Place de la Joliette

The Docks, a 19th-century industrial landmark

Built between 1858 and 1864 by engineer Gustave Desplaces, the Docks of Marseille were a vast port complex designed to store goods passing through the harbor. With their monumental stone façades stretching 365 meters, and their modular warehouses, they reflected the commercial and maritime strength of the city.

Docks Village: contemporary revival

After a long decline in the 20th century, the Docks underwent major renovation. In 2015, part of the building was redeveloped as Docks Village, a modern transformation of the inner courtyards into a vibrant gallery filled with designer boutiques, restaurants, cafés, and cultural venues. The atmosphere is lively and modern, offering a contrast with the industrial and heritage character of the original building.

Do not confuse: the Docks refer to the historic building as a whole, while Docks Village designates the renovated public areas.

Place de la Joliette and its historic fountain

Right in front of the monumental façade of the Docks lies Place de la Joliette, a large square redeveloped as part of the Euroméditerranée project. At its center stands the Coste Fountain, designed in 1841 by architect Xavier Pascal Coste and later moved here after first decorating the Cours Belsunce. With its neoclassical basins and lion-head spouts, it serves as a visual and historical landmark, bridging Marseille’s rich heritage with the modern urban fabric of the Joliette district.

Cours and Place Paul-Ricard: the spirit of the South

Created alongside Docks Village, the Cours Paul-Ricard and Place Paul-Ricard honor the founder of the famous Marseille pastis. These lively spaces host terraces, events, and gatherings that celebrate the Mediterranean lifestyle, bridging popular tradition with modern commerce.

The House of Pastis: between tradition and discovery

Nearby, the House of Pastis offers visitors an immersion into the world of this iconic drink. More than a boutique, it is a place of memory and tasting, showcasing hundreds of varieties of pastis and anise spirits that highlight the richness of this cultural heritage.

The House of Anise – Maison Yellow

Located in Docks Village, the House of Anise, now known as Maison Yellow, was launched by Pernod Ricard France as an innovative, experiential venue. With interactive exhibits, sensory journeys, and a concept store, it reinvents the discovery of anise by blending heritage and modernity. It also features a bar-restaurant serving cocktails and Mediterranean dishes in a convivial atmosphere.

A district between memory and innovation

From Place de la Joliette with its historic fountain, to the Docks reborn as Docks Village, and the Cours Paul-Ricard, the House of Pastis, and Maison Yellow, this part of Marseille perfectly illustrates the dialogue between port heritage, popular culture, and urban innovation.