Autoroute Est

Opened in 1962, the Autoroute Est stretches from Marseille to Aubagne. Locals still call this initial section of the A50 “Autoroute Est”. The Autoroute Est isn’t just a road. It’s a vital artery pumping life into the heart of Marseille, connecting it to Toulon in the Var. This 70-kilometer stretch of highway has a dual identity. Part of it belongs to the public highway network, while the section from Aubagne-Sud to Toulon (A57) is managed by the private company Escota. The Escota section, from Roquefort-la-Bédoule to Ollioules, requires a toll. Interestingly, this very stretch was the first in France to implement the Télépéage, or electronic toll collection system, in 1992. While driving the Escota-managed part, tune your radio to 107.7FM for Radio Vinci Autoroutes. A major upgrade completed in December 2012 widened the 21 kilometers between the La Ciotat and Bandol toll booths to 2×3 lanes. This 23-month project cost a hefty 90 million euros. The Autoroute Est isn’t without its challenges. The Marseille-Aubagne stretch is notorious for rush hour congestion, especially around the Florian and Valentine interchanges. This section has a speed limit of 90 km/h. Another tricky spot is the winding descent from Roquefort-la-Bédoule towards Aubagne. It has a history of accidents, compounded by an entrance from Carnoux just before the Aix-en-Provence junction, creating a dangerous weaving situation. Finally, be prepared for a slow approach into Toulon. The speed limit progressively decreases from 130 km/h to 50 km/h before the autoroute ends at a traffic light in the city center. However, the opening of the second Toulon tunnel in 2014 has alleviated some of the congestion in this final stretch. So, next time you travel the Autoroute Est, remember it’s more than just a road to your destination. It’s a piece of Marseille’s history, a testament to its growth, and a vital link to the broader region.