Lost in the labyrinthine streets of Marseille did you ever stumble upon the Montée des Genêts? This seemingly unassuming street holds a captivating story. The Montée des Genêts is not just a street. It’s a testament to Marseille’s architectural evolution. It’s part of a larger residential complex Les Genêts. This complex wasn’t built in isolation. It’s woven into the fabric of the 13th arrondissement. Les Genêts is one of five buildings. They form part of a larger 1969 operation to build 15000 homes. Architects Jacques Carrot and Charles Delfante designed these buildings. The construction company was J-L Stribick from Saint-Etienne. The final construction was completed in 1971.
The buildings themselves are striking. They are tall slender towers. They are oriented north-south. The facades feature prominent balconies and vertical lines. These design elements accentuate the height. They give the buildings a unique modern aesthetic. The initial design incorporated prefabricated panels. Subsequent renovations in the 1980s altered the original appearance. The buildings were repainted. The new colors were cheerful but perhaps a bit too garish.
The Montée des Genêts is more than just concrete and steel. It’s a microcosm of Marseille’s social and architectural history. It reflects the city’s ambition for urban renewal. This ambitious project aimed to provide affordable housing. The project’s impact extended beyond simple housing. It was a large social experiment. Les Genêts and the Montée des Genêts show the interplay between grand plans and lived experience. They show architectural styles and social changes. The street itself is a quiet witness. It witnessed the changes over decades.
The Montée des Genêts is a journey through time. A walk down this street is a walk through Marseille’s past. Take a moment to appreciate the architecture. Feel the history beneath your feet. Consider the lives that have unfolded here. The Montée des Genêts is a place of quiet contemplation. It’s also a place of unexpected discovery. It’s a place that deserves a place in your Marseille story.