Les Cinq Avenues district

The Cinq Avenues district is located in Marseille’s 4th arrondissement. It is named after the five major thoroughfares that cross it: boulevard de la Libération, boulevard de la Blancarde, boulevard Philippon, avenue du Maréchal-Foch and avenue des Chartreux. This district is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, shops and lively nightlife. It is also home to a number of major tourist attractions, including Parc Longchamp and the Marseille Observatory. Crossed by the metro and tramway, it is closely linked to the other districts of Marseille by public transport. Close to the Canebière at its western end, this refined district is home to fine residences and leafy gardens.

Cinq Avenues, a booming district in the 19th century

Historically, the Cinq Avenues district was an important link between Marseille city centre and the outlying districts, which were mainly agricultural. The district enjoyed a period of economic prosperity during the Second Empire. In the 19th century, as Marseille underwent increasing industrialisation and rapid urbanisation, the Cinq Avenues district became a major crossroads for the city and a popular place to live. It was criss-crossed by a number of public transport systems that were at the cutting edge of progress at the time, notably trams and omnibuses, which enabled residents to move easily around the different districts of the city.

Over time, the Cinq Avenues district has continued to evolve and adapt to changes in society and the city. It has retained its role as a commercial crossroads, with many new shops, restaurants and cafés springing up.

Palais Longchamp Museum Dhistoire Naturelle Jootcm 4

The Park and the Palais Longchamp

To the north of the Cinq Avenues district, the Parc du Palais Longchamp covers an area of nearly 8 hectares and is divided into two distinct parts: the former zoological garden and the botanical garden. Locals come here for a stroll, a picnic or a moment of relaxation around the playgrounds, in the shade of the trees or on the lawns. Festivals, cultural events and concerts are regularly held here.

A must-see tourist attraction in Marseille, the Palais Longchamp welcomes you to the south-west of the park. This historic monument was built in the 19th century to celebrate the arrival of the waters of the Durance in Marseille. This veritable water tower is preceded by several pools and fountains, and comprises two large buildings linked by a central covered gallery with colonnades.

The Palais Longchamp is also a major cultural destination in Marseille. The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Marseilleis located in the north wing of the Château d’Eau, and displays a collection of works of art ranging from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. The Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle de Marseille is housed in the south wing and exhibits a rich collection of naturalist objects and naturalised animals.The Cinq Avenues district is also home to the Observatoire de Marseille. The Observatory is located on a hill called the Plateau de l’Observatoire, offering a panoramic view of the city of Marseille and the Mediterranean. The Observatory is run by the University of Aix-Marseille and its main purpose is scientific. In addition to its research activities, the Observatoire de Marseille also offers scientific outreach activities and public events. It organises conferences, exhibitions, sky observations and guided tours for visitors interested in astronomy and space science.

An attractive and dynamic district

Cinq Avenues is not just about the Palais Longchamp, as the district has many other assets. Architecture lovers will find some real gems here, such as the Pavillon de partage des eaux, located between Cinq Avenues and Chutes-Lavie. Listed as a Historic Monument, the building has been awarded the ‘20th Century Heritage’ label. The building cannot be visited, but can be admired from the street.

To the south of the Cinq Avenues, the Place Sébastopol hosts a food market six mornings a week, from Monday to Saturday. Brasseries and cafés welcome you for a drink, lunch or dinner indoors or on the terrace.

To the north of the Cinq Avenues district, the Théâtre des Chartreux shares its love of theatre with audiences young and old.

Shops, convenience stores and restaurants add to the charm and authenticity of this dynamic, friendly district.

All restaurants in Cinq Avenues

Le Parpaing qui Flotte

The decor is colorful and the atmosphere relaxed. The refined cuisine without being stuffy delights all generations.

How to get to les Cinq Avenues district?

You can easily reach the Cinq Avenues district by public transport:

Metro line M1: Cinq Avenues Longchamp station;
Tramway line T2: Foch Sakakini, Cinq Avenues, Longchamp and National stops.

Several bus routes also serve Cinq Avenues:

Lines 6, 7, 7B and 7T: stops Blancarde Cinq Avenues, Blancarde Duparc, 5 Avenues Fondère, Foch 5 Avenues;
Route 52: stops between Collège Chape and Place Sébastopol;
Route 72: stops between Place Brossolette, Duparc Blancarde, Stade Vallier;
Route 81: stops between Libération St Vincent de Paul and Flammarion Siphon,
Route 509 (evening network): Collège Chape, Monte Cristo Camas, Monte Cristo Faria, Place Sébastopol, Stade Vallier stops.

The Cinq Avenues district is also home to self-service electric bicycle hire stations as part of the levélo project.

Places to discover