La Canebière is one of the classic chansons of Marseille, with music by Vincent Scotto and lyrics by René Sarvil, written in the mid-1930s. Named after the city's most famous avenue, it celebrates the street's cafés, crowds and swaggering local character in the tradition of the Marseille operetta. Popularised by music-hall stars of the era, it became an unofficial anthem of the city, sung with pride by generations of Marseillais and adopted by Olympique de Marseille supporters. Online it now turns up in travel edits, football compilations and memes whenever a creator wants an instant burst of southern French identity.