About
The 17th-century Canebiére avenue runs from the end of the old port through the center of the city to the Square de Stalingrad (where it continues on as Bvd de la Liberation). La Canebiére was grand during the Second Empire (the time of Napoleon III's rule from 1852-1870, when the fine old buildings lining the avenue were built. Today, most of the lustre is gone, although the bustle and activity at the bottom part is reminiscent of the older Canebiére that symbolized Marseilles and helped make it famous.

The name Canebière came from the Provençal word canèbe (hemp), for the rope factory that was once here. During the Middle Ages, hemp fields (chènevières) in the drained marshes at the end of the Old Port produced the hemp. The local factory wove the hemp into rope for rigging the sailing ships using the port.

The many streets running off from La Canebiére are the best shopping areas, like Rue St. Férréol and Rue de Rome. The Cantini Museum is at the bottom this area, of to the right about six blocks.

About half way up La Canebiére, on the right, is the Place du Marché des Capucins, with a daily produce market.

Place Général-de-Gaulle, at the end near the old port and opposite the Borse, is a popular meeting place for the locals.