Ever wondered what secrets lie beneath Boulevard du Maréchal Juin in Marseille? This bustling area has a hidden past. Today, we explore its story.
Boulevard du Maréchal Juin owes its existence to a geographical feature. A small river called Jarret once flowed here. The Madeleine stream cut through a small valley. This valley separated the Saint-Charles and Saint-Julien plateaus. The boulevard now covers the river.
The Chartreux area developed along this valley. It was once a narrow passage. Tumultuous waters often flowed down from the hills. Slowly, it became known as a pleasant recreational area. Market gardening flourished here. Boulevard du Maréchal Juin is located in the Chartreux neighborhood.
Let’s journey back to 1633. The Chartreuse de Villeneuse-lès-Avignon founded a monastery. It was built in the east-central part of Marseille. It was close to the city but in a calm location. The monks could irrigate their land from the Jarret stream. This area later became the Grand Domaine des Chartreux.
An explosion dramatically changed the area near Boulevard du Maréchal Juin in 1952. The Rabatau oil and soap factory was located on Rue Banon. This is at the intersection of Rue Banon and Boulevard du Maréchal Juin. A violent explosion rocked the area at around 10 PM. Seventeen people died and dozens were injured. Thousands were left homeless. Three hundred and fifty buildings were damaged. Vast construction and demolition projects took place for years.
A metro station opened here in 1977. It is located under the church on Place Edmond Audran. This happened at the same time as the opening of the Saint-Just station. It was a key step of the urban development in the area.
Today, Boulevard du Maréchal Juin is part of a vibrant area. The Council and the Métropole are located north of the district. The Dôme performance hall is also nearby.
So, as you stroll along Boulevard du Maréchal Juin. Remember its layered history. It is a place where water once flowed. Tragedy struck. And a new district emerged.