2 rue Antoine Becker

Located on Place de la Major, directly facing the cathedral and in the heart of the historic Panier district, the Hôtel de Police—better known as “L’Évêché”—occupies the former Episcopal Palace of Marseille. Built as early as 1648, this grand building once housed the city’s bishops. Following the 1905 law on the separation of Church and State, it was converted into the central Police Headquarters in 1908.

Even today, the site impresses with its classical architecture, dressed stone façades, monumental gateway, and interior courtyards. It has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1978. In 1950, a modern annex was added to expand the facilities.

Although it remains a secure government building and is not open to casual visits, it continues to intrigue passersby and tourists with its noble appearance and religious past. The European Heritage Days offer one of the rare opportunities to explore its interior.

The Archbishop’s seat, meanwhile, is now located near Notre-Dame de la Garde, at 4–14 Place du Colonel Édon.