Panier

Panier is a French noun meaning basket, a woven container used to carry goods. The term also appears in place names, most notably Le Panier, a historic district in Marseille, France.

Le Panier is commonly described as the oldest neighborhood of Marseille. It sits on the eastern hillside above the Vieux-Port and lies within the city’s modern 2nd arrondissement. The area is characterized by narrow, winding streets, stairs, and colorful facades that reflect its long-standing urban fabric. A number of historic buildings are located there, including La Vieille Charité, a 17th-century former charity hospital that now hosts cultural institutions and events.

Historically, Le Panier developed as a working-class district with strong ties to fishing and crafts. Over the 19th and 20th centuries it faced social and economic challenges, and many traditional structures were altered or neglected. Beginning in the late 20th century, the neighborhood underwent urban renewal and a cultural revival, attracting artists, small galleries, cafes, and local markets. These changes contributed to a renewed sense of identity for the district while efforts were made to preserve its historic character and street-scale urban form. Today Le Panier is observed as a site of cultural heritage within Marseille, balancing tourism, local life, and conservation.