La Cabucelle district

A district in full revival in Marseille’s 15th arrondissement

In the heart of Marseille’s 15th arrondissement lies the Cabucelle district, which takes its name from a Provençal expression: ‘Faire cabusello’. An old Marseillaise expression, it means “to fall, to sink”. Other hypotheses also exist about the name of this district. Some think it comes from the cabucelle, a household utensil in Provence, while others believe it is a variation of the word ‘cabussado’ meaning ‘wild artichoke’.

With its inner harbour urban planning, this suburb is the subject of an urban renewal programme designed to tackle the old housing stock without impacting on the cohabitation of residential and productive functions. Running south-north, the main thoroughfares in Marseille’s Cabucelle district are Avenue Ibrahim Ali, Chemin de la Madrague-Ville and Rue de Lyon. La Cabucelle borders the districts of La Calade, Saint-Louis, La Delorme, Les Arnavaux, Les Crottes and Arenc. From 1929 onwards, the singer Yves Montand spent all his youth in La Cabucelle, specifically in the impasse des Mûriers.

What to do in the Cabucelle district of Marseille?

While you’re in the Cabucelle district, we invite you to discover the Parc François Billoux, formerly owned by the Raffineries de sucre Saint Louis. It’s a popular spot for residents of the north of the city, with its large shaded areas for outdoor picnics with family and friends. For pétanque fans, there are pétanque grounds where you can have fun in the sunshine. Children will love the games set up in their honour, especially the water games, ideal for cooling off on a hot summer’s day.

Founded by Patrick Ponce and Philippe Car, the Cartoun Sardines Théâtre company welcomes young and old alike to take part in the various shows and workshops organised by their team. Their next project in the pipeline: ‘Paparazzi’, by contemporary Romanian playwright Matéi Visniec. Whimsical and absurd, this show will confront you with current and universal issues of identity, oppression and solitude.

La Cabucelle is also home to the Cité nationale du Cirque, run by the French company Archaos, which has set up an evolving circus arts teaching programme designed to ensure a steady progression in learning, from childhood through to senior citizens. During the Biennale internationale des Arts du Cirque, Archaos will be presenting performances from artists’ residencies and circus workshops for children. A not-to-be-missed event in Marseille!