N°10 Place de la Joliette, a place that embodies the spirit of Marseille, its history, its transformation, and its future. The Docks district has become one of the symbols of the Marseillais renaissance, a fascinating metamorphosis that attracts both tourists and locals. Ready for a journey through time? Let’s embark together to discover the secrets and the soul of this mythical place! 🧭
A story of stones and sea
The Marseilles Docks are primarily a story of trade and sea, which began over 150 years ago. During the Second Empire, Marseille experienced an incredible economic boom thanks to its port. To cope with this influx of goods (cotton, silk, spices, liquors…), the engineer Paulin Talabot decided to finance an ambitious project: the creation of the largest docks in Europe.
Constructed between 1858 and 1863, this monumental building of 365 meters long and 7 floors came to life. With its stone and brick architecture, metal structures, and state-of-the-art facilities (such as hydraulic elevators and cranes), it became a nerve center of Mediterranean trade. 80,000 m² of space that pulses to the rhythm of exchanges between Marseille and the world. But time passes, and with the evolution of port needs, the site gradually falls into disuse…
A neighborhood transformed for the future
1991, a new chapter opens: the Docks are purchased by the company Nexity for a major renovation. Under the direction of architect Eric Castaldi, the site is transformed while respecting its unique industrial architecture. Today, the Docks are at the heart of Euroméditerranée, the dynamic business district of Marseille.
Today, there are 220 companies and 3,500 employees who inhabit this place, surrounded by modern shops and relaxation areas. Visitors can stroll under the glass roofs that flood the inner courtyards with natural light, explore the 4 green courtyards, and admire the originality of the proportions, a nod to the 52 weeks of the year, the 7 days of the week, and the 365 days that mark the calendar.
The marriage of past and present: a fascinating cultural and architectural journey
At the Docks of Joliette, every street corner, every building tells a story. The past intertwines with the present in a striking way with the Cathedral of the Major, the MuCEM, the Mediterranean Villa, and the CMA CGM Tower – an emblem of modernity and decision-making center for maritime affairs. Le Panier, the Fort Saint-Jean, and the Terraces of the Port add a unique touch to this journey, ideal for those who wish to immerse themselves in Marseillais culture.
You will also find contemporary works, art installations that evoke the cosmopolitan soul of Marseille and its ties to the Mediterranean. It is the whole universe of the port of Marseille that comes alive here, just a few steps from the Vieux-Port.
The Docks today: a modern and vibrant living center
With its 17,000 m² of shops, independent boutiques, and restaurants, the Docks site is a place where it is pleasant to stroll 7 days a week. The architecture of the buildings has been designed to captivate the eye, with vast windows oriented east-west and wide sidewalks that offer easy access to the 80 entrances to commercial units.
The neighborhood comes alive especially between noon and two and in the evening, when the offices empty and visitors come to relax over a drink or shop. This business center is also a popular destination for evenings, with spaces dedicated to night outings that add a unique dynamism to the heart of Marseille.
Access and transport: a well-served destination
To access the Docks, several options are available: by metro, by tramway, by bus, or even by bicycle. Numerous parkings are available for those who prefer to come by car, and for those who enjoy walks, a walk from the Vieux-Port will reveal an unforgettable panorama. This neighborhood is designed to be both practical and pleasant, thus facilitating travels for a day of exploration.
A must-visit destination in Marseille
The Docks of Joliette perfectly embody the renewal of Marseille, a city that continues to evolve, attract, and fascinate. Come and discover this universe where tradition and modernity meet, where every stone breathes history, and where one can feel the vibrant energy of the Phocaean City. Whether you are a resident or a passing visitor, the Docks are a place to see, live, and love.
