Marseille, a crossroads of cultures and flavors, offers a rich and varied pastry scene. Our guide takes you on a journey to uncover must-visit spots and hidden gems that make the city’s sweet scene renowned. Get ready to explore:
- Iconic traditional pastries
- Bold and innovative creations
- Unmissable local specialties
- Options for all dietary preferences
- Favorites among students and young professionals
Marseille’s established pastry institutions
The Navette: Marseille’s sweet emblem
Nothing says Marseille quite like the “navette,” the perfect starting point for our sweet culinary journey in this Mediterranean city. This boat-shaped biscuit, dating back to the 18th century, traditionally appears during Candlemas celebrations. Made with butter, eggs, flour, sugar, and orange blossom, the navette is famously baked at “Le Four des Navettes,” the bakery that originated it. Head to Le Four des Navettes, 136 Rue Sainte, or Les Navettes des Accoules, 68 Rue Caisserie, to try the best navettes in town.
Century-Old bakeries that shaped the city’s history
In Marseille, the navette isn’t the only centuries-old treat. Although few, some bakeries have earned a place in the pastry landscape over generations:
- Le Four des Navettes: Established in 1781, this bakery is considered “Marseille’s oldest,” combining heritage with timeless recipes. Nicolas Imbert continues the family tradition in this iconic spot.
Marrou: Known as a prominent catering service, Marrou is even more celebrated for its pastries. Enjoy their pistachio Paris-Brest, assorted viennoiseries, or their famous colombier cake, a Grand Marnier, almond, and candied melon delight available in three Marseille locations.
The new pastry trends in Marseille
Plant-based and alternative bakeries
Lactose-intolerant or looking for alternative treats? Check out these two must-visit spots:
- Oh Faon!: Awarded for its inventive plant-based bakery, this bakery, founded in 2018, specializes in vegan, eco-friendly treats crafted with local ingredients. Try the Pear-Vanilla-Maple-Tonka with parsley and kaffir lime pesto, or the signature “Balade en Garrigue” with rosemary, pine nuts, almond cream, and a shortcrust base. You will find local products reimagined into modern, delicious treats that are both nutritious and environmentally friendly. Located at 6 Rue Edmond Rostand in Marseille’s 6th arrondissement.
La Pépite: A gluten-free, lactose-free bakery by chef Audrey Azoulay, inspired by her son’s lactose intolerance diagnosis. Since 2016, her bakery has delighted all with offerings like vegan pistachio-cardamom-almond and royal chocolate-hazelnut-almond treats. Located at 2 Place Daviel in the 2nd arrondissement.
Flavor fusions: when pastry meets world cuisine
Marseille’s pastries extend beyond the traditional, infusing regional ingredients with global flavors. Minoofi Bakery, established in 2011 at 104 Rue Paradis, brings a taste of the U.S. to Marseille. You will eat some American classics like carrot cake, red velvet, banoffee, caramel-pecan pie, and irresistible cupcakes. Their savory offerings include lighter sandwiches and bagels with cream cheese, salmon, and pickled vegetables—perfect for an authentic American-style treat, right in Marseille!
Neighborhood Pastries: Hidden Gems
The Best Pastry Spots by District
Great finds don’t have to be on main streets; we’ve uncovered the best local bakeries for you!
- Pain Pan: A local favorite in Notre-Dame-des-Monts, this bakery, easily recognizable by its bright yellow storefront, has built a reputation for exquisite craftsmanship over the years. Indulge in their perfectly flaky pastries, soft, generous brioches, and an impressive range of breads, all made from organic flour. Find it at 29 Rue des 3 Frères Barthélémy, in Marseille’s 6th arrondissement.
- Au Contraire: Located in the 6th arrondissement, this bakery’s storefront alone is an artistic experience, with a 70s-inspired blend of white and orange. Known for using only organic and seasonal ingredients while skipping white and refined sugars, Au Contraire adds a healthy twist to classic treats from our childhood. Savor options like Bounty-inspired bars, almond-vanilla-pecan tarts, lemon-hazelnut creations, and pistachio-orange blossom tarts, all made with whole-grain, low-carb flours. Find them at 1 Boulevard Paul Doumer.
Student and Young Professional Favorites
Who says good pastries have to come with a high price? These two spots offer budget-friendly delights:
- Mac’Addict La Rose: Known for its Instagrammable pink storefront in Marseille’s 13th arrondissement, at 165 Avenue de la Rose, this bakery is a TikTok sensation. For just over €2, you’ll find revamped childhood favorites: cookie tartlets in flavors like vanilla, speculoos, Snickers, Raffaello, or Kinder Bueno, along with cupcakes in salted caramel, pistachio-raspberry, and lemon-whipped cream. Everything here is halal!
- Te Miti: Located on Rue des Vignerons in the 6th arrondissement near Rue Paradis, this “café gourmand” with Tahitian flair serves affordable artisanal pastries throughout the day. Te Miti offers a wide selection of cookies, financiers, cakes, and custards, with the unique bonus of ice cream macarons, a treat not found anywhere else in Marseille. Bring your laptop and enjoy the friendly atmosphere while studying or working!
Must-try Marseille specialties
Beyond the navette: signature Marseille sweets
Marseille is rich with unique sweets beyond the iconic navettes. Get ready to try these local delicacies:
- Croquants: These crunchy almond biscuits, also known as “casse-dents” (literally, “tooth-breakers”), are made from flour, sugar, orange blossom water, and almonds. Enjoy with caution!
- Chichi Frégi: A Provençal donut made with chickpea flour, olive oil, and orange blossom water. For the best, head to the Estaque neighborhood for these crispy fried treats.
- Colombier: Traditionally made for Pentecost, this cake, featuring slivered almonds and melon, is one of Marseille’s top delicacies.
- La Marseillotte: Created by a local chocolatier couple, this treat is a festive wrap of chocolate, honey, almonds, orange, and anise—a must for chocolate lovers.
Mediterranean influences in Marseille’s pastries
As a major port, Marseille has been a hosting town for multiple nearby countries. It has long been influenced by cultures coming from Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Italy, Greece, and Lebanon which have enriched the city’s way of living and cuisine with flavors like orange blossom, olive oil, rosewater, pistachio, honey, and citrus.
The calisson from nearby Aix-en-Provence is a Mediterranean specialty featuring melon and almond paste, royal icing, and a thin wafer base.
For authentic Mediterranean sweets, visit the Noailles district and the Rue d’Aubagne, where you’ll find treasures like baklava, makrout, and gazelle horns. Some top spots include La Marsa for Tunisian treats, Les Délices Pâtisserie d’Aix, and Au Petit Amandier for fine Moroccan pastries.
Practical tips for a perfect pastry experience in Marseille
Best times to visit and indulge
Marseille is a year-round destination, though some seasons offer better pastry experiences. Spring, with its mild temperatures, is perfect for enjoying pastries on one of the many terraces around the city. Summer offers ideal conditions for beachfront meals, finished off with a sweet treat. In winter, Marseille’s mild weather makes it the perfect time to cozy up with mint tea or hot chocolate and a pastry in the city center.
Budgets: Options for every wallet
Marseille’s food scene stands out for its variety and affordability. Whether you’re splurging or saving, you’ll find options for every budget, like a €3 cupcake at Mac’Addict La Rose or a €5.90 gourmet tartlet at Bricoleur de Douceurs. Find the perfect pastry to fit your budget!
