The 5th district of Marseille : where student life meets urban bustle
Located at the heart of Marseille, the 5th district (le cinquième arrondissement) is a bustling area and ideal choice if you’re seeking a convenient, central location. Due to its proximity to hospitals and medical and pharmacy schools, it attracts a diverse crowd mainly comprised of students, young professionals and health workers.
The main areas of the 5th district
La Timone
The Timone neighbourhood is dominated by the university and medical worlds. It’s home to one of the region’s largest hospitals, La Timone Hospital, as well as medicine and pharmacy university faculties. For this reason, there are many flatshares, as well as student residences and shops tailored to university life.
Baille: a central and well-connected neighbourhood
Baille is an important avenue linking La Timone to Castellane square. It is a convenient, busy area, thanks to its many shops, public transport options (including metro line 1), and proximity to university campuses.
Le Camas
Le Camas is a residential area, appreciated for its relative calm and Haussmannian architecture. Popular with young professionals and families, it offers a pleasant quality of life, whilst still being within easy reach of the city centre’s amenities.
Chave
Located between Le Camas and La Plaine, the Chave area is charming and lively. Boulevard Chave runs through it, with its tram line and many small shops, cafés and restaurants which give it a village feel.
Why choose the 5th district?
- Proximity to campuses and hospitals: ideal for those studying medicine, pharmacy and science.
- Good public transport links (metro, bus, tram) mean you can easily get to the city centre and other districts.
- The many shops, restaurants and essential services make daily life convenient and easy.
- A balance between vibrancy and calm, with busier areas like Baille and La Timone, and more residential ones like Le Camas and Chave.
All in all, the 5th district of Marseille is a well-situated and appealing area, particularly appreciated by students and young professionals looking for centrally-located accommodation with good transport links and key amenities nearby.
Crédit photo en-tête : Stéphane Pachot
