“Ninety-three streets vanished.” Imagine that for a moment as we stand here on Rue de Nazareth. This area transformed dramatically in the 19th century.
Rue de la République’s history began in 1864. Marseille decided to undertake massive works to create this immense thoroughfare. It is over 1.5 km long. The project required the destruction of 935 houses. Almost 61 Marseilles streets disappeared. The entire project took four years, from 1860 to 1864.
Rue de Nazareth is now a part of this history. It reflects Marseille’s constant evolution.
The street was officially named “Rue de la République” on October 16, 1870. Before that, it was known as “rue Impériale”. Buildings here are built in a Haussmann style. This style was popular with the bourgeoisie. However, most preferred downtown districts. They liked quartier Vauban or quartier des Antiquaires. Proximity to the Vieux-Port wasn’t for everyone back then.
Since the 2000s, the street has been part of the Euro-Mediterranean perimeter. This means that 4000 rental homes will be rehabilitated. In 2005, groups purchased adjoining units. Their aim was renovating them and making them more attractive.
Today, the thoroughfare has developed considerably. It’s home to boutiques cafés bars and restaurants. These satisfy both locals and visitors all year round.
Let’s consider Noailles too. It is near Rue de Nazareth. In the 17th century, wealthy residents lived there. One was Lieutenant Jacques de Noailles. He represented King Louis XIV. In 1665, the Capuchin order established its convent here. Catherine de Médicis purchased the land. In 1791, the convent became national property. The monks were expelled.
Today, the marchė des Capucins is found on this site. Rue Longue des Capucins is well-known. This narrow street links Noailles Belsunce and Saint-Charles. It crosses Marseille’s “Chinese” district. Textile and jewelry wholesalers are there. Noailles is a gateway to the Cours Julien district. Designers and street artists reside here.
The year 1666 marked a turning point for Marseille. Rue des Nobles and La Canebière were created. At that time, Noailles’ population was mainly bourgeois. Great fortunes stayed here. In 1679, Jean-Baptiste Charbert had a town house built. La Fayette married Marie Adrienne Françoise de Noailles in this hotel in 1774. It was demolished in 1830.
Other grand hotels were built during the 16th century. These included the Hôtel de Manse, the Hôtel Mirabeau, and the Grand Hôtel de Noailles. Gandhi stayed in one of the district’s hotels in 1931. He was accompanied by his two goats. Many bourgeois businesses opened during this period.
The neighborhood grew in the 1850s. A tramway line opened in 1893. This is today’s Noailles metro station. Today, Noailles is known for the marchė des Capucins. It is a food market founded in 1956.
As you explore Rue de Nazareth, remember its layers. It is a testament to Marseille’s dynamic history. From imperial dreams to modern revitalization, this street embodies the city’s spirit. It is a constant state of change and reinvention. Take a moment to appreciate this blend of past and present. It makes Rue de Nazareth a unique part of Marseille.