Septèmes-les-Vallons

Have you ever wondered how a Roman milestone could give birth to a town? Right here, before us, lies Septèmes-les-Vallons. Its very name, derived from “lapis septimus,” meaning seventh milestone, whispers tales of a Roman road connecting Massilia (Marseille) to Aquae Sextiae (Aix-en-Provence). Septèmes-les-Vallons sits approximately 10.5 km from Marseille’s Vieux-Port, marking the seventh mile. This town, nestled between the Étoile and Nerthe mountain ranges, boasts a third massif within its borders, the Belvédère. Septèmes-les-Vallons wasn’t always a town. In the 11th century, it belonged to Saint-Victor Abbey, then to the Bishop of Marseille. It later became a fortified passage. Septèmes-les-Vallons played a role during the French Revolution. In 1793, a battle raged in the defile between convention forces and rebellious Marseillais allied with royalists. The townspeople returned to find their homes spared by the victors. Officially established in 1790, it was initially named Septèmes. The “les-Vallons” was added in 1919, acknowledging the valleys that define its landscape. Septèmes-les-Vallons experienced significant growth during the Trente Glorieuses, particularly in the 1970s when its population doubled. This expansion included the construction of the Gavotte-Peyret district, with its fourteen buildings. This district later underwent renovations in 2021. Septèmes-les-Vallons bears witness to a rich tapestry of history. From ancient Celto-Ligurian settlements at the Oppidum des Mayans to the industrial era marked by chemical factories. Septèmes-les-Vallons has evolved into a vibrant community.