Longchamp district

The indisputable
Palais Longchamp

The ideal park for friends and family

It’s impossible to talk about the neighborhood without mentioning the superb Palais Longchamp, a veritable green lung for local residents. With its imposing entrance facing the grand boulevard Longchamp, the eye is immediately drawn to this majestic architecture, combining columns and arches, fountains and flowers, like a mini-French garden meeting columns from Greek antiquity. Completed in 1869 under the watchful eye of architect Esperandieu (who also designed the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde) to celebrate the arrival of water in Marseille, it now houses children’s play areas, the remains of the once-largest zoo in Marseille, green spaces… The perfect place for sports enthusiasts: jogging, weight training, tai chi, meditation… a fine mix of sporting and social activities. In summer, the gardens also host concerts by the Festival de Jazz des 5 Continents.

With two museums inside

What Marseilles kid hasn’t spent many a Wednesday afternoon at the Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle? Situated in the right wing of the building, this museum is a paradise for children (and accompanying adults), where they can rediscover all the life-size historical animals and get a taste of prehistory. In the left wing of the building, the Musée des Beaux-Arts houses paintings, drawings and sculptures dating from the 17th to the 19th centuries. It is currently considered Marseille’s oldest museum, having been founded in 1802.

Fancy a drink?

There’s plenty to choose from: at Lonchamp Palace, the 30s-style decor, with its zinc bar and mosaics, and the little hidden patio at the back, will delight many. You’ll come for the fresh, seasonal cuisine or to enjoy a cocktail, but watch out for the big crowds at weekends – a festive atmosphere is guaranteed!

At La Canebière on boulevard Philippon (yes, like the Canebière), the pressure’s off! These beer aficionados have over 400 different bottles on their shelves to taste on the spot or take away, and 10 craft beers on draught that change regularly. The aim is to support the region’s brewers, AND to give all visiting beer lovers a good time. There are also exhibitions by local artists, which change every two months.

On Rue Consolat, Les Eaux de Mars offers aperitif formulas in local colors: wines from the region, beers from the Drôme, rum made in Aubagne or génépi from the Alps, all accompanied by homemade tapas by Noémie Lebocey, a young chef from Normandy.

For gourmets

At La Cantine de Nour on rue Bernex (perpendicular to boulevard Longchamp), which has easily made a name for itself on Marseille’s gastronomic scene, you can sample all kinds of Egyptian specialties. The brand now has several spots in Marseille, but this one remains the best for quick lunches or, even better, Sunday brunches, to be enjoyed on their upstairs terrace (make sure to book!).

If you’re more of a sweet tooth for dessert or snack (or breakfast, let’s be honest), head for Bricoleurs de douceurs, on the lively 5 Avenues square. In the small outdoor patio or to take away, you can enjoy finely prepared pastries revisited in the Marseilles style, such as Droit au bûche, Emmanuel Marron or Adriana Karembûche! A house that guarantees 100% home-made sweets, also available at their other location in Roucas Blanc.

For an unusual break, head to Teavora, the only place in Marseille where you can enjoy teas and juices, toast or pastries … with your feet in the sand. Sitting on the ground on cushions and mattresses in the midst of an oriental decor, it doesn’t get much cosier than this for a quiet moment, in summer or winter.