La Canebiere (Canebiere Avenue), Marseille

La Canebiere is described as the high street of the Vieux Carre (Old Quarter) of Marseille. The name Canebiere is derived from the Latin word, "cannabis". Hemp was once grown in the fields around the Old Port. Marseille was one of the major producers of hemp in the world. From the middle ages until the 1930s it was High Street indeed!

In 1666 King Louis XIV expanded the city of Marseille and the avenue Canebiere was built. In the late 1700s the Grand Arsenal docks were taken down and the avenue was lengthened to the Old Port. The development of elegant buildings followed.

During the Third French Republic the street became the Olympus of high society, sporting luxury hotels, cafes, shops and boutiques. In 1928 the street was further extended from the Old Port to the Saint-Vincent-de-Paul Church. The church is sometimes referred to as the Reform Church. In May 2017 the Patriotic Ball was held on the Canebiere in celebration of the Liberation of France in 1945.

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Sight Name: La Canebiere (Canebiere Avenue)
Sight Location: Marseille, France (See walking tours in Marseille)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Food and Shopping Walk

Walking Tours in Marseille, France

Create Your Own Walk in Marseille

Creating your own self-guided walk in Marseille is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Marseille Introduction Walking Tour

Marseille was created by immigrants from all around the Mediterranean basin even before the Phocaeans. In about 620 BC a Greek Phoenician galley rowed into a small outlet called Lacydon Creek, looking for trade. They found it. Ligurians occupied the land, and being sort of Greek themselves, they didn't mind doing business.

The leader of the galley people was one called Protis. Protis was... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles

Food and Shopping Walk

Shopping in Marseille is a great way to mingle with the locals and immerse in new tastes, scents and customs. As with so much else in this melting-pot of a city, the top-of-the-range stores here rub shoulders with the funky little boutiques, high-street chains with scruffy discount outlets or traditional family groceries and bakeries.

Marseille doesn't have a flagship thoroughfare as such,... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles

Marseille's Old Town

Marseille's Panier (Old Town) is full of history. The nick "Panier" means "basket" and it comes from the 17th-century inn, Le Logis du Panier, that once stood on today's rue du Panier.

Over the course of centuries the cobblestone streets of Marseille's Old Town had been a haven for refugees, criminals, and prostitutes, as well as Resistance fighters, Jews and... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles

Historical Churches Walking Tour

Marseille's religious scene, albeit diverse, is dominated by Christianity. The Christian presence in the city dates back to ancient times, making it an integral part of local identity. The vibrant Mediterranean port city also has been a significant pilgrimage destination.

The majority of Christians in Marseille are Roman Catholics, whose prevalence is manifested in the form of multiple... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles

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