Vieux Port & Canebière neighbourhood
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Vieux Port de Marseille - by Elisa Schmidt on Unsplash
Description
The Vieux Port & Canebière neighbourhoods are emblematic of Marseille and focal points of the city. The former, which means "Old Port", is a natural harbour where Greek settlers from Phocaea set up a trading post in 600BC. Quays were constructed between the 15th and 17th centuries but, as steamships became prevalent, the shallow depth (6m) proved problematic. Most of the area surrounding the Port was demolished during WW2 and had to be rebuilt. The Canebière is essentially Marseille's "high street", it is 1km long and connect to the Vieux Port at its western end and to the Réformés neighbourhood at the eastern one. It was built in the 17th century and the name comes from the word Cannabis as the area originally comprised of hemp fields.
Access & Transport
The Vieux Port is on the M1 metro line and the Canebière on the M2 (Noailles station) The neighbourhoods can also be accessed by buses and are within walking distance of most sights in the city
Instructions & Recommendations
Interesting activities / attractions in the area include the Cantini Museum, the Opera, and the Marseille History Museum. Departure for the Château d'If are also from the Vieux Port ferry terminal.
Environmental & Social
Urban environment with hardly any green spaces. The area is overly commercialized but not excessively so by international standards
Conclusion
The Vieux Port and the neighbourhoods on either side of the Canebière are part and parcel of Marseille's history and experience, even though it may not be the most attractive part of town. They are surrounded by many other attractions and it is enjoyable to have a meal alongside the harbour.
Key positive
Historical and lively centre of the city
Easy to get to by public transport or walking
Key negative
No exceptional monument to see
Marginal risk of hassle
Suitability
No restrictions
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:2h 30m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo