How long does it take to walk from MuCEM to Le Silo?

The walk takes approximately 90 to 120 minutes. This includes time to appreciate the architecture at the six major stops and enjoy the sea views along the Quai du Lazaret.

Is the MuCEM area accessible for strollers?

Yes, the area is very stroller-friendly. The waterfront promenade is wide and flat, and both the MuCEM building and the nearby shopping centers have modern elevator access.

Can I visit the interior of the buildings on this walk?

Yes, most buildings are open to the public. While the exteriors are the focus, you can enter the MuCEM hall, the Docks Village courtyards, and the Terrasses du Port mall for free.

What is the best time of day for this Marseille waterfront walk?

Late afternoon is ideal. The setting sun illuminates the MuCEM's concrete lattice and provides a beautiful backdrop over the Mediterranean Sea for photos.

Is it worth walking to Le Silo?

Absolutely, especially for fans of industrial architecture. Seeing how a 1920s grain silo was preserved and turned into a theater is a highlight of Marseille's urban renewal.

What landmarks are included in this Marseille walking route?

Key landmarks include the MuCEM, the cantilevered Villa Méditerranée, the historic Fort Saint-Jean, the renovated Docks Village, and the iconic Silo theater.

Are there places to eat along the Joliette waterfront?

Yes, there are many options. Les Docks Village and Les Terrasses du Port offer a wide variety of cafes and restaurants ranging from quick snacks to sit-down meals with sea views.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Experience the striking transformation of Marseille’s coastline on this self-guided walk through the heart of the Euroméditerranée project. This walking route takes you from the historic foundations of the city to the cutting-edge architectural marvels of the 21st century. Marseille has long been a gateway to the Mediterranean, but the recent 'renaissance' of the La Joliette district has redefined its skyline, blending industrial heritage with bold, modern design. On this neighborhood stroll, you will witness how former grain silos and shipping warehouses have been reborn as cultural hubs and luxury retail spaces. The journey begins at the iconic MuCEM, a masterpiece of contemporary architecture that seems to float between the sky and the sea. From here, you will explore the intricate connection between the old and the new, crossing high-altitude footbridges that link 17th-century fortifications to sleek concrete structures. As you move north along the waterfront, the atmosphere shifts from the contemplative halls of museums to the vibrant energy of the maritime docks. You will discover the Villa Méditerranée, home to a fascinating prehistoric replica, and Les Docks Village, a series of historic warehouses now filled with artisanal shops and hidden courtyards. This architecture-focused stroll is perfect for those who want to understand the modern identity of France’s oldest city. Whether you are interested in the engineering of 'Le Silo' or the panoramic sea views from 'Les Terrasses du Port,' this route offers a comprehensive look at Marseille’s urban evolution. This self-guided walk allows you to linger at the viewpoints that interest you most without the pressure of a group. It is one of the most visually rewarding ways to explore Marseille, offering plenty of opportunities for photography and a deep dive into the city's maritime soul. If you are looking for a walking tour Marseille experience that highlights the city's future as much as its past, this route through La Joliette is the ideal choice.

Highlights

Marvel at the MuCEM’s 'concrete lace' architecture designed by Rudy Ricciotti

Cross the high-altitude footbridge linking Fort Saint-Jean to the modern waterfront

Explore the Villa Méditerranée and its record-breaking cantilevered structure

Stroll through the award-winning renovation of the 19th-century Docks Village

Enjoy panoramic views of the Mediterranean from the Terrasses du Port

See Le Silo, a former grain warehouse turned into a world-class theater

Tour Stops (6)

Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations (MuCEM)

Welcome to the MuCEM, the crown jewel of Marseille’s modern waterfront. Designed by architect Rudy Ricciotti and opened in 2013 when Marseille was the European Capital of Culture, this building is a feat of engineering. Notice the 'concrete lace' that wraps around the structure; it is designed to filter the intense Mediterranean light while allowing the sea breeze to pass through. The MuCEM is the first national museum in France dedicated to the cultures of the Mediterranean. It sits on reclaimed land known as the J4 pier, serving as a symbolic bridge between the city’s ancient history and its global future. Take a moment to walk the external ramps for stunning views of the lighthouse and the sea.

Villa Méditerranée

Adjacent to the MuCEM stands the Villa Méditerranée, an architectural marvel known for its daring cantilever. The structure extends 40 meters over a water basin, with an equal portion located underwater. Designed by Stefano Boeri, it was originally intended as a center for international dialogue. Today, it houses the Cosquer Méditerranée, a faithful replica of the prehistoric Cosquer Cave discovered by divers in the nearby Calanques. The building’s white, minimalist aesthetic provides a sharp contrast to the dark, intricate lattice of its neighbor, the MuCEM, showcasing the diversity of contemporary French design along this rejuvenated coastline.

Fort Saint-Jean

Connected to the MuCEM by a slender footbridge, Fort Saint-Jean dates back to the 17th century. Built by Louis XIV, it was designed more to keep an eye on the rebellious citizens of Marseille than to defend against invaders from the sea. Today, it has been integrated into the museum complex, offering a peaceful labyrinth of gardens, vaulted stone passages, and ramparts. As you wander through the 'Jardin des Migrations,' you can see how the historic stone walls have been preserved and repurposed. This site perfectly illustrates the theme of this walking route: the seamless blending of Marseille’s military past with its cultural present.

Les Terrasses du Port

As we head north into the Joliette district, we reach Les Terrasses du Port. While it is a premier shopping destination, its architectural significance lies in how it reconnected the people of Marseille with their waterfront. For decades, this area was a closed industrial port. This building features a massive 260-meter-long terrace that offers an unobstructed view of the ferries departing for Corsica and North Africa. It represents the commercial heart of the Euroméditerranée project, turning a former shipping zone into a vibrant public space where the city meets the sea.

Les Docks Village

Les Docks Village is perhaps the best example of 'adaptive reuse' in the city. Originally built in the mid-19th century as a series of warehouses for paper, wheat, and spices, these massive stone structures were once the largest in Marseille. In the 1990s and 2010s, they underwent a massive renovation. Today, the Docks are home to four distinct courtyards—Place du Port, Place de l'Hôtel, Place des Palmiers, and Place du Marché—each decorated with unique tiles, plants, and art. It is a peaceful, stylish retreat from the bustle of the city, housing offices, boutiques, and cafes within its thick, historic walls.

Le Silo

Our walk concludes at Le Silo, a striking industrial monument. Built in 1927, this was once a functioning grain silo that played a vital role in Marseille’s port economy. Rather than being demolished when it fell into disuse, it was transformed into a world-class theater and concert hall. The architects preserved the original vertical concrete lines and the massive silos themselves, which now house dressing rooms and technical spaces. Le Silo stands as a powerful reminder of Marseille’s industrial roots and its commitment to creative regeneration, marking the northern boundary of the waterfront’s architectural renaissance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Waterfront Renaissance route is highly recommended. It covers the 1.5-mile stretch from MuCEM to Le Silo, highlighting the city's modern architectural transformation and industrial heritage.