cathedral with a striking striped facade, a landmark of Marseille.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating La Joliette
Embrace the Local Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walkable & Accessible
La Joliette is very walkable. Public transport is efficient for longer distances. :bus: :metro:
🎨 Art & Culture Hub
Discover street art and visit museums like MuCEM for a dose of culture. :museum:
🛍️ Shopping Galore
Les Terrasses du Port offers a great shopping experience with sea views. :shopping_bags:
🏨 Stay Smart
Consider Meininger Hotel Marseille Centre La Joliette for budget-friendly stays. :bed:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walkable & Accessible
La Joliette is very walkable. Public transport is efficient for longer distances. :bus: :metro:
🎨 Art & Culture Hub
Discover street art and visit museums like MuCEM for a dose of culture. :museum:
🛍️ Shopping Galore
Les Terrasses du Port offers a great shopping experience with sea views. :shopping_bags:
🏨 Stay Smart
Consider Meininger Hotel Marseille Centre La Joliette for budget-friendly stays. :bed:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
La Joliette is praised for its modern amenities, convenient location, and stunning sea views, particularly from Les Terrasses du Port. Visitors appreciate the accessibility and the contrast it offers to older parts of Marseille. However, some find it lacks the historic charm of other districts and can feel a bit commercial.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
La Joliette is easily accessible via Marseille's metro (Line 2, Joliette station) and numerous bus lines. Trams also serve the area. If arriving by train at Marseille Saint-Charles station, it's a short metro ride or a pleasant walk down to the waterfront. Many visitors find it a convenient hub for exploring the city.
Yes, La Joliette is a popular choice for accommodation, especially for those looking for modern hotels and easy access to attractions. Hotels like the Meininger Hotel Marseille Centre La Joliette and Best Western Plus Hotel La Joliette Marseille offer convenient locations.
Absolutely! It's a scenic walk along the waterfront from the Old Port (Vieux Port) to La Joliette, taking about 20-30 minutes. This route offers lovely views and allows you to soak in the maritime atmosphere of Marseille.
La Joliette itself is very walkable. For exploring further afield, the metro and bus network are excellent. Consider purchasing a day pass if you plan on using public transport frequently.
Like any urban area, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. However, La Joliette is generally considered safe, particularly in well-lit areas and near hotels. Stick to main streets and trust your instincts.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Les Terrasses du Port is a shopping mall and entry is free. You only pay for the items you wish to purchase. The rooftop terrace is also accessible to all visitors.
Admission prices for MuCEM vary depending on exhibitions. General admission to the permanent collections is typically around €9-€11, with concessions available. Special exhibitions may have higher ticket prices. It's best to check their official website for current pricing and booking.
Yes, exploring the modern architecture of La Joliette, walking along the waterfront, and enjoying the views from Les Terrasses du Port's rooftop are all free activities. The exterior of La Major Cathedral is also impressive to see without entering.
Yes, booking MuCEM tickets online in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to avoid queues and guarantee entry. You can usually find booking options on the official MuCEM website.
Opening hours can vary. Les Terrasses du Port typically opens around 10 AM and closes in the evening. MuCEM usually opens around 11 AM and closes around 6 PM or 7 PM, with some late openings on certain days. Always check the official websites for the most up-to-date information.
📸 📸 Photography
The rooftop terrace of Les Terrasses du Port offers stunning panoramic views of the city and the sea, perfect for sunset shots. The striking architecture of MuCEM and the grand facade of La Major Cathedral are also prime photography locations. Don't forget to capture the modern urban landscape of the district itself.
Yes, the area is very photogenic with its blend of modern and historic architecture, and the beautiful Mediterranean light. The wide open spaces and clear sightlines make it easy to frame your shots. Consider visiting during the golden hours for softer, more dramatic lighting.
Generally, photography is allowed in public spaces. However, inside museums like MuCEM, specific rules may apply regarding flash photography or filming. It's always best to check signage or ask staff if you're unsure.
A versatile lens, like a 24-70mm equivalent, is great for capturing both wide architectural shots and details. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the grand scale of La Major Cathedral and MuCEM. A tripod can be helpful for low-light shots on the rooftop terrace, but check if they are permitted.
While La Joliette is more modern, the spirit of Marseille's street art can be found in surrounding neighborhoods. Exploring areas like Cours Julien or Le Panier might reveal vibrant murals. Keep an eye out as you wander; you might discover hidden gems.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
La Joliette offers a range of dining options, from casual cafes and fast-food outlets within Les Terrasses du Port to more established restaurants along the waterfront and in the surrounding streets. You can find everything from quick bites to more leisurely meals.
While La Joliette itself is more modern, the proximity to the sea means fresh seafood is readily available throughout Marseille. You'll find excellent seafood restaurants in the nearby Old Port and along the coast. Look for 'poissonneries' or restaurants advertising 'produits de la mer'.
Don't miss trying Bouillabaisse, a traditional fish stew. Also, sample Navettes, a boat-shaped biscuit, and Pastis, an anise-flavored aperitif. Panisse, a chickpea flour fritter, is another local delight.
Yes, Les Terrasses du Port has a food court with various fast-casual options. You can also find bakeries (boulangeries) offering affordable sandwiches and pastries, perfect for a quick and inexpensive meal.
Several cafes and bakeries are scattered throughout La Joliette and within Les Terrasses du Port. Look for local 'boulangeries-pâtisseries' for authentic French pastries and coffee. Enjoying a coffee with a croissant or pain au chocolat is a quintessential French experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more educational outing, the MuCEM has exhibits that can be fascinating for older children, particularly those interested in history and different cultures. The striking architecture and the walk across the footbridge can also be an adventure in itself. Consider packing snacks and drinks, as well as comfortable shoes for little ones, as there will be a fair amount of walking involved.
💰 Budget Travelers
Take advantage of the many free activities, such as exploring the waterfront, enjoying the views from the rooftop terrace of Les Terrasses du Port, and admiring the exterior of La Major Cathedral. Walking is also free and a fantastic way to see the district. Public transport passes can also offer good value if you plan to use buses and the metro extensively.
🛍️ Shoppers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring La Joliette's Modern Architecture
Key architectural highlights include the distinctive design of the MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations), a masterpiece of contemporary design that connects the mainland to the historic Fort Saint-Jean via a breathtaking footbridge. The La Major Cathedral, though historic, also stands as a monumental structure with its impressive scale and unique striped facade, dominating the skyline near the port. Wandering through La Joliette allows visitors to appreciate this blend of old and new, offering a different perspective on Marseille's evolving identity.
Many visitors are drawn to the panoramic views available from the elevated spaces in La Joliette, particularly the rooftop of Les Terrasses du Port. This vantage point provides sweeping vistas of the Mediterranean Sea, the port, and the city's skyline, making it a popular spot for photography and relaxation. The district's design encourages exploration, with wide promenades and open public spaces that invite visitors to stroll and admire the urban landscape.
Art and Culture in and around La Joliette
Beyond the MuCEM, the spirit of art in Marseille is vibrant, with a strong presence of street art. While the most concentrated areas might be in neighborhoods like Cours Julien or Le Panier, keep an eye out for murals and artistic interventions as you explore the wider city. These urban artworks add a dynamic layer to Marseille's character, reflecting its diverse culture and creative energy.
For those interested in art, consider venturing slightly beyond La Joliette to discover more galleries and artistic hubs. The city's commitment to culture is evident in its numerous museums, art spaces, and public installations, making Marseille a compelling destination for art enthusiasts. The proximity of La Joliette to these cultural hotspots makes it a convenient base for a culturally enriching visit.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit