Marseille is a city of comings and goings. In ancient times, Greeks settled here; now the district attracts new groups of migrants.
Although close to the picturesque old port, the Belsunce-Thiers district has a rather raucous atmosphere. This emblematic district, which also covers the area around the station, is one of constant development. This used to be the neighbourhood of the rich bourgeoisie, now the area is a lot more working-class and large North African, Armenian and Spanish populations have moved in. Around the once chic triumphal arch La Porte d'Aix, you will find cheap outlets of clothes and sporting goods. So interesting contrasts, and fertile ground for new initiatives like cultural breeding ground Coco Velten.