The 14th district of Marseille
Located in the north of Marseille, the 14th district (le quatorzième arrondissement) is made up of several neighbourhoods that, though far from the centre, offer an inexpensive quality of life. This part of the city has a very residential feel.
Affordable, vibrant areas
Le Merlan
Le Merlan is a mixed residential area, comprising both suburban-style housing and apartment blocks. There are local shops, a big shopping centre, essential services, and green spaces. Thanks to the nearby Saint-Jérôme campus of Aix-Marseille University, the area is lively. Le Merlan is also home to the Zef Theatre, which has a diverse programme.
Sainte-Marthe
This area has a peaceful, village-like atmosphere. Its small streets, old houses and country homes give it a unique charm. Although it retains some traces of its agricultural and industrial past, Sainte-Marthe has been the focus of regeneration projects aiming to improve the neighbourhood’s quality of life and its infrastructure. This has included the opening of a cultural centre, Artagon, in the old Ricard pastis factory.
Saint-Jérôme
Saint-Jérôme is the science and technological campus of Aix-Marseille University. It is a residential area, though few students wish to live there as it is far from the city centre. It does, however, have many shops and green spaces, making it a convenient and lively place.
Among the northern neighbourhoods of Marseille, you’ll also find Saint-Barthélemy, La Rose, Saint-Joseph, La Viste, and more. Each area has its own feel, but all of them can appeal to anyone looking to live in Marseille whilst avoiding the high costs of living in the centre.
It’s important to note, however, that the northern neighbourhoods are underprivileged areas with limited public transport. Metro line 2 terminates at Gèze and line 1 ends at La Rose. There’s no tram service and the buses stop running quite early in the evening. It’s better to have your own means of transport to get around!
