“Farossium in loco de Masselha Veyra quod respondere debet ad insulam de Rieu.” Did you catch that? It is a phrase from 1302. It speaks of a network of watchtowers. Our destination, Vigie de Riou, was a key part of that network.
Hello everyone. Welcome to the story of Vigie de Riou. This island lookout played a vital role. It helped protect Marseille centuries ago.
Imagine the 14th century. Marseille needed protection. Invasions threatened. Insecurity loomed. So a watchtower was built on Riou’s summit. This Vigie de Riou connected with towers at Marseilleveyre and Mont de la Garde.
The Vigie de Riou’s location was strategic. Guards watched for approaching dangers. They sent signals to warn Marseille. These signals could have been flames or smoke. Imagine the difficulty for the rare vegetation. Smoke and flames likely took their toll.
Life at the Vigie de Riou was isolated. In 1442, Marseille built a house. It also built a cistern for the watch guards. The construction was north of Pic Occidental. This collected rainwater. Water ran down the rocky face.
Shepherds also used Riou. They grazed their flocks on the island. The city auctioned off the rights to these herbages.
Guards at Vigie de Riou faced dangers. In 1527, attackers struck. The guards were killed or enslaved. A rescue boat was lost. The blame fell on the Turks.
Maintaining the Vigie de Riou required constant effort. In 1484, a new ladder was needed. It helped the guards reach the top. Antoine Raymond delivered a tree or mast to the island. Four men took it to the Vigie. This happened in 1475 and 1480.
The guards had to light a fire each day. This proved they were at their post. Failure meant a fine. It could cost them a month’s salary.
The Vigie de Riou’s operation ended in 1695. Nicolas Tarrus and his son Louis were the last guards. They earned 45 livres for their work. This covered July, August, and September.
In 1793, the state took ownership of the archipelago. Later in 1885, the State ceded the Archipelago of Riou to the Navy. Finally in 1992, it became property of the Conservatoire du Littoral.
Today, the Vigie de Riou stands in ruins. Yet it reminds us of Marseille’s past. It reminds us of the guards. They watched. They waited. They protected the city. The Vigie de Riou is now a protected national park. It has been since 2012. This protects its natural heritage.
Standing here, think of those long-ago guards. Their vigilance helped shape Marseille’s story. The Vigie de Riou remains a silent sentinel. It watches over the city and the sea. Its story echoes through time.