Notre-Dame du Mont, a vibrant quarter in Marseille named after its 19th-century neoclassical church, has been voted Time Out's coolest neighbourhood in the world for 2024. Once a site where sailors gave thanks after surviving shipwrecks, it now attracts locals and visitors with its restaurants, indie shops, and street art. Since December 2025, the church's parvis has been pedestrianised, removing scooter noise and restoring a village-like ambience best enjoyed on tree-lined terraces.
Where to Eat and Drink
The quarter reflects Marseille's diverse culinary scene, amplified by young chefs like Scot Megan Moore at Bonnies, who serves comfort food with culinary heft. Enjoy live jazz and playlists in this former watering hole. For Mediterranean flavours, try small plates and natural wines at Nabu & Jéro wine bar. For food on the go, Razzia offers huge sandwiches to eat on their sunny patio, while Durum's Sofiane Benouamane makes Levantine wraps with succulent meats, praised by Gault & Millau. Eco-friendly boulangerie Ferments offers baked goods with small-batch coffee. For a slice of Marseille's signature dish, order a wood-fired moitchié-moitchie (half anchovy, half emmental) at La Bella Pizza, or visit the Chez Papa pizza truck at the metro stop.
Where to Shop
Provisions' wooden shelves are laden with food, wine, and culinary books, including some in English; stay for a locally sourced lunch. The tea library Lorène Millet offers over 200 varieties with expert staff. Mo:stera Concept Store caters to coffee, plants, and books, especially manga and graphic novels. Vintage shop Out of Space is packed with retro finds for men and women. Digitale Pourpre stocks independent designer clothes, while Digger Club has funky vintage mixes.
Cultural Experiences
Zones gallery showcases local photographers with affordable prints, making photography accessible. La Baleine shows arthouse films in its 88-seat cinema plus restaurant. La Cave à Vinyle is a bar with a living-room feel, offering natural wines and an eclectic soundtrack from Jacques Dutronc to Rail Band. Garage comedy club hosts English-speaking comics on Friday nights.
Don't Miss
At Rue de Village and Rue de Lodi, marvel at the view of La Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde. Stroll to Cours Julien for urban eye candy: every facade is painted with colourful street art, including the ever-changing staircase to Cours Lieutaud.
Where to Stay
Maison Juste offers modern rooms with kitchenettes (doubles from €90). Sister property Grand Juste, a former convent, has 50 rooms sleeping up to six, with a sunny garden (doubles from €93).
