La Joliette and the wider Euroméditerranée district form Marseille's redeveloped northern waterfront, all modern architecture, shopping centres and business towers. With strong rail and ferry connections and the MuCEM close by, it feels newer and more corporate than the historic core and suits travellers who prize convenience and contemporary comforts.
The district runs north from Fort Saint-Jean and the MuCEM past the restored Les Docks building and the Terrasses du Port shopping mall, toward the ferry terminal. It's clean, spacious and business-like, busy by day and quieter in the evenings once offices empty, with less of the old-town charm found around the Vieux-Port.
Getting around
Joliette metro and tram stops serve the area, and it's a short walk or metro ride south to the Old Port; the ferry terminal and Saint-Charles station are both close, and the airport shuttle runs from Saint-Charles to Provence (MRS).
Before you book this area
- Vibe
- Modern, corporate and orderly — think glass towers and malls rather than cobbled lanes.
- Transport
- Excellent, with metro, tram, the main ferry terminal and easy reach of Saint-Charles station.
- Watch out for
- It can feel quiet and lacking in atmosphere after business hours.
Frequently asked
Is La Joliette convenient for ferries and trains?
Very — it's beside the main ferry terminal and close to Saint-Charles station, making it a practical base for onward travel or a Corsica crossing.
Does it have the charm of old Marseille?
Not really. It's a modern redevelopment, so if you want historic character choose Le Panier or the Old Port; La Joliette is about comfort and connections.
Comparing areas? See the full Marseille area guide →
An independent guide to La Joliette & Euroméditerranée, Marseille — honest orientation, no invented data.