Journey back to a time when railway workers shaped Marseille’s landscape. Today we are standing at the Chemin des Cheminots. This path tells a story of connection and community. It’s a story we are about to uncover together.
The Chemin des Cheminots has a history linked to the Paris-Lyon-Méditerranée railway company. This company commonly known as PLM was a major player in France. It existed from 1857 to 1938. It was then nationalized to become part of the SNCF. PLM served southeastern France. It was the go-to for vacationers.
But how did this road get its name? To answer that question, we need to talk about the Villa Badetty. In 1929, the PLM railway company acquired the Villa Badetty. They transformed it into a retirement home. This retirement home was for their employees.
The Villa Badetty then became known as “Le Refuge des Cheminots”. “Cheminots” is French for railway workers. The path leading to the villa was renamed Chemin des Cheminots. This honored the railway workers who lived there.
Before the PLM acquired it, the Villa Badetty had its own interesting history. Barthélemy Badetty a merchant acquired the property. He was a merchant of oilseeds. Badetty bought the property and built a villa.
Badetty was a prominent figure in Marseille. He arrived in 1798. He became a leading Greek merchant. His business extended to various Mediterranean ports and even to America. After some changes, the PLM railway company acquired the property. They transformed it into a retirement home for their employees.
The area around the Chemin des Cheminots also has some interesting features. The Gorge Noire or Black Gorge is another name for the Vallon de Vesque. Also nearby was a grotto. This grotto had stalactites. Locals called it “Baoumo Poudrièro”.
The Chemin des Cheminots is more than just a street. It is a reminder of the railway workers. It’s a reminder of their contribution to Marseille. It also reminds us of the PLM railway company. It connected the city to the rest of France.
Today, the spirit of community endures at the Villa Badetty. It is still a retirement home. It is known as La Gorge Noire. The Chemin des Cheminots continues to be a place of connection. It links the past with the present.
As we conclude our walk, consider the layers of history beneath our feet. The Chemin des Cheminots is a testament to Marseille’s past. It is a testament to its trade and transport. It celebrates the people who have shaped this vibrant city.