Considering Figuerolles’ name might mean “where paths cross”, let’s explore its past. I am thrilled to share the captivating story of Ancienne batterie de Figuerolles with you. This French military battery was constructed around 1880-1890. It sits near Pointe de Figuerolles. This is on the Côte Bleue close to Marseille.
Ancienne batterie de Figuerolles high ground offered strategic advantages. It was used to monitor maritime traffic. It offers a spectacular view of the west of Marseille.
In 1932, the Air Defense of the Territory established the DCA here. This was for Marseille and Étang de Berre. At that time, the Luftwaffe lacked bombers. They could not reach the Mediterranean coast from German bases. The French feared attacks from Italy and Spain. The goal was to protect the oil installations. These were at Étang de Berre. The airfields of Marignane Salon and Istres also needed protection. A barrier of three batteries was planned. These were at Fort de Bouc Ventrons and Val de Ricard. The marine battery at Fort de Niolon and Ancienne batterie de Figuerolles completed the chain. Ancienne batterie de Figuerolles had an excellent field of vision.
Today only the building walls remain. You can still see its red bricks and alcoves. Cannons were once installed here. A concrete platform is still visible. There is also a basement. This once housed a powder magazine. Niches held twenty cartridges and twenty shells.
To access the basement bring a flashlight. Pass the building on the left. On the right hidden under vegetation find the entrance. It’s the entrance to a gallery blackened with soot. Retrace your steps. Walk along the stone wall. Then reach the platform. Discover the panoramic view of the harbor and islands. Strategically it doesn’t get better than Ancienne batterie de Figuerolles.
After the June 1940 armistice the battery was disarmed. The site was then evacuated. The 178th battery was placed on a height. This overlooked the old Figuerolles battery. It was installed on a ridge measuring 100 by 15 meters. The space ran east to west. It had a good field of vision except to the north. Another ridge 1.25 km away blocked the view. This was not a problem considering the tactical data of the time. Below on the sea side are four concrete platforms. They are surrounded by brick and tile pieces. These likely came from barracks that have now disappeared.
The access path to Ancienne batterie de Figuerolles is distinctive. Don’t confuse it with the Route Pompidou. The access path to the DCA battery veers off to the right. It heads toward the ridge. This is where the battery was installed.
The DCA fired 829 rounds of 75 mm ammunition. The Colombie Mexique Bahram and Marigot ships participated in the firing. Only the Colombie had 75 mm guns. The others only had 13.2 or 8 mm machine guns. The batteries of Figuerolles Sainte Marthe Cadenaux and Banc du Frioul all fired. This totaled sixteen pieces plus the two from the Colombie. Sainte Marthe and Banc may have been at the limit of their range. The only modern DCA Niolon no longer existed. Its two 100 mm mounts were aboard the Richelieu.