A stroll through the Saint-Charles district

When one mentions the name Saint-Charles, the SNCF station (1) is the first thing that comes to mind. Indeed, it stands out for several reasons. But it is also a neighborhood that has been transforming for several years and is becoming an university hub that we will introduce to you.

We suggest arriving at Saint-Charles by metro and crossing the hall to reach Narvik Square (where the current drop-off point for motorists is located). On your left, first notice a stele (2). If you look further to the left, there is a large 15-story building in yellow/beige. In front of it stands the Golden Virgin (3).

Cross the square to access the station's "masterpiece": its staircase and panoramic view of part of the city (4). Admire the sweeping view of Boulevard d'Athènes, the street art mural (5), and Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica.

Walk along the other side of the station to reach stairs that lead to Boulevard Maurice Bourdet. Cross and descend Boulevard Charles Nédélec. At the third intersection, turn right onto Rue Joseph Biaggi where you'll find the Bourse de Travail (6).

Continue straight and skirt around the EMD Management School. Go up Rue Frédéric Ozanam until you reach Avenue du Général Leclerc, which you descend on the left.

On the other side of the boulevard, you'll see the Saint-Charles campus, the original university site. Notably, there is a large rectangular peristyle building (7).

Then you pass by a stele dedicated to General Leclerc (8).

A flight of stairs takes you to the foot of the Toyoko Inn hotel (9). Enter on the left into Porte d'Aix Park (10). Follow the central path to reach the forecourt of the Arc de Triomphe (11).

As you can see, this area designed by Euroméditerranée has undergone a major transformation over the past decade. Until recently, the A7 motorway divided the neighborhood in two, as it ended at the triumphal arch. The area is transforming with the construction of new student residences, numerous schools, the consolidation of three universities (specifically, the faculties of architecture, landscape, and urban planning), the creation of an inter-university library, and most importantly, the addition of a major asset: the inauguration of a brand new park in the heart of the city.

The Saint-Charles district now positions itself as an urban campus. For more information: www.euromediterranee.fr

In line with the Arc de Triomphe, cross Boulevard Charles Nédelec. In front of you, Rue d'Aix descends, which changes names several times over more than 6 kilometers, to reach the Mazargues district. It is one of the main north-south axes of the city. Sharpen your gaze, you should at least see the column of the fountain in Place Castellane, located 2 kilometers away.

Finish your visit at the forecourt of the Regional Hotel, Place Gilberto Bosques. The Regional Council consists of two buildings that were built between 1984 and 1991 in the Butte des Carmes district. The forecourt of the Regional Hotel houses 3 remarkable elements (12).

Show less