Deep within the Étoile massif lies the Grotte des Chauves-souris. It’s more than just a cave. It’s a place where whispers of history mingle with the chirps of bats. The Grotte des Chauves-souris was once a vibrant hub for these winged creatures. Two species, the Minioptère de Schreibers and the Petit Murin, thrived here. But human activity disrupted their haven. The cave became a clandestine nightclub, a canvas for graffiti artists, even a makeshift recording studio for a local radio station. The bats, sensitive to the disturbance, abandoned their home. Now, the city of Marseille is investing 260,000 euros to restore the Grotte des Chauves-souris to its former glory. They are erasing the traces of human intrusion, from removing graffiti to restoring the natural temperature and humidity. They even plan to use ultrasonic emitters to lure the bats back. This project aims to revive not just a bat habitat, but also a piece of Marseille’s natural history. The city hopes to eventually open the Grotte des Chauves-souris to schoolchildren, offering a unique educational experience. Imagine the children marveling at the rejuvenated cave, learning about the importance of biodiversity and the delicate balance of nature, all thanks to the return of the bats to their rightful home in the Grotte des Chauves-souris.
Rue Callelongue
A hidden paradise at the end of the world. That’s Callelongue. Callelongue isn’t just a street it’s a journey. A