A 10-minute walk from the hotel Belle-VueThe Noailles district embodies the cosmopolitan soul of Marseille: the Capucins market, centuries-old herbalists, oriental grocery stores, and restaurants representing all corners of the Mediterranean. It's the "belly of Marseille," teeming with cultures, aromas, and colors. Here's a practical guide to discovering it during your stay in the Old Port.
Noailles: a name that dates back to the 17th century
The neighborhood owes its name to Rue Noailles , created in 1666 at the same time as La Canebière. At the time, it was called "Rue des Nobles" (Street of Nobles) because prominent aristocratic families had settled there. In 1679, the galley builder Jean-Baptiste Chabert built a private mansion there, which he rented to Jacques de Noailles , a lieutenant in the King's galleys. The name remained associated with the street, the square that extends from it, and ultimately with the entire neighborhood.
The other historical thread running through the district is the Capuchin convent, established in 1665 on land purchased by Catherine de Medici in 1579. Sold as national property during the Revolution, the convent gave its name to two institutions still alive today: the Rue Longue-des-Capucins and the Capuchin market.
The Capucins market: the "belly of Marseille"
Located in the square of the same name, the Capucins market is the largest food market in France after Rungis and the Saint-Charles market. Open every day except Sunday afternoon, it includes:
- Fruit and vegetable stalls at unbeatable prices (often half the price of the Cours Julien market)
- Oriental and African grocery stores (spices, semolina, preserves, dried fruit)
- Fishmongers with daily deliveries
- Halal and kosher butchers side by side (one of the neighborhood's distinctive features)
The experience is a sensory one: a dense crowd, voices calling out to each other in French, Arabic, Comorian, Italian, and Senegalese. Go on Saturday morning for the atmosphere, and on Tuesday for the freshest deliveries.
Foodie addresses not to be missed
- Herbalism of Father Blaize (rue Méolan): Opened in 1815, one of the oldest herbalist shops in France. 800 plants, expert advice, an atmosphere unchanged since the 19th century.
- The Noailles Coffee Roaster (Rue d'Aubagne): Artisan roasting, specialty coffee, warm welcome
- Arax Grocery (Place Notre-Dame du Mont): Armenian and oriental preserves, halva, mezze to take away
- The Femina : an institutional Algerian couscous restaurant, open since 1921, one of the oldest couscous restaurants in France
- At Sauveur (rue d'Aubagne): artisanal Neapolitan pizzeria, wood-fired oven, an institution since 1943
- Bar of the 13 Corners (Place de Lenche): on the edge of the Panier district, a popular terrace with an authentic atmosphere
2018-2025: Rebuilding the neighborhood after the tragedy
On November 5, 2018, two dilapidated buildings collapsed on Rue d'Aubagne, killing eight people. The tragedy triggered a massive renovation plan for the neighborhood, led by the City and the Metropolitan Area: more than 1,500 buildings inspected , hundreds of safety orders issued, and a series of reconstruction projects that are still ongoing in 2026. The neighborhood is now undergoing a major transformation, with a commitment to preserving its social diversity and its historic commercial fabric.
How to get to Noailles from the Hotel Belle-Vue
The neighborhood is at 10 minutes walk of the Hotel Belle-VueFrom the Old Port, walk up La Canebière to the Noailles metro station, then turn right onto Rue Longue-des-Capucins. You've arrived. The Noailles metro station (line 2) is a 5-minute walk from the hotel and provides direct access to the heart of the district.
FAQ — Discover Noailles in Marseille
What is the best time of the week to visit Noailles?
Saturday morning (10am-13pm) for the maximum market atmosphere, or Tuesday morning for fresh arrivals with fewer crowds.
Is the area safe for tourists?
Yes, but remain vigilant as you would in any densely populated downtown area. The neighborhood is lively, popular, and generally safe during the day. Avoid displaying valuables and be aware of pickpockets in the market crowds.
Is it possible to have a cheap lunch in Noailles?
It's actually one of the cheapest areas in the city center. Expect to pay €8-12 for a merguez sandwich at a Greek restaurant, €12-15 for couscous at Femina, and €10-14 for a pizza at Sauveur.
Are there things to avoid?
The back street of Place de Marseille at night (poor lighting). Otherwise, the neighborhood can be explored peacefully at any time of day.
Combining Noailles and the Old Port
A beautiful half-day begins with breakfast at La Caravelle (Hotel Belle-Vue), followed by a stroll from the Old Port to the Canebière and then to the Capucins market, followed by lunch at a Noailles institution. See also our guide to the Panier district for the natural continuation of the route.
Book your room facing the Old Port and explore Noailles, a 10-minute walk away.
