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Four des Navettes

3.9
·2k reviews·Marseille, France

Marseille's oldest bakery (1781), famous for its unique, anise-flavored navette biscuits and historic charm.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mornings

Freshly baked goods

CrowdLow
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Four des Navettes - Image 1

Four des Navettes

Best Time

Mornings

Freshly baked goods

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Marseille's oldest bakery (1781), famous for its unique, anise-flavored navette biscuits and historic charm.

3.9
(2k reviews)

"A true taste of Marseille's history, the navettes are an acquired taste but delightful with coffee."

Vertical photo
TIP

🤝 Try Before You Buy

Polite staff often offer samples, so you can taste the navettes before committing.

☕ Best with Coffee/Tea

Navettes are dry; many find they pair perfectly with a hot beverage.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Traditional Navettes

Traditional Navettes

Main bakery

Iconic anise-flavored biscuits, baked since 1781. A true taste of Marseille's history.

Historic Ambiance

Historic Ambiance

Inside the bakery

Step back in time in this charming, antique-decorated bakery. A delightful visual experience.

Fresh Baguettes

Fresh Baguettes

Bakery counter

Enjoy classic, crusty baguettes alongside the famous navettes. Perfect for a quick bite.

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Taste the Tradition

Four des Navettes is a historic bakery, famous for its traditional navettes biscuits. These are an acquired taste, often described as dry and best enjoyed with coffee or tea. Try a sample before buying to see if they're for you! Reddit

Beyond the Biscuit

While navettes are the star, this cozy spot also offers baguettes and other baked treats. It's a charming place to experience a piece of Marseille's culinary history since 1781. Reddit

Best Times

When
Mornings
Why
Freshly baked goods
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Sample before you buy
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Como são feitas as Navettes, o biscoito mais tradicional do sul da França, em Marseille #comoéfeito #comidatípica #mustachepelomundo
@reviewsdomustache
30.1K likes • 352.3K views

🤝 Try Before You Buy

Polite staff often offer samples, so you can taste the navettes before committing. Reddit

☕ Best with Coffee/Tea

Navettes are dry; many find they pair perfectly with a hot beverage. Reddit

reddit.com

I bought these in paris and they were great, now trying to find them in Marseille. anyone knows where?

📍 Two Locations

Find them near St. Victor Abbey and at the Docks, near Terrasses du Port mall. Reddit

📜 Learn the History

Read up on the bakery's founding in 1781 for a richer experience. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🤝 Try Before You Buy

Polite staff often offer samples, so you can taste the navettes before committing. Reddit

☕ Best with Coffee/Tea

Navettes are dry; many find they pair perfectly with a hot beverage. Reddit

📍 Two Locations

Find them near St. Victor Abbey and at the Docks, near Terrasses du Port mall. Reddit

📜 Learn the History

Read up on the bakery's founding in 1781 for a richer experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.9
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Four des Navettes is celebrated for its deep historical roots and its iconic, anise-flavored navette biscuits, a true taste of Marseille since 1781. Visitors appreciate the chance to sample the unique treats and enjoy the charming, antique ambiance. While the dry texture of the navettes is an acquired taste, many find them delightful with coffee or tea.

"It’s an acquired taste - lots of unfair subjective reviews which I think do not do justice to the long history of navettes. The polite staff gave me a small piece to try before I buy, I am not a fan of it but I still bought a pack of six for €6 because I think they will go better with coffee or tea.
Everyone has the option to try and not buy, so there is no need to give negative reviews if you do not like the taste."

Ivan Lio

"1781... the year of the foundation of the legendary bakery - confectionery, delicious bread and cookies with a unique taste... you have to visit and taste their specialties."

Piotr Treter

"I think it’s one of the most interesting place in the city. It’s the most ancient bakery with a true history of their products - navettes. Indeed it’s not cheap but the quality, taste and ambiance are well worth to try it out. I do recommend you to taste it and read about this place in advance."

Kirill Maksimkin

What People Like

Historic ambiance
Traditional navettes
Friendly staff

What People Dislike

Dry texture (acquired taste)

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The original location is near the Abbey of Saint-Victor at 236 Rue Sainte. A second shop is located at the Docks, across from the Terrasses du Port mall. Both are accessible by public transport within Marseille. Reddit

Yes, the original shop is quite distinctive and located in a popular area. The newer shop at the Docks is also in a modern commercial hub. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Four des Navettes is a bakery and does not require tickets for entry. You can walk in and browse. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, but it's generally open during typical bakery hours. It's best to check their specific hours before visiting, especially on Sundays or holidays. Reddit

There is no admission fee to enter the bakery. You only pay for the baked goods you purchase. Reddit

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Products

The absolute specialty is the 'navette,' a traditional, dry, boat-shaped biscuit flavored with anise. They've been making them since 1781! Reddit

Navettes have a unique, dry texture and anise flavor that's an acquired taste. Many people love them, especially with coffee or tea, but some find them too dry. Trying a sample is recommended. Reddit

Besides navettes, they also offer fresh baguettes, biscuits, and other baked treats, as well as candy. Reddit

A pack of six navettes typically costs around €6, which is considered reasonable for a historic specialty. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, you can generally take photos inside the bakery. The antique decor makes for charming shots. Reddit

Capture the antique interior, the display of freshly baked goods, and of course, the iconic navettes themselves. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Four des Navettes offers a unique taste of history that can be fun for families. While the navettes themselves might be an acquired taste for younger palates due to their dry texture and anise flavor, they are a great opportunity to introduce children to traditional foods. Encourage them to try a sample if offered, and consider pairing them with milk or juice. The bakery also offers fresh baguettes and other treats that are generally more universally appealing to kids. The historic ambiance of the shop can also be an engaging element for children, making it a memorable stop on your tour of Marseille. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Four des Navettes offers a taste of authentic Marseille without breaking the bank. A pack of six navettes is typically around €6, which is quite reasonable for a specialty item with such a long history. This makes it an affordable way to experience a local delicacy. Reddit Additionally, their fresh baguettes are a cost-effective option for a quick snack or a picnic lunch. The bakery doesn't charge an entrance fee, so you can soak in the historic atmosphere even if you decide not to purchase anything.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legend of the Navette

The Four des Navettes is more than just a bakery; it's a living piece of Marseille's history, founded in 1781. Its claim to fame is the navette, a traditional biscuit shaped like a small boat, flavored with anise. This recipe has been passed down through generations, maintaining its authentic, albeit acquired, taste. The biscuits are known for their dry, crisp texture, which many find pairs perfectly with coffee or tea, transforming the experience from a simple snack to a delightful accompaniment. Reddit

Visitors often remark on the unique flavor profile. While some might find them too dry on their own, those who appreciate traditional baking methods and distinct flavors often fall in love with them. The bakery's longevity is a testament to the enduring appeal of its signature product. It’s a place where you can literally taste centuries of culinary tradition. Reddit

Beyond the navettes, the bakery also offers other classic baked goods, including fresh baguettes and various biscuits. The ambiance inside is as much a draw as the treats themselves, with antique decorations that transport you to a bygone era. It’s a cozy and charming spot that offers a genuine glimpse into Marseille's past.

Experiencing Four des Navettes: Tips from Visitors

When visiting Four des Navettes, the most common advice revolves around managing expectations for the navettes. Many reviewers emphasize that it's an acquired taste and suggest taking advantage of the polite staff who often offer samples before you buy. This allows you to gauge whether the dry, anise-flavored biscuit is to your liking. Reddit

For those who enjoy them, the consensus is that they are best savored with a hot beverage, such as coffee or tea, which complements their texture and flavor. The price is generally considered fair for a specialty item with such a long history, with a pack of six costing around €6. Reddit

It's also worth noting that Four des Navettes has expanded, with a second location at the Docks, offering convenience for those exploring different parts of the city. Regardless of which location you visit, the experience is about embracing a piece of Marseille's culinary heritage.

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