One of the city's oldest districts, the Panier (literally translated meaning "basket") is where the ancient Phocaeans first settled and founded the city of Massilia. Using the 18th-century Hôtel-Dieu and Notre Dame des Accoules church bell tower (17th-19th century) as reference points, these lead to the foot of Montée des Accoules - a series of steep flights of steps typical of old Marseilles - which lead right to the heart of the district and pedestrians' paradise. Once home to the ancient city's Greek agora (a public open space used for assemblies and markets), Place de Lenche still bustles with life and has its own market, restaurants and theater. At the summit of the old town is Place des Moulins, which in the 16th Century lived up to its name with no less than fifteen flour mills. These days its fountain and school help maintain its village square's tranquility and charm.
When you're in Marseille, you have to get a good tan à la plage. Understandably, you may not talk the talk but a quick stop at Pain de Sucre will make sure you walk the walk. Swim wear specialists for over two decades, Pain de Sucre designs swim wear and lingerie in bold yet feminine colors, textures and prints. Slip into a pair and you'll know it's très elegant, très original and très très French.
Right in the middle of Rue Venture, a side street between the overcrowded shops of Rue Saint-Ferréol and the chic boutiques of Rue Paradis, is Luciole, a small Chinese and Japanese furniture store – while, most importantly, the best tea shop in Marseille! Over a hundred varieties are available, including Mariage Frères tea. You’ll find fragrant green teas, red teas, Chinese varieties of all kinds, others from the Himalayas, Ceylon, Japanese teas and more. There are also small items for sale: incense, origami, home decor, tableware and clothing (kimonos), everything being typical Japanese/Eastern Asian styles. The service at Luciole is always very pleasant with a touch of sophistication.
Primarily a concept born from the love of the best Mediterranean foods, Fuxia is a restaurant chain that also exists in Paris. The place includes both a restaurant and an Italian deli/gourmet shop. The restaurant cooks up three or four different dishes each day, so the menu varies daily. Its good food and the service staff is very friendly. Creative, hearty dishes can also be ordered as specials (formulae express lunchtime only on weekdays or formula aperitif: antipasti and two glasses of wine). The terrace is heated in winter, perfect to enjoy a limoncello sorbet any time of the year!
Owned and designed by Olivier Amsellem and offering hand-picked designer wear, cosmetics, accessories and ready to wear clothes from both French and international designers, at Jogging you are bound to find something that’ll suit your tastes and preferences. If you are exhausted from wandering through the extensive collection you can also pick up a book and walk over to the shady garden for a leisurely read through the pages. This innovative concept store also has a cafe that serves a number of tasteful delights apart from the delicious coffees. If you are in the mood for some delightful retail therapy, head to Jogging.
Jardin Montgrand is a one of its kind concept store. Based in a 19th century building, the owner has created the perfect blend of history and modern times. At Jardin Montgrand, you can not only shop for jewelry, home decor, groceries, clothes and a lot more, but you can also indulge in culinary discovery sessions, meetings with artists or watch a fashion show. The concept store is complemented with a trendy cafe, allowing you to take a break from exploring the extensive product selection without leaving the store. With its fascinating collection and tons of interesting events going on all the time, you’ll find yourself returning quite often.
When you're in Marseille, you have to get a good tan à la plage. Understandably, you may not talk the talk but a quick stop at Pain de Sucre will make sure you walk the walk. Swim wear specialists for over two decades, Pain de Sucre designs swim wear and lingerie in bold yet feminine colors, textures and prints. Slip into a pair and you'll know it's très elegant, très original and très très French.
Right in the middle of Rue Venture, a side street between the overcrowded shops of Rue Saint-Ferréol and the chic boutiques of Rue Paradis, is Luciole, a small Chinese and Japanese furniture store – while, most importantly, the best tea shop in Marseille! Over a hundred varieties are available, including Mariage Frères tea. You’ll find fragrant green teas, red teas, Chinese varieties of all kinds, others from the Himalayas, Ceylon, Japanese teas and more. There are also small items for sale: incense, origami, home decor, tableware and clothing (kimonos), everything being typical Japanese/Eastern Asian styles. The service at Luciole is always very pleasant with a touch of sophistication.
This recent addition to Marseilles' shopping streets is almost impossible to miss thanks to its striking window display, visible from Rue de Rome. Inside, there is a vast array of specialist clothing and designer accessories as well as the latest novelty gadgets to second-hand surf boards. Now you only have to wait for the tide to go "catch that wave" in the Med.
One of the city's oldest districts, the Panier (literally translated meaning "basket") is where the ancient Phocaeans first settled and founded the city of Massilia. Using the 18th-century Hôtel-Dieu and Notre Dame des Accoules church bell tower (17th-19th century) as reference points, these lead to the foot of Montée des Accoules - a series of steep flights of steps typical of old Marseilles - which lead right to the heart of the district and pedestrians' paradise. Once home to the ancient city's Greek agora (a public open space used for assemblies and markets), Place de Lenche still bustles with life and has its own market, restaurants and theater. At the summit of the old town is Place des Moulins, which in the 16th Century lived up to its name with no less than fifteen flour mills. These days its fountain and school help maintain its village square's tranquility and charm.
The famous Belgian company: Chocolaterie Léonidas, is known for its sugared almonds and sweet chocolate, which is rich with cream and milk. Taste other Belgian favorites like creamy pralines, ganaches, chocolate dipped candies, marzipans and even sugar free treats for the health conscious. They use less cocoa and fresh cream resulting in a nice, smooth taste; without question, these chocolates are of the highest quality. Calling all chocoholics!
It’s Italy at your door! This 100 percent Italian grocery store offers fresh products from the Mediterranean boot: mozzarella di bufala, fresh homemade pasta, onion bread sticks, Nubian red garlic, and other delicious products for the pleasure of the palate. Fresh homemade dishes can be enjoyed in the trattoria at the back of the shop, Italian style! Of course, the food can also be ordered to go. Pasta e Dolce is an authentic treat, providing an escape to Italy in a simple meal break.