An iconic architecture overlooking the Phocaean city
Built between 1893 and 1896 by the architect Joseph-Antoine Bouvard, the Marseille-Saint-Charles station stands out for its U-shaped structure surrounding a vast glass roof. Perched on the Saint-Charles plateau, it offers a breathtaking view of the city. Its monumental staircase, designed by Eugène Senès and inaugurated in 1927, connects the station to the Boulevard d’Athènes, adorned with sculptures evoking the former French colonies.
A strategic railway crossroads
The Saint-Charles station is the southern terminus of the Paris-Lyon-Marseille line, inaugurated in 1848. It has 14 dead-end tracks and 4 through tracks, serving various destinations such as Ventimiglia in Italy, northern France, Briançon, as well as the port of Joliette. Since the arrival of the TGV in 2001, connections with the northern part of the country have significantly accelerated, making Saint-Charles a major railway hub.
Modern services for travelers
Beyond its transit function, the station offers a wide range of services to enhance the passenger experience. Travelers can enjoy various shops, restaurants, and amenities to make their stay more pleasant.
Nearby: the Saint-Charles district
The surrounding district, also named Saint-Charles, is rich in points of interest. Just a few minutes’ walk away, one can find iconic sites such as the Canebière, the historical thoroughfare of Marseille, and the Vieux-Port, the beating heart of the city. Visitors can also explore the Palais Longchamp, an architectural masterpiece housing art and natural history museums.
The Marseille-Saint-Charles station embodies a harmonious fusion of historical heritage and modernity, offering travelers a majestic gateway to the Phocaean city and its countless treasures.
