A stroll through the Réformés district

This itinerary lets you explore the Réformés district on foot, ideally located in Marseille's 1st arrondissement. Come and discover the many architectural curiosities hidden within.

In the Réformés district, you'll have to look up to see the sights we're about to show you.

The starting point for this walk is opposite the Eglise des Réformés (1), built in neo-Gothic style. Although its spires rise to a height of 75 meters, it holds no special place in the hearts of Marseillais.

Walk up the Cours Franklin Roosevelt until you come to the Maison Castel (2).

Retrace your steps and turn right into rue Saint-Savournin. Cross Boulevard de la Libération and continue straight ahead on Rue Bernex. When you reach boulevard Longchamp, walk a few meters down the boulevard to stop briefly at number 18. This is where you'll come across the first high relief dedicated to the Virgin Mary (3).

Cross Boulevard Longchamp and take Boulevard National almost opposite to reach the building at number 9 (4).

Continue along rue de la Rotonde, which runs along the north side of the Picon factory. Number 63 is the birthplace of Gaby Deslys, the internationally-renowned (in her day) singer and music-hall star who owned a sublime "folie" on the Corniche, the Villa Gaby (285 Corniche Kennedy).

Admire the decorative elements of the entrance porch at number 16, headquarters of the "Les Excursionnistes de Marseille" association (5). A few more steps and you'll arrive at Place Alexandre Labadie (6).

Turn right into Rue des Héros and follow it all the way up. At the far right, you'll see a large statue of a golden Virgin (7).

Staying on the sidewalk on the Virgin's side, walk down Boulevard de la Liberté, looking up to admire the richly-decorated façade with its expressive faces and cat's mouths. The entrance, at number 46, is also adorned with two atlatls. However, we can't tell you the name of the architect. It's not known.

At 23 rue de la Grande Armée, you'll discover a Greek Orthodox church (8). Then you reach Square Stalingrad, where you'll find a beautiful Art Nouveau fountain, the Danaïdes fountain (9). This square is particularly pleasant, as it is well shaded. Go downhill a little further and take the allée Gambetta.

Three points of interest stand side by side: The Monument des Mobiles (10), the Byzantine building (11) and the Zarafa giraffe (12).

The stroll ends on the upper part of the Canebière, renowned for its cultural and leisure establishments: the Artplexe cinema (13), with its rooftop café-restaurant, the Théâtre de l'Odéon (14) and the Théâtre du Gymnase (15).