Think of the thousands of people who travel along the Boulevard Ferdinand de Lesseps daily. This major road in Marseille is more than just a thoroughfare. It is a testament to a remarkable man. The Boulevard Ferdinand de Lesseps spans the 3rd, 14th, and 15th arrondissements. It links Place Bougainville to Boulevard de Plombières.
Ferdinand de Lesseps was a French diplomat and entrepreneur. He was born in 1805 and died in 1894. A deliberation by the Municipal Council on December 17, 1957, gave the boulevard its name. The Boulevard Ferdinand de Lesseps officially became a street of Marseille on January 21, 1897. The Boulevard Ferdinand de Lesseps stretches 176 meters. It measures 34 meters wide.
The Boulevard Ferdinand de Lesseps is a large road with two separate lanes. The A557 highway runs between these lanes. This highway provides a one-way route from east to west. It links the A7 and A55 highways toward La Joliette. This creates heavy traffic during peak hours. The A7’s interchange 36 is at the boulevard’s east end. It provides access toward the north.
Before the A7 highway existed, a roundabout connected Boulevard Ferdinand de Lesseps and Boulevard de Plombières. It was called Rond-Point de l’Intendance. Signs indicating this name still exist today.
The Arenc bus depot is at number 7 on the Boulevard Ferdinand de Lesseps. This depot manages RTM bus lines. These lines serve the northern districts of the city. Arenc-Bachas Primary School is at number 9. The École Maternelle Extérieur is at number 15. Arenc-Bachas college was once located here. It closed in 2012. It moved to 236 Rue de Lyon. It is now called Rosa-Parks college.
Bougainville metro station is at number 19. It is a multimodal interchange hub. It served as the terminus of line 2 from 1987 to 2019. The Aygalades stream flows underground through this hub. The main entrance to the Canet freight station is at number 29. The headquarters of the fruit company Compagnie fruitière is at number 33.
Ferdinand de Lesseps was more than just a name on a boulevard. He was a visionary. He left a lasting impact on Marseille and the world. He began his diplomatic career in 1825. He followed in the footsteps of his father, Mathieu de Lesseps. He served in various positions in Europe and North Africa. Here he became familiar with maritime trade issues. As consul in Alexandria, Egypt, he befriended Vice-Roi Méhémet Ali. In 1854, he initiated the Suez Canal project.
His career also included failures. In 1880, he began building a canal in Panama. This canal was intended to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. However, the project resulted in a resounding failure in 1889. The Compagnie Universelle du Canal Interocéanique went bankrupt. This led to a corruption scandal that implicated many people.
Ferdinand de Lesseps oversaw the construction of the Suez Canal. It connected the Mediterranean and Red Seas. This reduced sailing times between Europe and East Asia. Despite his later failures, his achievements remain significant. The Boulevard Ferdinand de Lesseps reminds us of his ambition. It reminds us of his impact on Marseille and the world. As you traverse this bustling boulevard, remember the man behind the name. Reflect on his triumphs and failures. His legacy is etched into the very fabric of this city.