La Joliette
Located in the 2nd arrondissement of Marseille, the neighborhood of La Joliette was once a major industrial, economic, and port center. La Joliette has undergone a complete transformation over the centuries. However, following a decline in industrial activity, the neighborhood experienced a significant downturn. It was the Euroméditerranée project, launched in 1990, that revitalized the area and turned it into one of the city's main business districts.
According to legend, the name of La Joliette is inspired by Julius Caesar (Julius), as he is said to have established his camp in this part of Massilia during his rivalry with Pompey. In reality, the neighborhood owes its name mainly to a property established here during the Old Regime. It was especially with the extension of the Old Port envisaged at the time that the neighborhood of "La Joliette" became what it is today, to our great pleasure.
Everything you need to know about the origins of the Joliette neighborhood
La Joliette owes its name to Antoine La Joliette, an entrepreneur who played an important role in the development of the port of Marseille in the early 19th century. During the industrial era of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Joliette neighborhood was populated with docks, warehouses, and factories. It can thus be said that it was the beating heart of the Marseille economy. Indeed, with heavy traffic on the Old Port, it was the main place where goods from around the world were stored and then redistributed. The Joliette basin was therefore built to meet this demand and began its activities in 1847, even though the basin itself was completed in 1853. Workers from around the world, especially from Europe, flocked to the neighborhood, attracted by the port's employment opportunities.
In the 1970s, there was a decline, both in Europe and in Marseille. Activities were relocated, and transport techniques were modernized; the buildings were abandoned. It was really in the 1990s, alongside the launch of the Euroméditerranée project, that the neighborhood was reborn. This urban renewal project aimed to revitalize Marseille by transforming neglected industrial areas into modern and aesthetic offices, housing, and commercial spaces. The docks were renovated, and new constructions were erected to revitalize the area. Nowadays, La Joliette is a vibrant business district that houses many companies and sought-after residences.
The neighborhood now hosts the tallest structure in Marseille, the CMA CGM tower, which stands at 145 meters. This tower is the work of the Iraqi-British architect and important figure of deconstructivism, Zaha Hadid. Shortly after, nearby, the "La Marseillaise" Tower was built. Designed by the famous French architect Jean Nouvel, this tower is distinguished by a facade that changes color according to its orientation and the surrounding landscapes.
Must-See places in la Joliette
One of the places you absolutely must see in this neighborhood is the FRAC Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur building, located not far from the tramway. You can also explore the Voûtes de la Major, located a stone's throw from the Mucem and the Old Port. This is an ideal space for relaxation, with bars, restaurants, and various shops, all located at the foot of the majestic Cathedral of the Major.
The Pathé La Joliette cinema, which has 14 screens, allows you to watch movies in a cozy space with various themes such as the VIP Lounge room, the ScreenX room, a room dedicated to children, and the 4DX room.
Not far from Docks Village, Mx Experience will take you on an adventure aboard a flying Méhari! This charming neighborhood has a lot to show and offer; it's a true experience in itself! Its role as an economic and cultural hub is entirely appropriate, blending history, modernity, and resilience. The old alleyways peacefully coexist with the new infrastructure and offer a pleasant sight. But there's nothing better than visiting the places yourself to get an idea and let yourself be charmed, like many tourists and locals before you.
The Joliette shopping center today
A bustling place, La Joliette is also a shopping hub with Les Terrasses du Port, a large shopping center with a sea view. It is so popular that it received the "National Trophy for the Best Creation of a Shopping Center" in 2016. There are more than 190 shops accessible, as well as a large rooftop terrace. The whole gives the impression of being aboard a ship and offers an impressive view of important points of Marseille such as the If and Frioul islands, the port of La Joliette, and even the north of Marseille. For entertainment, a club is also installed and remains open until 2 a.m. Art galleries and restaurants are also located nearby.
The neighborhood of La Joliette in Marseille is a charming place! It's a great example of what Marseille does best, a quality place that makes you want to get lost to discover its rich history, but also to spend an incredible time and escape. The urban reinvention that the neighborhood has undergone is still very visible today and offers a surprising spectacle between past and present. Without denying its industrial past, the neighborhood has managed to give itself a new image to attract the largest number of people.