Unité d'Habitation: Le Corbusier's Vision
Explore Le Corbusier's revolutionary 'vertical city' in Marseille: a Brutalist masterpiece with apartments, shops, a hotel, and a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views.
The Unité d'Habitation in Marseille, also known as Cité Radieuse (Radiant City), is a groundbreaking residential housing project designed by the Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier. Built between 1947 and 1952, it embodies Le Corbusier's vision of modern communal living, a 'vertical city' designed to provide residents with all the necessities of life within a single building. This Brutalist masterpiece features 337 apartments of various configurations, interior shopping streets, a hotel, educational facilities, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views. More than just a building, it's a living experiment in urban planning and architectural innovation, influencing generations of architects and urban planners. A visit offers a unique glimpse into Le Corbusier's utopian ideals and the realities of post-war reconstruction.
A brief summary to Unité d'Habitation
- 280 Bd Michelet, Marseille, 13008, FR
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
- Thursday 9 am-6 pm
- Friday 9 am-6 pm
- Saturday 9 am-6 pm
- Sunday 9 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Book a guided tour in advance through the Marseille Tourist Office to access a model apartment and learn about the building's history and architectural significance.
- Take the elevator to the rooftop terrace for stunning panoramic views of Marseille and the Mediterranean Sea; it's an ideal spot for photos.
- Explore the interior shopping streets on the 3rd and 4th floors for unique souvenirs, architectural books, and local crafts.
- Visit the MAMO (Marseille Modulor) art center on the rooftop, showcasing contemporary art exhibitions in a unique architectural setting.
- Consider staying at the Hotel Le Corbusier within the building for an immersive experience of living in a modernist icon.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Gare de Marseille-Saint-Charles, take Metro Line 2 towards Sainte-Marguerite Dromel. Get off at Rond-Point du Prado station. From there, take bus line 22 or 22S towards Le Redon and get off at the Unite d'Habitation stop, which is directly in front of the building. A single metro/bus fare is around €1.80.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
A taxi or ride-share from Gare de Marseille-Saint-Charles to Unité d'Habitation typically costs between €15-€25, depending on traffic and time of day. The journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Be sure to specify 'Unité d'Habitation Le Corbusier' to the driver.
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Driving
Driving to Unité d'Habitation is possible, but parking can be challenging. Limited street parking is available around the building. There are some paid parking options nearby, with hourly rates around €2-€3 and daily rates around €15-€20. Consider using a parking app to find and reserve a spot in advance. Residential parking is also available in the yard of the building.
Discover more about Unité d'Habitation
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