The Old Charity Center, known as La Vieille Charité, is one of Marseille’s architectural treasures. Located in the historic Panier district, it was built in the 17th century by Pierre Puget as a shelter for the city’s poor. The complex is designed around a vast courtyard, dominated by a striking Baroque chapel with an oval dome, considered a masterpiece of Provençal architecture. Originally serving as a hospice, the site has been transformed into a vibrant cultural hub. Today, La Vieille Charité houses museums, exhibition spaces, and research institutes, including the Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology and the Museum of African, Oceanic and Amerindian Arts. Its harmonious blend of history, architecture, and culture makes it a must-see destination, offering visitors both a glimpse into Marseille’s past and a lively center for artistic and intellectual exchange.
Marseille France
Old Charity Center, known as La Vieille Charité, is located at 2 Rue de la Charité in Marseille’s 2nd arrondissement, in the heart of the historic Le Panier district, a short uphill walk from the Vieux-Port waterfront and near Joliette metro station on line 2. This 17th-century Baroque former almshouse, designed by Pierre Puget, features arcaded galleries around a courtyard with a central chapel and now serves as a cultural hub with museums of Mediterranean archaeology and African, Oceanian, Amerindian arts. Nearby attractions include the narrow, colorful streets of Le Panier with galleries, cafés and artisan shops, Cathédrale de la Major and MuCEM museum a few minutes east, Fort Saint-Jean across the water, while the Vieux-Port bustle with restaurants, boats and La Canebière boulevard lies downhill within 10 minutes on foot.
Museum
Marseille History Museum
Museum
Natural History Museum of Marseille
Museum
Musée des Beaux-Arts, Marseille
Museum
Musée Cantini
Museum
Musée d’Archéologie Méditerranéenne
Museum
Musée des Arts décoratifs, de la Faïence et de la Mode
Museum
Musée d'Art Contemporain de Marseille
Museum
Musée des Docks Romains
Museum
Musée d’Arts Africains, Océaniens et Amérindiens
Museum
Préau des Accoules - Musée des enfants de la Ville de Marseille
Museum
Musée Grobet‑Labadié
Museum
Mémorial des Déportations
Museum
Musée de la Moto
Museum
La Criée Theatre
Theatre
Théâtre du Carré Rond
Theatre
Théâtre L’Art Dû
Theatre
Théâtre Badaboum
Theatre
Théâtre de l’Odéon
Theatre
Opéra de Marseille
Theatre
Divine Comédie
Theatre
Archange Theater
Theatre
Divadlo Théâtre
Theatre
Théâtre de l’Œuvre
Theatre
Théâtre de la Sucrière
Theatre
Théâtre strapontin
Theatre
Galerie Territoires Partagés
Gallery
Triangle‑Astérides
Gallery
Château d'If
Castle
Fort Saint‑Jean
Fortress
Fort Saint‑Nicolas
Fortress
Palais du Pharo
Palace
Palais Longchamp
Garden
Port Antique
Historical sites
Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-Majeure
Cathedral
Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde
Cathedral
Église Saint-Cannat
Church
Église Saint-Vincent de Paul
Church
Église Saint-Michel
Church
Église Saint-Louis de Marseille
Church
Parc Borély
Park
Jardin botanique de la Ville de Marseille
Botanical Garden
Parc Longchamp
Park
Parc du 26e Centenaire
Park
Parc Balnéaire du Prado
Tourist attractions
Parc Émile Duclaux
Park
Parc Pastré
Park
Parc de la Magalone
Park
Parc de la Moline
Park
Jardin de la Colline Puget
Park
Funny Zoo Marseille
Park
Sky Centre Marseille
Observation deck
Marseille Observatory
Observatory
Association Andromède
Observatory