Marché de Noailles
Marché de Noailles
4
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.0
127 reviews
Excellent
43
Very good
44
Average
25
Poor
4
Terrible
11
Dimitris L
Sydney, Australia42,559 contributions
Aug 2019
We were walking around the streets of Marseille and suddenly this great Market area appeared in front of us. We had no idea it existed. It literally transports you to a different world. The types of goods you can find here are probably hard to find elsewhere. But what is striking is the terrific atmosphere all around. Lots of people moving about and having the time of their life. Well, we did.
Written July 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
johnhouston2
Knaresborough, UK4,702 contributions
Feb 2016 • Couples
By all means come here to look at the market, but please don't restrict yourself to gazing at fruit, vegetables and fish - there is so much more to enjoy here. Of all the areas I have visited in Marseille, Noailles is the most atmospheric by far.
Arguably, when you are down by the Vieux Port or the Corniche you could be anywhere in France or the Mediterranean. Everything is very nice, but it is also very touristy. Noailles on the other hand simply oozes the atmosphere of old Marseille. It is scruffy, chaotic and exotic. This is the image of Marseille I had in mind before I ever got here. This is the Marseille with a strong Arabic and North African influence.
So by all means look at the excellent market stalls, but take time to wander the side streets to find shops full of loose spices, dried fruit and nuts. Or others with an array of Arabic pots, pans, tagines and other fantastic cooking utensils. And if you are hungry, grab a slice of authentic Arabic bread straight from the griddle, or try a filled "brick", or slice of pizza. And if you want to save on the holiday budget you can eat in restaurants and cafes here for a fraction of what you would pay down by the old port.
I note that some previous reviewers suggest that the area seems a little seedy or dangerous. If you are of a nervous disposition, by all means keep clear at night, but during the day you will be perfectly all right as long as you take the normal precautions re handbags, wallets etc. But these rules of common sense apply almost everywhere these days, not just Noailles.
Quite simply, if you want to feel the real atmosphere of Marseille - you must visit Noaillles.
Arguably, when you are down by the Vieux Port or the Corniche you could be anywhere in France or the Mediterranean. Everything is very nice, but it is also very touristy. Noailles on the other hand simply oozes the atmosphere of old Marseille. It is scruffy, chaotic and exotic. This is the image of Marseille I had in mind before I ever got here. This is the Marseille with a strong Arabic and North African influence.
So by all means look at the excellent market stalls, but take time to wander the side streets to find shops full of loose spices, dried fruit and nuts. Or others with an array of Arabic pots, pans, tagines and other fantastic cooking utensils. And if you are hungry, grab a slice of authentic Arabic bread straight from the griddle, or try a filled "brick", or slice of pizza. And if you want to save on the holiday budget you can eat in restaurants and cafes here for a fraction of what you would pay down by the old port.
I note that some previous reviewers suggest that the area seems a little seedy or dangerous. If you are of a nervous disposition, by all means keep clear at night, but during the day you will be perfectly all right as long as you take the normal precautions re handbags, wallets etc. But these rules of common sense apply almost everywhere these days, not just Noailles.
Quite simply, if you want to feel the real atmosphere of Marseille - you must visit Noaillles.
Written February 23, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Patricia P
Marseille, France5 contributions
Sep 2018 • Solo
I've visited this district several times (a woman and alone) as a visitor to Marseille and so far I haven't felt intimidated or uncomfortable. I dress more conservatively and get better treatment. Case in point, the first time I went into my now favorite café, Le Rif, facing the market place. I was attracted by the North African pâtisseries and ordered a mint tea. Service was cold and formal, minimal eye contact, but in an Islamic sense this is being polite to an unknown woman. I played it cool and expressed the same formality. I sat outside and watched passer-bys. When I paid, I sensed that the owner and the group of men were very curious. I'd been listening to the Algerian raï music playing in the café and casually asked if it was Hasni. This ignited smiles and excited explanations...yes it was Cheb Hasni, a beloved Algerian singer, now sadly deceased. Tip: sense the vibes of your environment and if you feel the timing's right, ask a question, offer a compliment on what you're eating, etc. It could create a memorable travel moment.
So yes, there are lots of North African people. This doesn't bother me but if people speaking Arabic concerns you, cross Marseille off your travel list. You'll look for signs of trouble everywhere you go, perhaps even successfully provoke someone to lose patience and insult you, and you'll have a tense, terrible time.
Other posters commented on feeling unsafe. In general, Marseille has a rough charm to it and people aren't shy about expressing themselves. Respect (how it's expressed and how other perceive it) is a key issue. It's not unusual to hear locals exchanging words in an over-inflated dispute. Each person wants to have the last word. Then it's over. So if someone blows up at you, stay calm but don't take it personally.
Everyone I met who spoke Arabic also spoke French. It helps greatly if you speak French, but if you don't, request things with a smile and polite gesture. Merchants are very used to seeing tourists so if you meet them halfway, they'll find a way to communicate.
As other posters mentioned, there are interesting shops with spices, soap, etc. If you're staying in studio or Airbnb during your visit and can cook your meals, the meat sold in this district is good quality and at a good price. After I visit the market, I buy fruits and some takeaway and walk down to the Vieille Porte for a picnic.
So yes, there are lots of North African people. This doesn't bother me but if people speaking Arabic concerns you, cross Marseille off your travel list. You'll look for signs of trouble everywhere you go, perhaps even successfully provoke someone to lose patience and insult you, and you'll have a tense, terrible time.
Other posters commented on feeling unsafe. In general, Marseille has a rough charm to it and people aren't shy about expressing themselves. Respect (how it's expressed and how other perceive it) is a key issue. It's not unusual to hear locals exchanging words in an over-inflated dispute. Each person wants to have the last word. Then it's over. So if someone blows up at you, stay calm but don't take it personally.
Everyone I met who spoke Arabic also spoke French. It helps greatly if you speak French, but if you don't, request things with a smile and polite gesture. Merchants are very used to seeing tourists so if you meet them halfway, they'll find a way to communicate.
As other posters mentioned, there are interesting shops with spices, soap, etc. If you're staying in studio or Airbnb during your visit and can cook your meals, the meat sold in this district is good quality and at a good price. After I visit the market, I buy fruits and some takeaway and walk down to the Vieille Porte for a picnic.
Written November 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
FordPrefectII
Singapore, Singapore1,047 contributions
May 2013 • Couples
One is transported into a different world while walking around the Noaille Markets. Buzzing with activity, this is reminiscent of the bazaars of Marrakesh or Cairo. At any rate, one forgets that Marseille is still in France. The colourful fabrics, the herbs and spices, and the exotic produce on offer are only the beginning. The air is heavy with mingled scents of street food, promising to make a quick and delicious lunch. The vendors are friendly and shout bargains for their wares. The human element is unmistakable.
In the vicinity are plenty of restaurants offering Moroccan, Tunisian, Lebanese cuisines. The food is wholesome and hearty, and the price is unbelievable. Desserts like Turkish delights, baklavas and semolina cakes are served with strong mint tea. It is a completely different dining experience from the standard French fare.
This area is definitely a must-see for visitors. You have not visited Marseille until you have walked around the Noaille markets.
In the vicinity are plenty of restaurants offering Moroccan, Tunisian, Lebanese cuisines. The food is wholesome and hearty, and the price is unbelievable. Desserts like Turkish delights, baklavas and semolina cakes are served with strong mint tea. It is a completely different dining experience from the standard French fare.
This area is definitely a must-see for visitors. You have not visited Marseille until you have walked around the Noaille markets.
Written May 10, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
busyeater
New Westminster, Canada938 contributions
Feb 2018 • Couples
The whole area is a slice of real life. Loved it. Lots of fresh fish at remarkably low prices plus gorgeous displays of fruits and vegetables. We didn't spend much time here so will have to go back and investigate more of the shops selling olives, nuts, daily staples. I didn't feel in the least bit unsafe or intimidated and no one was staring at us. We were careful wth our wallets but that's true of snywhere. I think if I lived in Marseille, I'd shop here a lot. Tuesday morning it was quiet, I think, and that was just the right amount of busy. Good cheap street eats and places selling prepared foods for take out. For sure, we're going back.
Written February 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
bombaybeauty
New York City, NY260 contributions
Jul 2019
It's an authentic window in to the Arab world of Marseille. All kinds of vendors, from meat, to breads, to sweets.
Written February 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dafne07
Vienna, Austria1,866 contributions
Sep 2017 • Family
Market is nothing special but there are two shops worth coming for. One is already mentioned spice shop. They have everything possible you can think of and about 50% on top of things you didn't even know that existed. It's simply overwhelming. Spices, salts, peppers, dried fruits and nuts and lot of other things. Great.
Second shop is Maison Empereur which is massive two floor kitchen/household/toys store kind of like the old style. Something for the whole family.
Second shop is Maison Empereur which is massive two floor kitchen/household/toys store kind of like the old style. Something for the whole family.
Written September 24, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jacq1962
Halifax, UK63 contributions
Sep 2017 • Couples
Found this small market by accident and it gave an insight into "real" life. There are plenty of stalls selling meat, veg, friuts, spices and seems to cater mainly towards African and Asian customers.
It can be quite intimidating though and I'm not sure I'd go there on my own althugh I didn't see anything wrong.
It can be quite intimidating though and I'm not sure I'd go there on my own althugh I didn't see anything wrong.
Written September 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sean O
London, England, United Kingdom50 contributions
May 2015 • Friends
A great ethnic market showcasing the vast produce and food of the difference minorities that have settled in the city for many generations. You get a taste of ethnic street food as well as fresh pizzas sold by Armenian and North African vendors. Also there are a few bakerys that sell baguettes that can compete with the French bakeries outside the quarter. One pointer though, if you are of Asian ethnicity or any foreign to the people there, you will be stared at like a monkey in an aristocrats' party.
Written May 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
46749
Fayetteville, AR613 contributions
Apr 2014 • Couples
We were expecting this market to be like the ones that we visited in Morocco and it was a little disappointing, but there is a lot to be had here. If you look hard enough you might find it. We did not feel as comfortable in this market as we did in the ones in North Africa. They were much more welcoming. Maybe it was the large man that got in my wife's face yelling at her in some foreign tongue. We had no idea what he was saying, but we did not feel welcome here and left in a hurry.
Written March 10, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
What days of the week is the market open?
Aheard
9 contributions
Is the market open everyday or just a few?
GretaDahling
Seattle, WA17 contributions
The earlier you arrive the better. Everything closes down around (or before 7 pm).
Marché de Noailles (Marseille) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Marché de Noailles
- Marché de Noailles is open:
- Mon - Sat 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- We recommend booking Marché de Noailles tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 4 Marché de Noailles tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Marché de Noailles:
- (0.01 mi) Appartements Design Marseille
- (0.04 mi) Sherwood
- (0.04 mi) Hotel Mercure Marseille Canebière
- (0.06 mi) Hotel Maison Saint Louis
- (0.06 mi) Hotel ibis Styles Marseille Vieux Port
- Restaurants near Marché de Noailles:
- (0.02 mi) Aux Pays des Delices
- (0.03 mi) Prinder
- (0.03 mi) Pizzeria du Marché
- (0.03 mi) Patisserie Orientale Tanite
- (0.07 mi) La Mercerie