Experience Transat

Where to Find Local Artisans in Marseille

Share the article

Table of Contents

Marseille is a city which is rich in history and has some unique shops to visit. The local artisans of Marseille depicts the culture and art of the oldest city of France with influence from neighbouring Italy, Spain and Africa.

The artisan community in Marseille flourishes and there are many opportunities to pick up unique souvenirs and gifts in various neighbourhoods.

ALSO READ: The Top Things to Do in Marseille

Maison Empereur

There are some incredible stores in Marseille but Maison Empereur remains the best of them all. The same family has owned this hardware store since 1827 and it remains the oldest in France and an icon in Marseille.

Not your typical hardware store, it’s worth taking a look. Here you’ll find everything from vintage toys to modern upscale provencal kitchen supplies.

Maison Empereur

4 Rue des Récolettes

13001 Marseille, France

La Grande Savonnerie

Marseille is famous for making soaps and the soap making shops in Marseille are outstanding. While you can’t go wrong with a local producer, many of the items for sale weren’t made by the local shop and some may not even by those in the region.

But you can trust La Grande Savonnerie, which is known for both its selection and very reasonable prices. Soap is made locally using local olive oil and without artificial additives.

La Grande Savonnerie

1 Rue Henri Fiocca

13001 Marseille, France

Le Panier

Also known as the Old City, Le Panier feels like a charming village that will take you back in time. You can spend the entire afternoon wandering the old streets, popping into vintage interior stores and basking in the sunny cafes.

If you like to see things first hand there are also a number of artisanal workshops, where creatives throw pots, weave blankets, cast candles and whittle sculptures. When you want a break from shopping visit the nearby 19th century Marseille cathedral – Cathedral of Saint Mary Major.

Unity

Interior design lovers flock to this unique store owned by an architect and a designer. It’s the perfect place to find one of a kind pieces from local artisans, with unique items like Boom-Art skateboards, unique pieces of artwork and local photography.

Unity

207 rue Paradis

Marseille, France 13002

UndARTground

This store caters to those looking to find work in the local underground street art scene. A gallery and colourful store it features local graffiti artists and has kitschy souvenirs from colouring books and stickers to artist prints and artbook.

UndARTGround

21 Rue des Repenties

13002 Marseille, France

Les Dock Village

This renovated warehouse has been turned into a series of designer stores with local artisans from Marseille. You can spend the day here browsing high end designers and stop in at one of the many eateries housed in this historical building.

The comments and contributions expressed are assumed only by the author. The recommendations, intentions or opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Transat AT Inc. or its affiliates. See terms of use of the Air Transat website.

You may also like

Here are a few ideas on how to make the most of the Alpine winter, even if you’re more of an “après-ski by the open fire” type.
Out of the almost 500 UNESCO sites in Europe, here are 12 that, according to us, must be seen in a lifetime.
Here’s a dream itinerary for a French Riviera trip with your best friend, including beaches, historic towns, rooftop restaurants and more.
Don’t feel guilty for not attempting to see everything, there’s always more for the next trip to Paris. In the meantime don’t miss these 6 best things to see at the Louvre.

Travel with Air Transat