Contemporary apartments

Located in the heart of Marseille’s 1st arrondissement, these apartments enjoy a prime central location in one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. They are just a short walk from the Old Port, approximately 15 minutes on foot from the historic Le Panier district, and only 10 minutes from Saint-Charles railway station.

The Building Canebière is exceptionally well connected by public transport, with Metro Line 1 (M1), Tram Lines T2 and T3, and several bus routes nearby. A full range of everyday amenities, including shops, restaurants, and essential services, is within easy walking distance.

Within the Building Canebière, these eight apartments offer outstanding opportunities for reconfiguration to suit contemporary lifestyles. Ranging in size from 26.51 m² to 72.12 m², some of the units are adjoining, creating additional possibilities for combining spaces.Their spacious, light-filled main rooms provide a flexible foundation for a variety of layouts, whether as open-plan living areas, separate sleeping quarters or home offices created through partitioning, or fully equipped kitchens.

Combining significant redevelopment potential with the building’s rich history and iconic architectural character, these apartments represent a truly exceptional opportunity.

Further information is available upon request.

Rising nine storeys above the Canebière, the Building Canebière is a striking presence in Marseille’s urban landscape. Defined by its clean architectural lines, the building combines classical elegance with modern design. Its gently curved façade, punctuated by rhythmically arranged balconies, opens onto the street while softening the corner of the block.
Recognised as a landmark of 20th-century architectural heritage, the building embodies the defining principles of architect Fernand Pouillon. It reflects his commitment to comfortable living, abundant natural light, efficient spatial planning, and the well-being of residents. The project also stands as one of the most emblematic expressions of his vision for post-war urban reconstruction.

The building occupies the site of the former Nouvelles Galeries de la Canebière, a prestigious department store built in 1901 that flourished as one of Marseille’s leading retail destinations until it was destroyed by fire in 1938. Conceived after the Second World War by architects Fernand Pouillon, Jean-Louis Sourdeau, and René Egger, the project was envisioned as a true “city within a building.”

Innovative for its time, the reinforced concrete structure was designed on a regular horizontal grid to accommodate a mix of uses. Bringing together residential apartments, offices, and a shopping arcade, it was conceived to meet the evolving needs of the people of Marseille. Serving both as a showcase for the architects’ vision and as a testament to their expertise, the Building Canebière also housed the Pouillon–Egger architectural practice for a period following its completion.

French architect and urban planner Fernand Pouillon (1912–1986) was one of the leading figures of France’s post-war reconstruction. Over the course of his career, he designed more than 50,000 homes, as well as numerous public buildings and civic facilities. His work extends from Marseille and Aix-en-Provence to the Paris region—including the Meudon-la-Forêt housing estate (1957) and the Point du Jour development in Boulogne-Billancourt (1959–1963)—as well as major projects in Algeria and Iran. Pouillon’s architecture is distinguished by its harmonious integration with the surrounding landscape, rigorous proportions, and the use of high-quality, enduring materials. He also valued close collaboration with sculptors, ceramic artists, and landscape designers, enriching his projects through the integration of art and architecture.

His approach combined traditional materials such as stone, timber, and ceramic with reinforced concrete, steel, and glass, creating a dialogue between modern architectural forms and vernacular influences. Throughout his work, Pouillon paid particular attention to the cultural context, local traditions, and the everyday lives of the people who would inhabit his buildings.