It’s glory for Notre-Dame-du-Mont in Marseille (Bouches-du-Rhône)! The British online magazine Time Out has just awarded it the title of “coolest neighborhood in the world”, far ahead of Belleville (20th arrondissement) in Paris which ranks 20th.
Celebrating the “rebellious spirit” of this alternative corner of the 6th arrondissement of the Marseille city, the English journalists were won over by the “remarkable concentration of galleries, lively restaurants, chic and community boutiques and new spots hidden behind trucks pizza”.
“It was a surprise to be first in the world”
“It’s a neighborhood that’s booming, young people are opening places everywhere, they’re finding large apartments that they share with others, it’s alive day and night. I have had many offers from Parisians to buy my establishment,” confirms Marc D’Amato, owner of the Court Circuit, which has been on the square for 25 years and which opens from 6:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. “We are in the city center, there is no need for a car and the Noailles market is right next door. »
“The atmosphere was extraordinary during the Rugby World Cup, I think that must have had an impact on the rankings,” continues “Yous”, his permanent server. “It was a surprise to be first in the world, but it’s a source of pride. »
In the middle of these tagged streets and multiple trendy boutiques, the spotlight on this neighborhood in the process of gentrification can also worry “historic” residents. “Rents have already increased significantly, many Parisians have come to settle in and Airbnbs are multiplying,” laments Gisèle, who has lived there for 40 years. “This ranking is not going to fix things. »
