“Built by Rio Tinto” a voice whispers from the past. This is Quai de la Lave in Marseille. Right here on this very quai a piece of Marseille’s maritime history unfolds.
Quai de la Lave also known as the Port de Corbières is more than just a waterfront. It’s a testament to ingenuity and resilience. Constructed in the late 19th century between 1885 and 1890 by the mining giant Rio Tinto it served as a vital port. This isn’t some romantic seaside village tale. This is about industry and innovation.
The quai’s development continued. Further improvements came between 1910 and 1920. This was during the construction of the canal de Marseille au Rove’s dam. Imagine the scale of that project. The sheer manpower involved in shaping this landscape. Quai de la Lave became integral to the waterway’s function.
Post-World War II the quai saw another revival. The 1950s brought restoration and renewal. It was a time of rebuilding not only the quai but also the spirit of Marseille. The port thrived for years. It connected Marseille to the Étang de Berre.
But time and nature have their way. An unfortunate landslide in 1963 inside the nearby tunnel du Rove sealed its fate. Access to the Étang de Berre was cut off. The once bustling quai experienced a significant change.
Yet Quai de la Lave endures. It occupies approximately 8000 square meters. The three floating pontoons with wooden decking remain. These silent witnesses to bygone eras. The protective southern breakwater of artificial concrete blocks still stands strong. It’s a blend of past and present a quiet strength that speaks volumes.
More than 500 dry berths and about a hundred wet berths exist. The boat storage racks rise in four tiers. It’s a modern marvel built on the bones of its past. The port still offers services. These include water electricity and even Wi-Fi. This quiet corner of Marseille continues to provide for boaters. A testament to its enduring legacy. The Quai de la Lave a place where history and progress find harmony. A small piece of Marseille’s bustling past continues to offer itself to the future.