The Cours Julien in Marseille
The "Cours Ju"...
The "Cours Ju" once had a very different purpose: it was the true heart of Marseille, housing the wholesale and retail market for fruits and vegetables from 1860 until around 1970. The Cours Julien, along with La Plaine, were the main commercial exchange hubs for fruits and vegetables in the Phocaean city. Farmers from nearby towns and villages such as Plan-de-Cuques, Château-Gombert, La Pomme, Mazargues, and Bonneveine would bring their harvests here, which were then stored in wholesalers' warehouses or sold in the open air. The market, which stretched along the Cours, was animated by the loud and lively voices of the "Partisanes" (semi-wholesalers), whose voices still echo in the memories of the people of Marseille.
...History
Starting in the 1960s, the City of Marseille began efforts to relieve congestion in the city center and the Cours Julien by consolidating all wholesale activities into a single location. The municipality planned to concentrate the fruit and vegetable trade on one dedicated site, thereby freeing up space in the heart of the city.
Top 10 Things to Do at Cours Julien
1. **Watch the Pétanque Players at Place Carli:** Observe the skillful techniques of pétanque players at Place Carli.
2. **Visit the La Licorne Soap Factory:** Discover the artisanal soap-making process at La Licorne, with daily tours from Monday to Saturday at 11 AM, 3 PM, and 4 PM.
3. **Spot the Ephemeral Creations of Street Artists:** Hunt for temporary street art installations by local and international artists throughout the urban space.
4. **Listen to Renowned or Emerging Organists:** Attend lunchtime organ recitals every Tuesday at Notre-Dame du Mont Church.
5. **Shop at the Wednesday Market:** Explore the local market on Wednesdays and meet regional producers.
6. **Enjoy a Night Out in the Neighborhood:** Plan an evening in the district, home to numerous venues for nightlife, including concert halls, theaters, and dance clubs.
7. **Go Shopping for Unique Finds:** Schedule a shopping trip to discover the neighborhood's boutiques and thrift stores.
8. **Take a Guided Graffiti and Street Art Tour:** Join a guided tour on select days led by an expert from the tourist office.
9. **Spend Time at Cours Julien Square:** Enjoy the various events hosted on the square, including an antique and second-hand book market on the second Saturday of each month and a creator's market in May, June, September, and December.
10. **Sunday Brunch at Mama Shelter:** Treat yourself to a Sunday brunch at Mama Shelter.
Restaurants, Art, and Thrift Shops
The Cours Julien, located in Marseille's 6th arrondissement, has been ranked the 10th coolest neighborhood in the world by the British magazine *Time Out*, far ahead of Le Marais in Paris.
The Cours Julien is easily accessible on foot from the Vieux-Port, taking about ten minutes with a slight uphill walk. You can also reach it by taking the metro (line 2) and getting off at the "Notre-Dame du Mont" station.