Vieux-Port Hôtel de Ville

The Vieux-Port Hôtel de Ville metro station

The Vieux-Port metro station in Marseille is a station on line 1 of the Marseille metro, which links the city’s northern districts to the Vieux-Port, one of Marseille’s most emblematic landmarks.

The Vieux-Port station is located near the Quai des Belges, close to the Vieux-Port itself, the city’s historic port. It’s surrounded by numerous sights, restaurants, bars and shops, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

The Vieux-Port metro station is underground, with access from Rue de la République and Rue Beauvau. It is also connected to an underground parking lot, making it easy to access by car. What’s more, the station is well served by bus routes, making it easy to connect with other parts of Marseille.

Thanks to its central location, the Vieux-Port metro station is an ideal starting point for exploring the Vieux-Port, the Panier district (the city’s oldest neighborhood) and other tourist attractions in Marseille, such as the Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde basilica and the MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations).

Like most stations built during the construction of the line, this station is built on two levels:

• surface level: entrance, escalator access, ticket sales and stamping, reception area
• underground level: opposite tracks and central platform.

The station has a single platform, serving both metro tracks. The murals are by Pierre-Alain Hubert.

Inauguration of the station

Marseille’s Vieux-Port metro station was inaugurated on November 26, 1977. It was on this date that line 1 of the Marseille metro opened to the public, and the Vieux-Port station was one of the initial stations on this line. Since then, the station has continued to operate, welcoming passengers wishing to visit the Vieux-Port or explore the surrounding area.

Where does the name come from?

The name of Marseille’s “Vieux-Port” metro station comes directly from its location. As its name suggests, the station is located close to Marseille’s Vieux-Port, the city’s historic port and one of its most emblematic sites.

The Vieux-Port is steeped in history and culture, and has been the economic and commercial heart of Marseille for centuries. The choice of the name “Vieux-Port” for the metro station is therefore a direct reference to this central and lively area of the city.

The Vieux-Port is a busy place for locals and visitors alike, with restaurants, stores, markets and tourist attractions all within easy reach. The Vieux-Port metro station offers convenient access to this popular area, allowing people to move around the city easily and enjoy all that the Vieux-Port has to offer.

Wher to go from Vieux-Port Hôtel de Ville ?

From Marseille’s Vieux-Port metro station, you have many options for exploring the city. Here are some popular destinations you can reach from this station:

• The Vieux-Port itself: Just a short walk from the station, you can enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Vieux-Port, strolling along the quays, admiring the boats and sampling local specialties in the many restaurants and cafés.
• The Panier district: Heading north from the station, you’ll reach the Panier district, Marseille’s oldest neighborhood. Stroll through its picturesque alleyways, discover its artisan stores, visit the Vieille Charité (a former hospice turned museum) and enjoy the bohemian atmosphere.
• Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde: From the Vieux-Port metro station, you can take a bus or walk to the Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, overlooking Marseille from the hill. This magnificent basilica offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the sea.
• MuCEM (Musée des Civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée): Crossing the Vieux-Port from the station, you’ll arrive at the MuCEM, a modern museum dedicated to the history and cultures of Europe and the Mediterranean. Here you can discover fascinating exhibits and enjoy its superb architecture.
• The Corniche and the beaches: Take a bus from the station to the Corniche Kennedy, a superb coastal road offering superb views of the Mediterranean Sea. You can also access Marseille’s beaches, such as Plage des Catalans, for sunbathing and swimming.

These suggestions are just a few of the many possibilities in Marseille. The Vieux-Port metro station is an ideal starting point for exploring the city’s historic center, lively neighborhoods and iconic attractions.

Numerous public transport lines pass through Colbert metro station: 31, 32, 70, 89, 97, 509, 518, 526, 530, 533, 535, 540, 582, 583, 41, 61, 80, 49, 55, 60, 521, 82, 82S and 83.

What’s nearby?

Near the Vieux-Port metro station in Marseille, you’ll find a variety of sites, attractions and amenities. Here are just a few of the things you’ll find nearby:

1. The Vieux-Port: The station itself is close to the Vieux-Port, where you can enjoy the bustle, restaurants, stores, fresh fish markets and views of the boats. It’s a great place to stroll and enjoy Marseille’s lively atmosphere.
2. La Canebière: La Canebière is an emblematic avenue of Marseille and one of the city’s main thoroughfares. It’s just a stone’s throw from the Vieux-Port station. Here you’ll find stores, cafés, hotels and a variety of commercial establishments.
3. The Panier district: Heading north from the station, you’ll come to the Panier district, Marseille’s oldest neighborhood. Stroll through its narrow streets and discover artisan boutiques, art galleries and quaint restaurants.
4. La Vieille Charité: Close to the Vieux-Port, you’ll find La Vieille Charité, a historic building that today houses museums, exhibitions and cultural centers. It’s an interesting place to explore the region’s history and art.
5. MuCEM: Crossing the Old Port from the station, you’ll arrive at MuCEM (Musée des Civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée). This modern museum offers exhibitions on Mediterranean cultures and a magnificent view of the sea.
6. Restaurants and bars: The area around the Vieux-Port metro station is full of restaurants, cafés and bars where you can enjoy local specialties, fresh seafood and refreshing drinks.
7. Shopping: The area is also great for shopping, with numerous boutiques, souvenir stores, art galleries and markets where you can buy local products and souvenirs from Marseille.
8. Marseille Town Hall.
9. The Centre Bourse.

In short, the Vieux-Port metro station is surrounded by a mix of historical, cultural, culinary and commercial attractions, making it a lively and interesting place to explore in Marseille.