Notre Dame du Mont is an edgy and cool neighbourhood in Marseille that’s known for its vibrant nightlife scene and street art. It attracts a younger and more creative crowd of locals and tourists, from students and artists to musicians.
The neighbourhood is divided into 2 main areas – La Plaine and Cours Julien. Whether you want a relaxing night out or a night of dancing, you can go to either of these areas for a fun time. They are both lined with vast selections of bars and clubs that suit a myriad of tastes.
There are also several types of accommodation in the area that cater to different budgets and lifestyles. You can get a place nearby so that you don’t have to struggle to find your room after an incredible night of partying.
Notre Dame du Mont in Marseille - one of the highlights of 10 Most Popular Neighbourhoods in Marseille (Read all about Marseille here)
Foto de Bryce Edwards (CC BY 2.0) modificada
What are the highlights of Notre Dame du Mont?
Notre Dame du Mont is known for its nightlife scene. Cours Julien is at the heart of it all. It has excellent bars, restaurants and music venues. Although there are parties every day of the week, its biggest gatherings happen on Friday and Saturday nights.
In the mornings, the square is lined with food and bookstalls. Local florists usually fill up the square on Wednesdays, while antique bookstores take over on Saturdays and Sundays.
La Plaine also has no shortage of bars, boutiques, restaurants, and markets that resemble North African souks. Since this part of town is home to many Algerian immigrants, its markets are filled with kebabs, flatbread and sweet cakes.
If you travel to Marseille in March, you can witness the popular Carnaval de la Plaine et de Noailles, which takes place in La Plaine and Noailles. Locals will celebrate by partying in the streets, often dressed up in festive costumes.
Where to eat and drink in Notre Dame du Mont?
The drinking culture in Notre Dame du Mont is a bit more casual compared to other parts of France. Whether you’re in La Plaine or Cours Julien, locals often drink together in the streets. They love drinking their wine or beer outside of the bars, especially in the summer.
Espace Julien is a well-known music venue in the neighbourhood, where international and national performers play. Most bars have DJs during weekends, while some have live music from local acts.
As for the culinary scene, it’s as diverse as other districts in Marseille. You’ll have several European-, Asian- and African-themed restaurants to choose from here.
Like the restaurants and bars in the area, the shops and boutiques are quirky and eclectic. You can get everything from vintage clothes and vinyl records to handmade souvenirs in Cours Julien.
Foto de Fred Romero (CC BY 2.0) modificada
How to get around Notre Dame du Mont?
Located near the Old Port, Notre Dame du Mont is accessible through public transportation. However, walking is the most efficient and budget-friendly way to explore this lively bohemian neighbourhood. It’s only a 10-minute walk away from the port.
Driving around Marseille, in general, used to be very difficult because of the lack of parking spaces. Due to efforts to rejuvenate areas like Notre Dame du Mont, there are now more paid parking spaces in the area.
An alternative way to travel would be on a bike. Thanks to the Le Velo bike-sharing scheme, you can rent and drop off bikes at 100+ stations in the city. You have to subscribe online beforehand. At these stations, they only take credit cards with chips.
If you want to move to another area in Marseille, you can head to Notre Dame du Mont station, which is part of Marseille Metro Line 2. It’s located close to a parish church of the same name. This tube station operates in La Plaine and Notre Dame du Mont. Some of the bus lines that pass by the metro include 70, 74, and 97.
Notre Dame du Mont in Marseille
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