Marseille
What to Expect
Marseille, France's oldest city and gateway to the Mediterranean, is experiencing a natural wine revolution. From the graffiti-covered streets of Cours Julien to the winding alleys of Le Panier, the city balances its gritty, rebellious spirit with a deep appreciation for "vin naturel." Expect to find Bandol reds, Cassis whites, and Pet-Nats from the Var alongside orange wines from the Jura and natural Champagnes—all served with panisses, bouillabaisse, and plenty of attitude.
Cours Julien (Bohemian Heart)
The natural wine institution of Marseille since 2007. Located in the heart of the bohemian Cours Julien district, this cave is entirely devoted to natural wines, champagnes, and spirits. With approximately 150 producers and 750 references, the selection focuses on French natural wine with a strong Mediterranean bias. The cellar features 200+ magnums (including Dard & Ribo, Kumpf & Meyer, Ganevat) and even some jéroboams. Uniquely, they age wines in their natural cellar, waiting months or years before release to ensure proper evolution. The champagne selection emphasizes producers using minimal sulfur. Recently expanded into "free spirits" with 150+ natural alcohol references. This is where Marseille's natural wine community shops, debates, and discovers. The team is passionate, knowledgeable, and always ready to guide you through their extensive collection.
The seafood-forward natural wine bar with Japanese precision. Created by two friends, Alexis (cooking) and Hugues-Emmanuel (wine), Nabu et Jéro sits in the shadow of the neo-Gothic Notre-Dame du Mont church. Despite Hugues-Emmanuel being allergic to flawed natural wines, they serve only minimal-intervention bottles from small producers. Expect natural Loire Pet-Nats, biodynamic Cahors, and orange wines from Languedoc around €30/bottle or €6-7/glass. Alexis trained in Japan and brings meticulous technique to seafood: langoustine crudo, mullet carpaccio, seared tuna tataki, and the must-order panisses with sun-dried tomatoes. The space blends into Cours Julien's graffiti-covered, pastel façade atmosphere. The duo represents the new generation of Marseille wine bars—serious about wine but unpretentious, focused on quality without the "natural wine flaws" that deter mainstream drinkers.
The place to be from the La Mercerie team. Opened by the same trio behind La Mercerie (Harry Cummins, Laura Vidal, Julia Mitton), Livingston is a popular wine bar that has quickly become the neighborhood's evening destination. Located in the graffiti-filled, bohemian Cours Julien district, it shares its sister restaurant's commitment to natural wines but in a more casual, bar-focused setting. The wine list features exciting natural bottles from France and Italy, with a focus on small producers and minimal intervention. The atmosphere is lively and youthful—exactly what you'd expect from the creative heart of Marseille. It represents the expansion of the La Mercerie empire into the bar scene, bringing their exacting wine standards to a more accessible format. Perfect for starting a night out in Cours Julien or for post-dinner drinks.
Vieux Port & Grande Rue
The pioneering natural wine cave-à-manger celebrating 10+ years. Founded by Laetitia Pantallaci and Fred Coachon, Les Buvards is part of the tight-knit circuit of influential natural wine bars (including Le Verre Volé in Paris and La Part des Anges in Nice) that popularized natural wine in France throughout the 2000s. The long, narrow space features a tiny bar in the rear, a middle dining room lined with wine shelving, and a quasi-terrace opening onto quiet Grande Rue. The walls are stacked with historical empties from Domaine du Mazel, Marcel Lapierre, Pierre Overnoy, and Château Sainte Anne—a visual history of the French natural wine movement. The food is fresh and simple: exceptional burrata, light minestrone with pesto, and seared aged steak with Japanese seasoning. Open until 1 AM, making it one of the latest-running wine bars in Marseille. A local and visitor favorite where winemakers often drop in.
The self-service wine exploration between Old Port and Opéra. Located in a strategic spot between the Vieux Port and the Opéra, Vin Rive Sud is a must for lovers of fine wines. The owner is a passionate enthusiast who unearths unsuspected treasures, blending Provence varietals with discoveries from elsewhere. The real innovation is the Enomatic self-service tasting machine: pour yourself 2cl, 5cl, or 10cl glasses depending on your mood and curiosity. This allows exploration of expensive bottles without committing to a full glass. The selection features natural and organic wines from small producers. You can toast on the terrace with a tray of homemade cheeses under your nose. They host themed evenings that are a real treat for oenophiles. The atmosphere is welcoming and educational—perfect for both novices and experts looking to discover new wines at their own pace.
The oyster and wine bar a stone's throw from Hôtel de Ville. L'Audacieux lives up to its name by daring refined pairings and surprising discoveries. Located in the heart of the Old Town near the city hall, this wine bar specializes in the classic Mediterranean combination: oysters with chilled white wine. The selection emphasizes natural and organic wines from small producers, particularly from Provence and the Languedoc. The terrace is perfect for sunny afternoons, offering views of the bustling street life. They offer cured meat and cheese platters to accompany the wines, and you can often take bottles home to prolong the pleasure. The atmosphere is convivial and quintessentially Marseillais—sunshine, good taste, and casual elegance. It's the perfect spot for a pre-dinner apéro or a light lunch of oysters and crisp white wine.
Noailles (Market District)
The Michelin-mentioned natural wine mecca. Run by chef Harry Cummins, sommelier Laura Vidal, and manager Julia Mitton, La Mercerie is a French mecca for natural wines—"wine made from hand-harvested organic grapes fermented with no inputs or corrective winemaking techniques." The wine list is exceptional: De Moor and Pico from Chablis, Domaine Geschickt from Alsace, Le Casot des Mailloles from Banyuls, and Jean-Christophe Comor's rosés from Bandol. Laura only uncorks natural bottles, from sparkling Vouvray from Paul Breton (€7/glass) to Provence orange wine from Laura Aillaud (€10). The food is Niçoise-inspired: fettuccine with cèpes, chawanmushi of corn and basil with crab, and the mythical brousse de rove cheese. The open kitchen and caring staff create an atmosphere that draws food lovers from across France. Compulsory first stop for many visitors to Marseille.
The food lover's fairyland with natural wine. This épicerie serves informal lunches (sandwiches, salads) and is perfect for stocking up for cooking in your holiday apartment. The selection is exceptional: Nardin anchovies and other quality tinned seafood, Bordier butters and yogurt, Memmi poutargue (bottarga), La Guinelle Banyuls vinegar, charcuterie from France and Italy (including lardo de Colonnata), good fruit and vegetables, and Japanese, North African, and Italian products. For wine lovers, they stock natural wines including Domaine Milan and the cult Austrian wines from Gut Oggau. It's a curated grocery experience where every product is chosen with care. The combination of high-quality pantry items and natural wine makes it dangerous for your wallet but essential for understanding Marseille's food culture. Grab supplies for a beach picnic or a dinner at home.
Longchamp & Baille
The sophisticated épicerie and wine bar on elegant Boulevard Longchamp. Located in a 19th-century apartment building near the Palais Longchamp, this isn't just a wine bar—it's a full épicerie with organic fruits and vegetables, homemade tapas, baked goods, cheeses, cured meats, fish, and seafood. By day, locals queue for organic carrots and guacamole; by night, they gather at Klein-blue tables opening bottles by candlelight. For a modest corkage fee, choose from the wine library: from saline, oak-aged Rully to berry-driven Naoussa. The shelves feature Stephan Ogier (Rhône), Domaine de la Folie and Château Thivin (Burgundy), and a vertical collection of Domaine Tempier (the cult Bandol estate). The cavistes are on close terms with winemakers who often host tastings here. The kitchen serves local specialties with creative bistronomic flair: tartlet with green peas and ricotta, veal tartare with oysters, miso-glazed eggplant.
The 20-year-old institution with secret garden. Founded by Hugo Noël, La Cave de Baille is a true Marseille institution. His collection is constantly refreshed through travel and tasting discoveries. The corkscrew turns easily into classics like Château Mouton Rothschild or rare vintage Trimbach, as well as approachable cuvées for €10-15 from friends in Languedoc, Ardèche, and the Rhône. A particular point of pride is the collection of Bandol estates, alongside trendy Burgundians like Jules Desjourneys, Benjamin Leroux, and Joseph Colin, Italian star Emidio Pepe, rare Canadian Norman Hardie, and Australian William Downie. Corkage is just €9. Open for lunch Tue-Fri, with winemaker-led tastings on Thursdays. The inner courtyard is legendary—where daily bacchanals unfold in summer. Almost everyone in Marseille's wine world points visitors here.
The decidedly Marseillaise address with organic, biodynamic, and natural wines. At Voilà Vé, all wines are organic, biodynamic, or natural, carefully selected to offer an authentic experience. The concept simplifies wine choice with three lists adapted to the time of day, appetite, weather, or mood—so you'll always find the right wine whether you've come for discovery or serious tasting. The food features local specialties like the unmissable panisses (chickpea fritters), emblematic of the region. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a distinctly local vibe that reflects the Chave neighborhood's working-class roots. It's an excellent entry point for natural wine newcomers, offering guidance without pretension. The team is passionate about making natural wine accessible to everyone, from curious beginners to seasoned enthusiasts.
Le Panier (Old Town)
The casual and cool natural wine spot on the slopes of Panier. Led by Fred Coachon and Laetitia Pantallaci (the duo behind Les Buvards), Crabe Toro occupies a strategic spot in the Panier neighborhood near the Vieux Port. The concept is seafood-forward: swordfish carpaccio, octopus sandwiches, and other oceanic delights served alongside an impressive selection of natural wine. The space is informal and buzzing, attracting crowds who return for the combination of fresh seafood and minimal-intervention bottles. The terrace is spacious and covered, offering respite from the Mediterranean sun. It's the kind of place where you can drop in for a quick sandwich and glass of Bandol rosé, or linger over multiple plates and bottles. The connection to Les Buvards ensures the wine selection is impeccable, while the food focuses on the fruits of the sea that Marseille is famous for.
The coffee shop by day, wine bar by night with Venezuelan warmth. Run by a mother-son duo from Venezuela, Les Lumières sits at the edge of Le Panier, the oldest quarter of Marseille. By day it's a specialty coffee shop; by night it transforms into a wine-focused gastrobar. You're always offered tastings before choosing your glass. The list spans Italy, Spain, Greece, and the Czech Republic, mixing young winemakers with established estates, all united by a natural approach. The mother was a sommelière in Venezuela who moved to France to study natural wine; the son runs the coffee program. The food has South American flavors: sweet potato ceviche, seared polenta with curry sauce, black beans with chimichurri. Open 9 AM to 11 PM nearly every day—including Sundays and Mondays, a rarity in Marseille. The terrace glows with soft light and good energy.
The wine bar, gallery, and cultural hub. Aux Bons Faiseurs is much more than a wine bar—it's also an exceptional wine cellar, restaurant, art gallery, and cultural place where lovers of fine wines and curious minds meet. Each bottle tells a story, carefully selected by winemakers who think outside the box. With more than 250 wines on the menu—reds, whites, rosés, and champagnes—this bar is a real revelation. You can sit down for a tasting, a preview, or an impromptu concert, glass in hand and mind alert. The atmosphere is lively and inspiring, where wine is as much a pleasure to taste as it is to share. Located in a vibrant part of the city, it draws a mixed crowd of artists, wine lovers, and locals looking for something beyond the ordinary. The combination of art, culture, and natural wine makes it a unique spot in Marseille's landscape.
