Quartier de Noailles

The Noailles quarter in Marseille's 1st arrondissement is best known for the transit hub of the same name, an important interchange for the metro and tramway. The station, also called Gare de l'Est, sits close to the Canebière, the Lycée Thiers, and the Marché des Capucins. Originally built in the late 19th century, it served as the terminus for the old tram lines that ran to the city's eastern outskirts until the 1960s. One historic feature is the 800-meter-long tunnel, completed in 1893 to make the route to Aubagne possible.

The metro station's architecture goes back to the architect Louis Dallest. Over the years the complex has been remodeled several times, most recently as part of the Rénov'Stations program, which called for a complete redesign of the metro and tramway areas. Here you can experience not only the modern infrastructure but also the historic significance of the site as a gateway to the city. The station is open daily from early in the morning until the early hours of the next day, and it offers direct connections to several bus lines as well as access to the surrounding sights and markets.