Pop rock and variety concert halls Provence

This "industrial cathedral" is one of the key venues on the Marseilles scene. Founded in 2002, the Cabaret Aléatoire is a concert hall and club located in the heart of the Friche de la Belle de Mai, a former tobacco factory now transformed into a cultural hub with over 70 structures bringing together artists and producers. The Cabaret, well known to Marseillais, can accommodate over 1,000 people depending on the event, and is aimed at a public eager to make sonic discoveries ranging from electro to hip-hop, rock, soul, funk... Since 2014, the stage has been labeled SMAC and is developing a project particularly focused on "new emerging urban cultures". In summer, some of the programming takes place on the roof of the wasteland. Also noteworthy is the quality of the sound system overhauled in 2012, arguably the best in the city. Numerous artists and groups have played on this stage: Hindi Zahra, Soom T, Justice, Major Lazer, Wu Tang Clan, Woodkid, Pete Doherty, Aloe Blacc, Laurent Garnier, M83, Kendrick Lamar, Tricky, Orelsan, 1995, Joey Starr, Ten Years After, Mudhoney, Girls, Black Lips, etc.We can't mention them allbut you can go there with your ears wide open. The only regret is that the venue is so inaccessible in the evening and at night. The best solution is to walk, as it's not that far from the Longchamp district...

This hall and its vast scenic area is a privileged place to host the largest shows and the biggest concerts. A very eclectic programming that goes from minots with Mickey to the humor of Elie Semoun and Laurent Gerra, or listening to voices such as Lenny Kravitz, Guns and Roses, the Cranberries and even the Voice… But also classical shows - Noisette and Le Bal des Cygnes -, or more current - Mamma Mia -, pieces with the return of Pierre Palmade and Michèle Laroque in them Re or the inescapable Men come from Mars, women of Venus… You can book your tickets to enjoy this beautiful world! The detailed program is on the Internet.

Near the Docks of La Joliette, this former wheat silo dates from 1927. Rehabilitated in 2011, it is now a performance hall dedicated to artistic programming: concerts, dance, theater, comedy... Labeled as a "20th century heritage site", its development is part of the Euroméditerranée project. A masterpiece of acoustics, visibility and comfort, meticulously studied. Discover this Italian-style theater, a room divided into three balconies with a modularity in "all seated" and "standing" version. This is where the great artists perform in Marseille.

Exodus is in fact a religious organisation (Action Africa Asia) which organises a variety of events (exhibitions, meetings, lectures) including impressive enough concerts for those who know each other there a little. Star in their countries, the humbly artists come to present their musical or song recitals in the small 80 seats near the cours Julien. It is the kingdom of the world music in Marseille, constantly led by a dynamic team and engaged in the defence of the minority cultures.

Since 1984, Espace Julien has set the standard for alternative concert venues in Marseille. On the Cours Ju, the concert hall and café are musical spaces where DJs host memorable evenings and programmers make dates for their artists. L'Espace Julien can accommodate up to 1,000 people and remains one of the top venues for contemporary music. The eclectic line-up includes everything from hip-hop and rock to electro and chanson à texte. 40 years on and Espace Julien hasn't aged a day: it's always up to date with national and international music news. Some evenings are free of charge and require registration via the website, notably in the Café Julien, a more intimate space where local producers and artists can meet their audiences. Not to be missed!

Le Moulin is a former neighbourhood cinema and theatre, formerly known as the "Moulin bleu", not far from the enormous Dome. He has built up a reputation of esteem in the music world over the course of his previous programming, which has given the turners confidence. If you are told Noir Désir in Marseille in 1989, look no further, it was at the Moulin. Nick Cave, My Bloody Valentine, Tricky, Placebo, Oasis, Femi Kuti as well. Today, new premises, new gauge with 1,450 seats, and new programming. A club of 350 people offers DJ nights, not forgetting artistic and technical support for local artists (SMAC system).

Marseille's main concert venue (and also its largest), the Dôme has a capacity of over 8,000 and hosts major concerts by national and international artists. Despite the emergence of the Silo in La Joliette, the venue, recognizable by its vaulted roof right next to the Hôtel du Département, remains as popular as ever, and continues to host a wide variety of artists including Orelsan, Louane, Pascal Obispo, Patrick Bruel, Riles, Alonzo, Aya Nakamura, Saez and M.Pokora. Le Dôme, ideally located next to the St-Just metro station, is also easy to get to. So you don't need a car to get there! Prices vary according to the artist.

One of the most important stages for French rap and hip-hop, and awarded the "Scène de musiques actuelles" label. A not-to-be-missed venue in Marseille, it is developing a program of support for artists and labels from the Bouches-du-Rhône region. Since the 90s, the R'Vallée association has been committed to a process of cultural democratization, promoting diversity in the contemporary music scene. Numerous workshops and initiatives are organized: DJ school, artist residencies, Buzz Booster... A rap scene offering cutting-edge programming with artists such as La Méthode, Dj Djel, 2 Bal de Neg, Kacem, Casey, La Rumeur... L'Affranchi is "the" rap scene not to be missed!

Cherrydon is a rather famous concert hall in the region. For many years, it has mainly specialized in "tribute" concerts (Led Zeppelin, Sting...). Every month, the Cherry' develops a dense programming rather focused on rock and variety. The audience is rather composed of forty and fifty year olds, the atmosphere is good and without any headache. The look-alike shows (Sardou, France Gall...) are particularly appreciated. A nearby restaurant, the Comme à la maison, will welcome you in the early evening. A real piece of local popular culture, atypical. From time to time, American big names perform there.

The reopening of the ex-Balthazar in 2012, the mythical venue of the Massilia Sound System group, was greeted with relief. There is still room for small concert halls, associative venues often struggling with neighbourhood problems. A new name for a small venue taken over by the O'Bundies team from the Marseilles punk scene: Le Molotov. Hardcore, Occitan rock, sound system, hip-hop, raggaoili, ska or gypsy jazz, electro, we understand that the underground remains the guiding thread for programmers, open to all so-called alternative musical styles. Young and not so young audience. Find the programming online on the website.

The Makeda is a popular place for a drink and good music right next to La Plaine. A concert hall and dancefloor where all forms of artistic expression find their place. The configuration and capacity of just under 270 spectators have also contributed to the venue's reputation. Since 2019, the Makeda has offered a varied program of emerging and established urban music. It is also a venue for exhibitions and performances. For the program, visit the website!

Right across from the TGV station, this new performance venue, which Avignon has been missing, is making its mark on the cultural landscape of the Vaucluse region, with the same capacity as the Olympia and the Silo in Marseille, seating 1,050 to 1,600, and a stage area of 450 m². Confluence sets the tone from its opening in February 2024, with headliners Pascal Obispo, Christophe Willem, Gad Elmaleh, Chico and rising stars. An eclectic program of variety, comedy, magic and musicals for all audiences.