Mazargues

In 1703, Françoise-Marguerite de Sévigné penned a letter describing Mazargues as a realm of health and beauty. She detailed the village’s inhabitants, noting their longevity, lack of illness, and striking good looks, even comparing them to the people of Telemachus. Today, we stand in Mazargues, a former village now nestled within Marseille’s 9th arrondissement. Mazargues still retains its charm, despite its integration into the bustling city. The heart of Mazargues boasts an interesting landmark. The obelisk honoring Napoleon II, originally erected in Place Castellane in 1811, found its new home in Mazargues in 1911. This monument stands as a testament to the neighborhood’s rich history. Mazargues is also home to the Église Saint Roch, a Roman Catholic church dedicated to Saint Roch. Nearby lies the Mazargues Commonwealth War Cemetery, a poignant reminder of the world wars. It holds the remains of 1,487 casualties from World War I and 267 from World War II. The streets of Mazargues themselves tell stories. Rue Émile-Zola honors the famous writer, while Rue Henri Revoil commemorates the architect, son of the painter Pierre Révoil. Rue Raymond Cayol remembers a former member of the French National Assembly. And Avenue du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny recognizes the Marshall’s service in World War II and the First Indochina War. Even Rue Henri Tomasi pays homage to the Marseille-born composer. Interestingly, Mazargues is also the birthplace of Jean-Claude Gaudin, Marseille’s mayor since 1995. While the Château de Mazargues, once a prominent landmark, was tragically burned down during the French Revolution, the spirit of Mazargues endures. It is a place where history whispers from every corner, from the grand obelisk to the quiet streets named after notable figures.