Why go now
Named for its Nineteenth-century neoclassical church, Notre-Dame du Mont was as soon as a web site the place sailors who’d survived shipwrecks and storms made choices of thanks. Now locals and guests make a pilgrimage to this vibrant quarter for its eating places, indie retailers and road artwork. Voted Time Out’s coolest neighbourhood on the planet in 2024, Notre-Dame du Mont has retained its laid-back appeal whereas persevering with to develop, stretching south on Rue de Lodi. Since December 2025, the church’s parvis has been pedestrianised. Eradicating the city roar of scooters has returned the quarter to its village-like atmosphere – greatest loved on one of many many tree-lined terraces.
The place to eat and drink
Fennel salad at Bonnie’s bistro. {Photograph}: Annie Etheridge
The quarter displays Marseille’s flourishing culinary scene: numerous, convivial and amplified by younger cooks like Scot Megan Moore, who cooks up consolation fare with culinary heft at Bonnies. Its playlists and stay jazz nights echo the classic vibe of this former watering gap. For a style of the Mediterranean, tuck into small plates and pure wines at Nabu & Jéro wine bar.
For meals sur le pouce (on the go), try the massive sandwiches at Razzia, which you’ll be able to eat whereas absorbing the solar on their patio. Down the road at Durum, Sofiane Benouamane traded in his chef whites to make Levantine wraps full of probably the most succulent meats – so gourmand that the tiny snack bar is lauded by the French gastronomic information Gault & Millau.
Eco-friendly boulangerie Ferments creates baked delights to get pleasure from with small-batch espresso. For a slice of Marseille’s signature dish, order a wood-fired moitchié-moitchié (half anchovy, half emmental) at La Bella Pizza. Or, comply with the scent of freshly baked crust to the Chez Papa pizza truck on the entrance to the Notre-Dame du Mont metro cease.
The place to buy
Provisions’ cabinets are laden with meals, wine and culinary books. {Photograph}: Annie Etheridge2023/Annie Etheridge
Meals can also be on the menu at lots of Notre-Dame du Mont’s retailers. Provisions’ wood cabinets are laden with an array of foodstuffs, wine and culinary books, together with a small choice in English. Keep for a regionally sourced lunch within the cosy store. The aromatic tea library Lorène Millet brims with greater than 200 varieties, and – fortunately – knowledgeable workers that will help you select.
Mo:stera Idea Retailer feeds many pursuits – espresso, crops and books, with a penchant for manga and graphic novels. A pioneer of the neighbourhood, the classic vogue store Out of House is chock-a-block with retro finds for women and men. Digitale Pourpre shares a well-curated collection of garments from impartial designers, whereas Digger Membership has a cool mixture of classic finds.
Cultural experiences
La Cave À Vinyle. {Photograph}: Annie Etheridge
Zones is a gallery that spotlights photographers from town and the area, and proprietor Alice Ducheix makes pictures “extra accessible” by promoting reasonably priced prints. La Baleine exhibits arthouse movies in its intimate 88-seat cinema plus restaurant.
La Cave à Vinyle is a bar with the texture of hanging out in the lounge of a good friend who’s obsessive about music and wine; pattern pure, biodynamic bottles to an eclectic soundtrack, from French crooner Jacques Dutronc to the West African fusion Rail Band. Storage, considered one of Marseille’s many comedy golf equipment, hosts English-speaking comics on Friday nights.
Don’t miss
Cours Julien road artwork. {Photograph}: Salla Dinho/Alamy
At Rue de Village and Rue de Lodi, marvel on the view of Marseille’s most well-known monument – and highest level – La Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde. Stroll over to Cours Julien, the adjoining district, for city eye sweet. Each facade is painted with vibrant road artwork, together with the ever-changing staircase that descends to Cours Lieutaud.
The place to remain
Reside like a neighborhood within the trendy rooms with kitchenettes on the 18-room Maison Juste (doubles from €90). Sister property Grand Juste is a former convent with 50 rooms (sleeping as much as six individuals) and a sunny backyard (doubles from €93).
