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La Conception district

The Conception district is located in the 5th arrondissement, near Marseille city centre, close to the Baille, La Timone and Notre Dame du Mont districts. This mainly residential area has a mix of housing, from flats to small detached houses. It is also home to a number of renowned higher education and healthcare establishments. La Conception is a dynamic district with a lively atmosphere. Rue Saint-Pierre, which runs through the district, is the longest street in Marseille. Here you’ll find a number of local shops, restaurants and cafés. Discover a calm and peaceful district in the heart of the city.

 

 

A history linked to the Hôpital de la Conception

Bordered to the south by the Boulevard Baille, the district takes its name from the Hôpital de la Conception, which was founded in 1857 on the initiative of the Hospices administrative commission and approved by the prefect. The hospital played a major role in the development of the district and contributed to its expansion. During the 19th century, the La Conception district underwent significant urban development. New streets were laid out and buildings erected to accommodate the growing population.

In the 21st century, the Centre Hospitalier de la Conception remains one of the largest and most prestigious hospitals in Marseille. It houses a level 3 maternity unit and has earned an international reputation in neonatal medicine.

La Conception district has a varied architecture, with residential buildings, office blocks and higher education establishments. Over the years, La Conception has continued to develop and adapt to the changing needs of the city. Renovation and modernisation projects have been undertaken to improve the district’s infrastructure and services. You’ll also find many three-window buildings, typical of the architecture of Marseille in this particularly dynamic century.

Today, the La Conception district remains a dynamic part of Marseille, combining history, higher education establishments, health facilities and urban activities. It offers a mix of ancient and contemporary architecture, contributing to its cultural richness and appeal.

Local attractions

La Conception district is a pleasant, picturesque area just outside the town centre. Its strategic location is ideal for getting to the town centre, the seaside or the mountain ranges to the north of the town. La Conception is home to a wide range of shops and services, including supermarkets, bakeries, chemists and bookshops. You can do your shopping and find everything you need nearby.

The streets and alleyways running off rue Saint-Pierre provide a pleasant living environment, away from the main traffic arteries. Families and young couples like to settle here, looking for peace and quiet and a friendly neighbourhood life in the heart of France’s second-largest city. Several nursery and primary schools, as well as secondary schools, contribute to the area’s appeal.

The district has two concert halls, Makeda and Leda Atomica Musique, where young local talent performs all year round in a rock atmosphere. There is also a sports club to the south of Conception. The district is also home to the Italian Consulate General, located next to the Italian Cultural Institute.

Just a stone’s throw from La Conception, Place Jean Jaurès is home to the Plaine market. A friendly and popular spot, this square is lined with a number of cafés and restaurants…

How to get to La Conception district?

You can easily reach the Blancarde district by public transport:

  • Metro line M1: La Timone and Baille stations;
  • Tram line T1: George, Camas and Eugène Pierre stops.

Several bus routes serve the La Conception district or are just a few minutes’ walk away:

  • line 40: Baille Vertus, Baille Hôpital Conception and Baille Nègre stops;
  • line 52: Jeanne d’Arc and La Timone Metro stops;
  • line 74: Place Jean Jaurès and 3 Frères Barthélémy stops;
  • line 540 (evening network): Baille Vertus, Baille Hôpital Conception and Baille Nègre stops.

You can also get around freely by electric bike, for clean, sustainable mobility: there are several self-service bike stations in the Conception district.

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