10 Of Marseille's Best Markets

Marseille has some fantastic markets that sell everything from fish to clothes to African spices. Here’s our list of the best ten.

Marché au Poisson (fish market)

Market, French

The fish market is the most famous of Marseille’s markets. It began in 1909 in the old port and hasn’t moved since. It takes place every morning of the year, but get there early to be sure to find the fish you want.

Opening hours: daily, 8am to 1pm

Marché Place Jean Jaurès (food, household and clothing)

This is where the locals shop and it’s reflected in the cheaper prices. Place Jean Jaurès is known to the locals as la plaine (literally “the plain”), because it’s the flat part in an otherwise hilly area.

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 7:30 am to 1:30 pm

Marché Avenue du Prado (everything)

Market

This is another locals market that takes up one entire side of the large Avenue du Prado (from Castellane metro station onward). It sells everything from food to clothes to household items. It can get busy, so turn up early.

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 7:30am to 1:30pm

Marché Capucins (herbs, spices and African foods)

Market

The market in the centre of Marseille is one of the noisiest and messiest but also one of the most interesting. Don’t be intimidated by the hustle and bustle – get stuck in it. It sells everything from food to household items, but it’s noteworthy because you can find lots of fresh herbs and spices here, some that are uncommon to Northern European or American cuisines.

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 8am to 7pm

Marché Cours Julien (fruit, vegetables and local produce)

Market

The Cours Julien is an eclectic and interesting place to hang out, and the market is a favourite with people who like to look at the street art and window-shop at the quirky independent stores.

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 8am to 1pm.

Mega Vide Greniers (antiques, household and clothes)

Every Sunday there is a giant car-boot sale, just by the hippodrome. Vide grenier literally means “to empty the loft” and it’s a favourite French pastime to search for bargains in other people’s unwanted items. Check their Facebook page for updates and times.

Marché Centre Commercial les Puces (antiques)

Market

For over 20 years there has been a flea market here. There’s a covered market selling antiques and bric-a-brac, as well as outdoor fruit and vegetable stalls.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:30am to 7:30pm.

Marché Canebière (food)

Market

This little market is on one of the most famous streets in Marseille; it’s one of the main thoroughfares in the centre of town. The market is small and a great place to pick up some fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as artisanal products, like yummy bread.

Opening hours: Tuesdays and Saturdays, 8am to 1pm

Marché Carré Mery (local artisans)

Market

At the foot of the Hotel Intercontinental behind the Old Port you’ll find the small square called Place 23 Janvier 1943. It’s here that there’s a small market every Thursday with produce from local growers.

Opening hours: Thursdays, 1pm to 6pm

Marché Square Stalingrad (flowers and plants)

Market

This little flower market is very central, near the big avenue Canebière. An ideal place for a stroll to pick up a bouquet of fresh flowers.

Opening hours: Tuesdays and Saturdays, 8am to 1pm

About the author

Alex Ledsom

English writer in France. Swapped a hectic life in the city of London for an easy-going southern French vibe. I still work just as hard but on my own terms and on my own time. I enjoy travelling, writing, working, hanging out with friends and family... and of course meeting the amazing people and seeing the wonderful things this country has to offer. www.alexledsom.com