2nd arrondissement of Marseille

The 2nd arrondissement of Marseille comprises four distinct neighborhoods: Arenc, Hôtel-de-Ville, Les Grands Carmes, and La Joliette. These areas line the Mediterranean shore and form the core of the city's working harbor and commercial activity.

This administrative division was created in 1946 as part of a restructuring that reorganized Marseille after World War II. The change reflected efforts to modernize how the city managed its expanding urban areas.

The district maintains strong ties to maritime life and port activity that shape daily experience for residents and visitors alike. These connections appear in how people move through the neighborhoods and the role the waterfront plays in local identity.

The area is well connected by public transportation including metro lines, trams, and buses that link easily to other parts of the city. You can walk through the neighborhoods without difficulty since they are relatively compact and clearly laid out.

La Joliette shows a striking example of urban renewal where old port facilities were transformed into modern office and residential buildings. This development has given the area an entirely new character that draws visitors curious about contemporary design and planning.

Location: Marseille

Inception: October 19, 1946

Part of: second sector of Marseille

Shares border with: 3rd arrondissement of Marseille, 14th arrondissement of Marseille, 15th arrondissement of Marseille, 1st arrondissement of Marseille

GPS coordinates: 43.31622,5.35907

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:47