If you are interested in the history of architecture, you absolutely must visit the Cité Radieuse Le Corbusier - a remarkable building which is an excellent example of modernism architecture of the 20th century.
The Unité d'habitation is a modernist residential housing design principle created and developed by famous French-Swiss architect, designer and urban planner Le Corbusier. Cité Radieuse Le Corbusier in Marseille is the first and best known example of such development.
Cité Radieuse (Radiant City) was built between 1947 and 1951. The project of multi-family residential housing was influenced by the effects of Second World War, when a lot of people were dislocated after the bombings in France. The project of Corbusier focused on communal living which was still unusual in those days. The unit contains 337 apartments of 23 different types.
In 2016 the Cité Radieuse was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The iconic building is open to the public and you can visit 3rd and 4th floors and roof terrace for free. Inside there’s a magnificent restaurant Le Ventre de l'architecte, contemporary art centre MAMO, several shops and cafes. There’s a possibility to get a guided tour in English or French organised by the Tourism Office.
Cité Radieuse Le corbusier
280 boulevard Michelet, 13008 Marseille, France