The Best Street Art in MARSEILLE

Yes, there is so much to see and enjoy in Marseille, the oldest and second-largest city in all of France. And in addition, you absolutely should make time to explore the city’s best street art which is conveniently mainly located in some of the charming neighborhoods of Marseille, anyway. This way, you catch two birds with one stone. Come to think of it, this is a pretty disturbing metaphor, don’t you think?

Mural in the area around Cours Julien where some of the best street art in Marseille is found.
Keep your eyes open for the best street art Marseille has to offer.

Street Art in Marseille

Over the last few years, I have put together many posts about street art in many different countries: from painted walls all over Berlin to an abandoned hotel ruin on the island of Naxos. From socio-artistic ventures in AmsterdamCopenhagen, and Paris to a glamorous and generously funded art project in Morocco’s capital Rabat.
The world seems to be covered with breathtaking murals by renowned artists.

Due to the abundance, street art has lost much of its subversive swag in many places. In London, the former cradle of punk, groups of tourists push their way through the gentrified and therefore tragically hip districts of Camden and Shoreditch.

Mona Lisa by KAN DMV which is some of the best street art in Marseille
La Joconde de Marseille by KAN DMV

On the other hand, districts such as the 13th arrondissement in Paris, the Copenhagen Nordvest neighborhood, or the satellite town of San Pablo in the northeast of Seville continue to be visually enhanced through murals in the first step and thereby made more livable in the long term.

But what about Marseille?

Marseille’s Guts’n’Gutter

While most of Marseille’s urban art is in fact in two charming neighborhoods, namely the old quarter Le Panier and the narrow alleys around Cours Julien, you also find some of the most impressive pieces in what’s probably the city’s least impressive zones. Actually, the area around the final stop of the metro line number 1, namely General Gèze, was my first encounter with Marseille.

Based on the location alone, I thought it wouldn’t be the best area. But the hint that there would be a flea market around the old market hall made me think of handmade decorations, hand-drawn candles and healthy smoothies. In between there are a few stalls selling grandma’s old porcelain and well-preserved clothing from the 30s to 50s.
Yet, the picture that presented itself to me as soon as I left the subway station was nothing like this.

Clothes on a rack in Gèze.
Presentation adapted to the clientele. The mural in the background is by RNST.

The path from the station to the dusty arterial road was lined with people from the Maghreb and sub-Saharan Africa. They stood and squatted between piles of worn-out clothing that probably wouldn’t have been presentable when new. Now they were basically trash.
Next to it, a woman had packed rice into about a dozen small packages and offered it for sale. In between there were all sorts of dirt and rubbish. The discarded textiles hardly differed from those offered for sale. Everything screamed poverty, misery, hopelessness.
It seems that from Marseille’s main train station, Saint Charles, it takes around ten minutes by subway to get to the slums of Algiers and Kinshasa.
This exact trip was my first subway ride in Marseille.

Foreign Territory

I don’t want to call anyone to be unreasonable, but my experience is that as a woman of advanced age, my age protects me. Yes, around the huge market hall where almost exclusively men traded – both permitted and clearly less legal goods – was certainly not a comfortable place. But I know the phenomenon that the appearance of a person who so evidently doesn’t belong, but who nevertheless seems to have an objective, initially confuses the locals.

What does the woman who does not want to buy counterfeited Marlboros want in this area? She marches purposefully towards the back of the property. A few wrecked cars are standing around. Men in oil-smeared clothes working on them. This strange woman doesn’t lower her gaze. The curious, appraising looks cannot unsettle her. When testingly greeted, she just replies politely Bonjour and keeps on going.
I’m telling you, my alien-like status offers protection.
At least on a Tuesday morning.

Would I wander around Gèze after dark? Certainly not! Would I encourage other visitors to photograph street art in Gèze? No. Unless you speak French and preferably Arabic, and determination is not just a pose for you, but second nature.
Otherwise, just enjoy the pictures I took on my tour de force to Gèze.

Marseille Street-Art Show in Gèze

The first Marseille Street Art Show was held in 2015 to celebrate and promote the growing street art scene in the city, which has a rich history of urban art due to its extremely diverse culture. Hosted by Galerie Saint Laurent, some of the most acclaimed urban artists adorned around 9,000 square meters of the surfaces of the famous Marseille flea market, making this place the largest European street art site!

Sales hall in Géze with some of the best street art in Marseille
With over 9,000 square meters, the main market hall offers enough space for even the largest murals.

The Marseille Street Art Show is an annual event that celebrates urban art and graffiti culture. It brings together a diverse array of street artists, both local and international, to showcase their work in various forms, including murals, graffiti, installations, and performances, turning public spaces into vibrant canvases. In addition to the mural work, sometimes canvases created by the participating artists are temporarily on view at the so-called Hall des Antiquaires of the flea market.

Mural  Looking for her future by Mahn Kloix, a piece of the best street art in Marseille
Looking for Her Future by Mahn Kloix on the southern façade of the sales hall.

The show not only highlights the creativity and skill of street artists but also aims to engage the community by making art accessible to everyone, obviously. Workshops, guided tours, and live painting sessions are often part of the program, allowing the public to interact with the artists and learn more about the street art movement.

The Marseille Street Art Show reflects the city’s rich artistic heritage and its embrace of contemporary art forms, making it a significant cultural event in the region. It also helps to promote Marseille as a hub for street art, attracting tourists and art enthusiasts from around the world.

Zësar Bahamonte

Zësar Bahamonte was born on the outskirts of Sevilla in the Southwest of Spain. At the age of 19, Bahamonte began to study at the School of Arts of Sevilla. At the same time, he immersed himself in grassroots social and cultural movements. This activism would later define his artistic identity.

Mural by Zësar Bahamonte
A Mural by Zësar Bahamonte decorates the entrance to the large sales hall.

After a year in Barcelona, where his passion for street painting was reignited, he relocated to Montevideo, Uruguay. There, he blossomed as a professional muralist, participating in numerous street art festivals across South America, exhibiting in galleries, and painting live alongside diverse musicians, from flamenco peñas to electronic music bands. Yet, it was on the streets where he continued to refine his style and technique.

Now, he has returned to Sevilla, using his hometown as a base for his muralist work.

Diamond

Diamond aka Diamond Inside is an Italian street artist from Rome. He is known for his intricate and elegant stencils to create detailed portraits, particularly of women. His work is heavily influenced by Art Nouveau, evident in the flowing lines, ornamental details, and elegant compositions that characterize his pieces. Diamond’s detailed works often consist of several layers of stencils, which he uses to achieve greater depth. His color palette typically includes soft, muted tones that emphasize the ethereal feel of his work.

Mural by Diamond
Diamond makes it very clear that he is the author of this mural.

Diamond has established himself as a prominent figure in urban art by combining traditional artistic techniques with contemporary street art elements. Over the years, Diamond’s art has gained recognition not only in Italy but also internationally. His work has been featured in various exhibitions both in galleries and on the street, illustrating the growing acceptance and appreciation of street art in the broader art world.

Ruben Carrasco

Ruben Carrasco is a Mexican-Canadian street artist known for his dynamic and thought-provoking murals, which often explore themes of human experience, mythology, and social commentary. With a background in fine art, Carrasco combines classical techniques with contemporary street art, creating visually stunning and conceptually rich pieces.

Mural by Ruben Carrasco
Mur Oberkampf #339

Carrasco often incorporates elements of mythology, folklore, and cultural history into his work. His murals often depict deities, mythical creatures, and symbolic images, reflecting his interest in human civilization and its narratives.
His style combines realism with surrealistic elements, giving his murals a dreamlike quality. Carrasco’s ability to depict lifelike figures alongside abstract or fantastical elements makes his work a standout in the urban art scene.
Today his art has a global presence, with murals in cities across Europe, North, and Latin America.

Dale Grimshaw

Dale Grimshaw is a British street artist known for his powerful and emotive portraits related to social justice, identity, and cultural heritage. Emerging from the British street art scene, Grimshaw is known for his ability to capture the depth of human emotion and the rich diversity of cultural expressions in his murals.

Mural by Dale Grimshaw, which is on of the best pieces of street art in Marseille
One of Grimshaw’s expressive portraits.

One of Grimshaw’s most notable themes is his depiction of indigenous peoples, particularly from regions such as Papua New Guinea and Africa. His work aims to draw attention to the struggles of these communities and highlight issues such as displacement, colonialism, and the loss of cultural identity.

Grimshaw’s style is extremely realistic, with an emphasis on detailed rendering of faces, emotions, and textures. His portraits are often extremely expressive and capture the humanity and dignity of his subjects.

While his subjects are rooted in realism, Grimshaw uses bold, vibrant colors that give his murals a striking, almost surreal quality. This use of color helps to enhance the emotional impact of his work and draw the viewer into the narrative.

In addition to his street art, Dale Grimshaw has exhibited his work in galleries, further cementing his reputation in both the street art community and the art world at large. His work is highly valued for its technical skill and the depth of its subject matter.

Grimshaw’s art not only beautifies urban environments, but is also a powerful reminder of the resilience and diversity of human cultures. His murals are inspiring and thought-provoking, making him a significant figure in contemporary street art.

DIRE 132

It won’t surprise you that the artist’s real name is not Dire 132, but Bruno Fredal. Although he was born in a Parisian suburb, he was lucky enough to grow up in charming Aix-en-Provence.

Drawing was his great passion from a young age. In the late 80s, he started with graffiti. Later, he went all in and completed a degree in applied arts which had a strong impact on his style, obviously.

Best Street Art in Marseille: Mural by Dire 132
The woman portrayed by DIRE 132, with her defenselessness and anger fits sadly all too well into the area around the flea market in Gèze.

In terms of motifs, Dire 132 discovered a true fascination with women as he celebrates them in the vast majority of his works. His sensual portraits with a raw style radiate a deeply touching emotion.

I’m introducing more works by Dire 132 in my post Best Street Art in Nîmes.

RNST

You may know RNST by his former moniker, GEST. Well, he dropped that after he was arrested.
Anywho, today he is a well-known street artist famous for his mastery of stencil art. He uses multiple layers of stencils to create detailed and vibrant pieces that often feature striking contrasts and bold color palettes. His technique allows him to create complex and extremely detailed images that stand out in the urban landscape.

Mural by RNST
The Scream – in this case from RNST.

RNST’s motifs often address social and political issues and reflect his views on contemporary societal challenges. Common themes in his work include consumerism, environmental concerns, freedom, and human rights.
You’ll spot his murals in various cities across Europe, but particularly in France.

Mural by RNST
You’ll also find this portrait by RNST in the Le Panier neighborhood.

Both, traditional street art and modern graphic design, influence his work. His inspiration often comes from current events, historical figures, and cultural symbols, which he reinterprets through his unique artistic lens.

Mural by RNST
“Rip my jeans but don’t break my heart”

Apart from creating art, RNST participates in community projects and educational workshops. His goal is to have a positive impact on society through his art by working with local communities to inspire and educate through creativity.

I’m introducing RNST also in my post on Best Street Art in Nîmes.

INTI

Born in the Chilean city of Valparaíso in 1982, the artist adopted his name from the Incan Sun God and the Quechua word for sun. This way, he’s paying homage to his Chilean roots.

INTI’s murals deal with topics of life and death in the backdrop of religion and pageantry. The portrait subjects are clearly Chilean: Incans and other tribesmen, peasants, and revolutionaries. The artist proudly underlines South America’s rich cultural history, however, he also addresses Chile’s social injustice and shaky politics.

La Madre Secular by INTI
La Madre Secular

With his motifs and techniques, INTI promotes Latin American street art around the world. You’ll find his pieces in Belgium, France, Germany, India, Lebanon, Mexico, Norway, Peru, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, and – of course – Chile – to name just a few.

INTI likes to collaborate with other street artists under the name STGO Undercrew. This artist squad has worked for Adidas, the Rip Curl music festival, and the Maquinaria Festival in Chile.

I’ve introduced INTI in my posts JIDAR Street Art Festival – How Rabat Celebrates International Urban Art as well as Best Street Art in PARIS: How Mehdi Ben Cheikh Transformed the 13th Arrondissement Into An Open-Air Gallery

Amose

Amose is known for his unique and highly detailed style that combines elements of figurative art, abstraction, and surrealism. Hailing from the French city of Lille, Amose has been active in the street art scene for many years and has made a big impression with his complex and often surreal portraits.

Mural by Amose
Amose’s surrealistic portraits are deemed to be mysterious totems.

A distinct mix of organic shapes and geometric patterns characterize Amose’s work. His figures often have elongated limbs and distorted facial features and are depicted in a way that combines human and abstract forms. This style is reminiscent of Cubism and Futurism, yet remains distinctly contemporary.

While Amose is best known for his large-scale murals, he also works on canvas, paper, and other media. His approach to street art involves careful layering of shapes and lines, creating a dynamic sense of movement and depth in his works.

Amose has collaborated with other artists and has been featured in numerous exhibitions and street art festivals across Europe.

Cours Julien

One of Marseille’s major hotspots when it comes to street art is Cours Julien. However, this area located northeast of the Vieux Port has undergone a drastic transformation over the decades.

The iconic staircase leading up to Cours Julien.
The iconic staircase leading up to Cours Julien.

In 1860 a fruit and vegetable market was established on Cours Julien. The wholesalers’ depots and cold rooms were located on the ground floors of the surrounding buildings. Together with the adjoining market on Place Jean Jaurès, it formed Marseille’s central market from 1908 onwards.

Portrait of Thomas Shelby from the BBC series Peaky Blinders
An amazing portrait of Thomas Shelby from the BBC series Peaky Blinders

In the 1960s, however, the municipality decided to consolidate all fruit and vegetable sales in one single site. Therefore, the market was removed from Cours Julien in 1972.

Eventually, the area was profoundly restructured. The upper part became a park which was inaugurated in 1980. Below, they constructed a multi-level car park as well as a station for the second metro line which opened in 1984. Renovation of the lower part then followed in 1988.

Hence, the entire neighborhood underwent profound changes. The former wholesalers’ premises were transformed into antique stores, reasonably priced restaurants, and community and cultural centers. Today, Cours Julien is the district of artists and bohos.

Although the Cours Julien has changed a lot over the years, its transformation has been less drastic for the residents than for instance the gentrified neighborhood of Le Panier. Although the district has developed culturally, it remains tied to the underground and subculture. This means that prices don’t rise to the limit, and groups of tourists don’t stroll through the district like they’re in an amusement park.

But now let’s get to some of the most outstanding pieces of street art you’ll find around Cours Julien.

Mahn Kloix

Mahn Kloix was born in Paris in 1980, but for the past five years, he has preferred to live in Marseille.

In this mural at the corner of Rue Pastoret, Mahn Kloix honors Cédric Herrou
Cédric Herrou is a French olive farmer and immigration activist. He became known in France and internationally following his arrests for helping more than 250 migrants cross into France from Italy.

According to his own statement, Mahn Kloix grew up in a family of activists. He transferred this family legacy as a driving force in his artistic work.

Mural by Mahn Kloix
Welcome to the club pub: Entrance adorned by Mahn Kloix.

In 2003 he entered the Gobelins l’école de l’Image to train in graphics and applied arts. The young artist also spent part of his studies in Besançon, where he came into contact with the Bauhaus style. That and the aesthetics of the great German and Russian poster artists inevitably led him to the medium of paper.

Fragment de Voyage #22 by Mahn Kloix
#22 from Mahn Kloix’s series Fragment de Voyage. You’ll find it a bit off the beaten street art path. Obviously, I marked the exact location in the map below.

But over time the freelance artist replaced the academic graphic artist.

Since he came to Marseille in 2010, he has made the old town his creative center.

One of his most personal and impressive projects is a series of portraits of young demonstrators he encountered in Taksim Square in Istanbul. Uprisings in Tunisia and Athens inspired him to undertake further projects.

Mahn Kloix is ​​certainly one of the most complex and profound artists in this lineup. You can find more of his works in my post Best Street Art in Nîmes.

Giuseppe Gütan

Giuseppe Gütan was born in 1986 in the Italian city of Salerno. After completing his language studies, he moved to Paris to take art classes. Eventually, he studied applied art at the Atelier des Beaux-Arts in Paris. At the same time, he began his career as a street artist.

Man versus Wild - one of many collaborative works by  Giuseppe Gütan and Mahn Kloix.
Man versus Wild – one of many collaborative works by Giuseppe Gütan and Mahn Kloix.

Gütan draws inspiration from various artistic movements, including classical art, surrealism, and contemporary street art. He combines these influences in his unique style, which is modern yet at the same time timeless.

Man versus Wild - one of many collaborative works by  Giuseppe Gütan and Mahn Kloix.
Man versus Wild – Detail.

A recurring theme in his work is the relationship between humans and nature. His murals often depict this connection and illustrate the symbiosis and tension between the two. Gütan knows how to create dynamic compositions that guide the viewer’s gaze through the mural. He often uses lines, shapes, and color contrasts to create a sense of movement and narrative flow.

Giuseppe Gütan exhibits in various European cities and takes part in several projects and residencies.

Giuseppe Gütan's collaborative work with Alberto Ruce.
Giuseppe Gütan’s collaborative work with Alberto Ruce.

In collaboration with other street artists, but most frequently with Mahn Kloix, he has created various large-scale murals.

I introduce more works by Gütan in my post Best Street Art in Nîmes.

Alberto Ruce

Alberto Ruce, who worked with Giuseppe Gütan on the mural seen above, was born in Sicily in 1988. As a teenager, he began experimenting with felt-tip pens and spray paint and conquered the art world completely self-taught.

In 2009, Ruce moved to Paris for five years. There he attended courses in drawing, painting and perspective at the Atelier des Beaux-Arts de Paris. During this time he also got to know other artists and took part in national and international festivals.

Défense d' afficher by Alberto Ruce in Marseille
Ruce’s mural Défense d’afficher at the Le Panier district.

Today Alberto Ruce lives in Marseille.
As a painter, he works both in the urban environment and in his studio.

Swed Oner

Mathieu Taupenas aka Swed Oner lives in the southern French town of Uzès. His career as a muralist began in the late 90s with traditional graffiti. He drew his inspiration from the diversity of cities. Here he first photographs his motifs, which he later transfers into highly detailed and sophisticated hyperrealistic paintings.

The Mexican by Swed Oner, one piece of the best street art in Marseille
The Mexican.

These photos are portraits of ordinary people he sees on the street. He creates the portraits expressively in black and white and only adds color accents sparingly and deliberately.
Very often he portrays homeless people near the place where he met them.
The halo that highlights his portraits refers to equality and protection.

With murals in cities around the world, Swed Oner has gained international recognition by contributing to the global street art movement and influencing other artists. He has participated in numerous community projects and street art festivals.

I introduce more works by Swed Oner in my post Best Street Art in Nîmes.

Anne Sophie Lacombe

While Anne Sophie Lacombe has made a name for herself in street art, she has also mastered more traditional art forms such as illustration and painting. Her versatility allows her to move seamlessly between public spaces and more intimate, gallery-oriented works.

La Brasserie Communale at Cours Julien
The microbrewerie La Brasserie Communale, one of the most favorite hangouts around Cours Julien. On the wall, the mural Les Eaux Dormantes by Anne Sophie Lacombe.

She is known for her delicate yet striking style, which often explores themes such as emotions and femininity. Her figures radiate calm and melancholy and invite the viewer into a world of contemplation and emotions.

Lacombe’s art is characterized by its ethereal quality, with an emphasis on the subtle interplay of light and shadow, creating a dreamlike atmosphere in her pieces. Her work often features soft, flowing lines and a muted color palette, giving her pieces a sense of quiet introspection.

Her ability to convey deep emotional resonance through her work has earned her a loyal following and recognition in the contemporary art scene.

Mörue d’Avril

Credit where credit is due: I would have loved to introduce Mörue d’Avril.

Mural by Mörue d'Avril
An expressive female portrait on an expressionistic background.

But despite careful research, nothing about her could be found online except for her Instagram account. So if anyone knows more about the creator of these beautiful murals, please let me know!

Mural by Britt Tamalet
A modern-day Marianne is fighting for Europe in the neighborhood of Le Panier.

Le Panier

Le Panier is captivating. It’s practically the Montmartre of Marseille. Equally iconic. Just as historical. But unfortunately, it is also just as hip and as crowded. Basically the fate of every picturesque neighborhood in our era of over-tourism. But yes, it is still absolutely worth seeing, even if it is no longer authentic. Too many shops in Le Panier sell relatively high-priced fashion and handicrafts, which no local needs or can even afford.

La Panier district in Marseille
Around Le Panier, you never walk alone.

The Panier district is considered to be the cradle of Marseille, which was founded by the Greek Phocaeans in the 6th century BC. It grew between the waterfront and the Saint-Laurent hill into a densely populated neighborhood with narrow streets, steep stairs, and crammed houses.

The proximity to the port meant that the district was heavily influenced by migration. Migrants from Italy at the end of the 19th century were followed by people from Corsica and Spain in the interwar period.
Since the end of the 19th century, the southern part of the Panier district was considered an unsafe no-go area.

Mural in Marseille
Mural depicting Fanny and Marius, the charming protagonists of one of Marcel Pagnol’s most famous movies.

During WWII, the German military, which had occupied Marseille since 1942, considered the harbor area a hotbed of crime but also resistance. Hence, in January 1943, 20,000 people were evacuated from the neighborhood, and one month later, 1,500 buildings were mercilessly blown up.
They were rebuilt only in the 1950s.

Mural in Le Panier
Marseille’s legendary savoir vivre.

Regardless, the Panier district was rapidly falling into disrepair. Between 1960 and 1980, the population halved. The semi-abandoned, lawless area was an ideal hideout for criminal gangs. An influx of impoverished migrants followed the departure of established families.

Rising From the Ashes

Renovation work at Le Panier began in the 1970s and continued until the 1990s due to various obstacles. Since the 2000s, the neighborhood has become one of the most appealing districts, especially for tourists. They seek to experience the aura of a Mediterranean village in the middle of the big city – or whatever they assume a Mediterranean village should feel like.
Also, as sadly is the case basically everywhere, gentrification results in old residents being driven out by new prices.

Mural in Le Panier in Marseille
There are wild crowds everywhere. Family Scooter by Difuz and Jo Ber.

Ironically, one of the most famous sights in Le Panier is the Vieille Charité which was established as a hospice for the poor in the 17th century. In 1986 it was opened as a museum, research, and cultural center.

For me, the best thing is to simply walk through the cobbled streets and look for street art in the old brickwork. And I’ll find it on every corner. Below, I’m introducing the most engaging artists and their most iconic murals they left in Le Panier.

Nhobi

Fabio Cerqueira aka Nhobi is a Brazilian street artist based in Marseille. He is known for his vibrant and playful murals. The artist, originally from Rio de Janeiro, moved to France in 2012 and quickly made a name for himself in the local street art scene. His works feature bright colors, tropical themes, and a whimsical’n’witty style.

Mural by Nhobi
A typlical harbor scene from Marseille.

It all started with his passion for drawing. Graffiti enabled him to present his drawings to a wider audience. So he started tagging when he was 13. Ultimately, he also dedicated himself to art professionally.

Mural by Nhobi
Taking the words birds right out of his mouth.

Today, Nhobi mostly depicts simple and naive characters, infused with elements of Brazilian culture. His works can be seen all over Marseille, particularly in the Le Panier district and the Cours Julien. Both neighborhoods are famous for their rich street art scene.

Mural by Nhobi
One of Nhobi’s more complex murals.

In addition to his individual works, Nhobi is also involved in community projects that aim to bring attention to environmental issues.

Mural by Nhobi
Love Jauneration – what a cute pun!

I’m introducing more of Nhobi’s works in my post Best Street Art in Nîmes.

Manyoly

Manyoly is a tireless self-taught artist. Her artistic passion is women, and so she specializes in portraits, which she paints on both canvas and walls in her distinctive, colorful style.

Café at Le Panier
The hip bar and restaurant NUA is located at the cozy square Rue de Lorette and is the perfect spot for a refreshing break. Local street artist Manyoly painted a colorful portrait.

It all started in 2013 when Manyoly flew to Singapore to discover Asia alone and without a return ticket. She stayed a whole year. Once back in France, she decided to pay tribute to the women she met along her journey by drawing their faces.

After tentative beginnings in watercolor painting, her painting matured. In 2014 she started making street art in Marseille.

Although there is one of Manyoly’s portraits at Cours Julien,…

Today we can see her colorful portraits of women on the walls of many cities such as Berlin, London, Murcia, and Paris.

Tibo Papercut

Tibo Papercut is known for his unique approach to urban art, primarily using paper as a medium. He specializes in creating intricate paper cutouts that he then pastes onto public surfaces, combining the fragility of paper art with the rawness of the urban environment. His work is characterized by his delicate craftsmanship.

Mural by Tibo Papercut
A beautiful illustration of the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde, one of the most important landmarks in Marseille.

Tibo’s works can be found primarily in French cities, where he decorates the streets with his ephemeral pieces. Due to the fragility of paper, his art often interacts with the environment in ephemeral ways and is subject to weathering and decay, adding a level of poignancy to his work.

Tibo Papercut’s innovative use of paper in street art has made him unique in the urban art scene by combining meticulous craftsmanship with the unpredictability of street art.

Isaac Loup

Although Isaac Loup is not yet as widely known as some other street artists, his work has gained attention in the street art scene due to its originality.

Mural by Isaac Loup.
A very unique piece of street art.

Instead of using spray paint in strong tones on the walls, Loup’s murals are more delicate monochrome drawings and they are reminiscent of illustrations in valuable antique books.

The light, sweeping strokes give his portraits a sentimental retro touch.

Poasson

Poasson, a corruption of the French word poisson, hence fish, is the stage name of an artist who has long been floating around the world between different environments, groups of people, and cultures.

Mural by Poasson
All kinds of underwater creatures – painted by an artist who calls himself Poasson – hence, fish.

Under his much drier name, Loïc Perrel, Poasson studied fine arts at the School of Arts in Lyon. He tried his hand at photography, drawing, painting, sculpture, installation, and digital art. His career and his style have been influenced by extensive visits to exhibitions and the impression of painting, architecture, and sculpture first in France and soon coined all over the world.

Mural for the terrace of an Italian restaurant in Le Panier by Poasson.
Mural for the terrace of an Italian restaurant in Le Panier.

Today Poasson works as a graphic designer, painter, and street artist. He develops his work with various media and creates on walls as well as on paper, canvas, metal sheets, and wood.

Mural by Poasson
La Madone du Refuge.

Rone1

Rone1 is known for his vibrant and dynamic graffiti work. He has been active in the street art scene since the late 1990s and has developed a distinctive style that combines traditional graffiti elements with modern urban art influences. Like many graffiti artists, Rone1’s work is heavily influenced by the hip-hop culture of the 1980s and 1990s. He draws inspiration from the vibrancy of urban life as well as comics, pop culture, and contemporary design.

Mural by Rone1
Well, what can I say: Marseille is famous for sea food.

His works are often characterized by a mix of stylized letters and detailed characters, all united in energetic and moving compositions.

Rone1 has left its mark on the streets of many cities across France and beyond.

However, note that there is also a very famous street artist from Australia called Rone.

X-Lasme

Christopher Lasma aka X-Lasme is an up-and-coming street artist who has left a couple of iconic murals in the Le Panier neighborhood.

Mural by X-Lasme.
Portrait with sunflower.

This being said, I absolutely urge you to check out his Instagram where he shows his absolutely amazing work on paper: With a simple ballpoint pen, he creates some almost hyperrealistic drawings.

Mural by X-Lasme
Dancing in the Street.

You can find a link to his Instagram account along with the accounts of all the artists featured here at the end of this post.

Difuz – Stom500 – GAMO

Difuz is known for his detailed, colorful, and often surreal works that enrich the urban landscape with profound art. His work combines graffiti, illustration, and abstract art, using both walls and canvases as a medium.

A characteristic of Difuz is his precise use of lines and colors, which finds expression in complex compositions with figurative and abstract elements. His technique includes the use of spray cans, stencils, and traditional painting methods, which gives his works a special depth.
Impressive collaborative projects with other artists – such as here with Stom500 and GAMO – further enrich his work.

A great collaboration between Difuz, Stom500 and GAMO.
A great collaboration between Difuz, Stom500, and GAMO.

Stom500 is from the Alsace region. He’s known for his detailed, humorous, and colorful works. His art often features animals and anthropomorphic figures that impress with a mix of humor, satire, and technical precision. Stom500’s signature style features vibrant colors and dynamic compositions, using spray cans, stencils, and sometimes brushes. His works, a fusion of traditional illustration and urban art, are visually appealing and easily accessible.

GAMO is not only a true Marseille, he actually comes from the Le Panier district. Rooted in hip-hop culture since 1982, he developed through graffiti and tagging and remained faithful to art while working at the same time as a graphic designer in an audiovisual company.

He is known for his striking, symbolic works with profound social messages. His style is graphic, symbolic, and often provocative, with clean lines and bold colors. GAMO often incorporates textual elements to convey its messages succinctly. Inspired by urban culture, political art, and pop culture, his works reflect the tensions of modern society and stimulate thought.

Nitram Joke

Even Nitram Joke’s name is whimsical and creative because as it is the reverse of his real name Martin. Well, and Joke probably speaks for itself.

Mural by Nitram Joke and Tetal
A mural that Nitram Joke made together with Tetal.

Nitram Joke’s style features bold, colorful illustrations that often incorporate elements of pop culture, comic book aesthetics, and satire. His works are very graphic, with an emphasis on clean lines, exaggerated features, and a sense of fun and irony. He typically uses spray paint, markers, and other traditional street art tools to create his murals and graffiti.

Tetal

Tetal is originally from Hyères, but completed his studies in fine arts in Marseille.

He came to graffiti through the street artist Sock. The two still work together regularly to this day. A collaboration that often turns into true osmosis over time. However, he teamed up with Nitram Joke for the mural pictured above.

Une Indienne dans la Ville Sous-Marine, one of the best pieces of Street Art in Marseille
Une Indienne dans la Ville Sous-Marine, hence, An Indian in an Underwater City, is another piece by Nitram Joke and Tetal. It embellishes a wall in the vicinity of Cours Julien.

For Tetal, graffiti means above all inspiration and the unexpected. He paints whenever he feels like it, on a surface he likes. This has already earned him several visits to the police station.

Fragments Artiste

Alexandre Froment aka Fragments Artiste is known for his intricate and abstract murals. He plays virtuoso with geometry, light, and shadow. His work often blurs the line between street art and fine art, integrating a sophisticated understanding of form and space into his public works. His murals are often characterized by fragmented shapes, interlocking patterns, and careful use of shading and gradients to create a sense of depth and movement. This approach gives his work a dynamic, almost three-dimensional quality that interacts with the architectural features of the spaces he decorates.

Mural by Fragments Artiste
A creature of the urban jungle.

Therefore, precise linework and strong control of color are essential to Fragments Artiste’s work. He often uses spray paint and other traditional street art media, but applies them with the precision and care of a good artist. This mix of street and fine art techniques is a hallmark of his style.

Mural by Fragments Artiste
A complex composition.

Fragments Artiste pushes the boundaries of street art and combines it with elements of contemporary abstraction to create works that are both visually stunning and conceptually rich.

VALÉ

Valérian Lenud aka VALÉ was born in France but traveled around the world. These trips are the basis for his breathtaking works of art. What impressed him most on his travels were the encounters, faces, and glances that could express more than a thousand words. In his powerful portraits, he captures these moments in order to convey them to the viewer.

His art combines traditional portraiture with a colorful street art aesthetic, showcasing his experiences and thoughts through his lens.
In addition to cultures, VALÉ dedicates his paintings to depicting global issues. Children’s rights, peace in conflict zones and environmental sustainability are recurring themes that he passionately presents, to raise awareness and inspire positive change.

Portrait by VALÉ
Maasaï Samburu – portrait of a child.

Whether he creates large-scale murals, spontaneous street pieces on city walls, or more intimate canvases, VALÉ’s work is characterized by his ability to bring color and life to the urban landscape and capture the essence of the world around him, with a commitment to what he brings with his art people together.

Mural by VALÉ
Metis

Valérian works with social projects, street art festivals, galleries, and brands around the world. His artwork can be found in Argentina, Australia, Chile, Colombia, France, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Thailand, and the USA. He has been featured in various street art books and newspapers such as Forbes, StreetArt NYC, Konbini, C’est de l’Art, and Cultura Colectiva.

Arnaud Rabier aka Nô was born in a Parisian suburb in 1981. After receiving his master’s degree in 2005, he initially taught foreign languages ​​and social sciences before backpacking around the world for a long time. He sketched hundreds of portraits of the people he met on his journey.

Mural by Nô
He’s looking at you, kid.

Then, when he returned to France in 2018, he developed a stenciling technique that allows him to create countless faces on the walls of cities. Nô mostly portrays children who are on the dark side of life.

Mural by Nô
Child from the Middle East.

I’ve introduced another one of Nô’s portraits in my post Best Street Art in Brussels.

Mural by Nô
Portrait of an African child.

Britt Tamalet

Britt Tamalet is a French artist born in Lyon. After studying art history, she followed in her mother’s footsteps as a decorative painter, spending her days on site creating murals, trompe l’oeil artwork, faux marble, and textured surfaces. For a decade she has been making mixed media paintings incorporating posters she finds on the streets of Lyon, Genoa, and Paris.

Mural by Britt Tamalet
The ironic message is clear: The clock is ticking, and we certainly do not have a planet B.

Her work reflects Pop Art influences by mixing bold colors with detailed linework, creating visually striking pieces that stand out in urban environments. Tamalet’s murals typically depict strong female figures surrounded by powerful elements.

Her work is valued not only for its aesthetic appeal, but also for the messages it conveys, which often address social issues, environmental concerns, and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. Through her art, Tamalet aims to inspire and empower communities, making her an influential figure in the contemporary street art scene.

ANP

ANP is one of the lesser-known street artists, specializing in portraits of mostly black celebrities.

Mural by ANP
A Rastafari on a wall of Rue Baussenque.

Funny enough, apart from walls, he also decorates sneakers.

On Instagram

To dig deeper into the subject and see more of the amazing art the above-featured artists have created, you can just check out their Instagram accounts:

Amose

ANP

Zësar Bahamonte

Ruben Carrasco

Diamond

Difuz

Dire132

Fragments Artiste

GAMO

Dale Grimshaw

Giuseppe Gütan

INTI

Mahn Kloix

Anne Sophie Lacombe

Isaac Loup

Manyoly

Mörue d’avril 

Nhobi

Nitram Joke

RNST

Rone1

Alberto Ruce

Stom500

Swed Oner

Britt Tamalet

Tetal

Tibo Papercut

VALE

X-Lasme

How to Get Around

Although there is a great system of public transportation consisting of a métro, buses, as well as a tram in Marseille, the two main street art areas are not that large and absolutely walkable. Albeit, be prepared to walk a lot up and down on cobblestones in the Panier district.

Tickets in Marseille are contactless cardboard cards that you have to hold against a reader on the trains or buses. Once validated, the ticket is good for a 60-minute ride. If your trip includes a connection, you must tap your ticket again. However, you won’t be charged again if that’s within the 60-minute slot.

If you buy a ticket from the driver, it will cost you 2 €uros while from the machine, it costs only 1.70 €uros. These tickets can be recharged at vending machines in metro stations, tram stops as well as at some retailers.

Various passes save you some money like for instance a 10-trip card for 15 €uros. An even better deal are passes for unlimited rides. For 24 hours, you pay 5.20 €uros, for 72 hours 10.80 €uros, and a 7-day pass sets you back only 15.50 €uros.

You can easily check all your connections on Google Maps. Just type from where to where you need to go and the App will show you the fastest and most convenient way to get there.

Map

This map should help you find the murals I’m introducing in this post. I split the legend according to the three main districts Gèze, Cours Julien, and Le Panier. This way, you can open just the one you need at a time.
Also, clicking on the slider symbol at the top left or the full-screen icon at the top right will display the whole map including the legend.

Looking for the Best Street Art in Marseille was only one of the awesome things I got to do during my visit. In my posts Two Days in MARSEILLE – What Not to Miss in the Belly of France, I take you on a comprehensive city tour.

Pinnable Pictures

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