Boulevard de la Cartonnerie

Tucked away in Marseille’s vibrant La Belle de Mai district lies Boulevard de la Cartonnerie. It whispers tales of a bygone era, intertwined with the rise and fall of one of France’s largest factories, the SEITA tobacco factory. Boulevard de la Cartonnerie wasn’t always a hub of artistic expression. Before La Friche la Belle de Mai, this area housed the SEITA factory, employing almost 1,000 people. Its closure in 1990 marked a turning point. The abandoned buildings became canvases for a new vision, a cultural project spearheaded by the city of Marseille and figures like Christian Poitevin. The transformation of the area, including Boulevard de la Cartonnerie, unfolded in stages. Between 2004 and 2006, La Cartonnerie, a performance space within the larger La Friche complex, and a restaurant emerged. Boulevard de la Cartonnerie became a vital artery within this burgeoning cultural hub. It’s no coincidence that “Cartonnerie” translates to “cardboard factory” in English. This name directly links the boulevard to the industrial past of the site, possibly referencing a part of the SEITA factory where cardboard packaging was produced. Today, La Friche la Belle de Mai, encompassing Boulevard de la Cartonnerie, pulsates with life. It’s a testament to urban regeneration, where art, culture, and community converge. As you wander along Boulevard de la Cartonnerie, remember the echoes of its industrial past and the vibrant present it embodies, a unique blend of history and creativity in the heart of Marseille.