“A curve in the road. It’s more than just asphalt and painted lines.” Today we explore Boulevard de la Millière. This isn’t just any street. It’s a place with a past. It’s located in Marseille’s 11th arrondissement.
The name “La Millière” comes from a villa. Mr. Gilly de la Souchière owned it in the 1920s. In 1973 the HLM ZAC des Escourtines society adopted the name. This area borders La Penne-sur-Huveaune. It acts as a boundary.
La Millière features rolling hills. It is great for nature walks. The Huveaune River flows through it. This enhances the area’s natural appeal. La Millière is associated with industrial zones. However its geography showcases nature.
Let’s go back in time. In the 14th century Jean de l’Oye owned Prat Redon. It was located in a bend of the Huveaune. A notarial act mentions “Bueras” in 1351. By 1439 the area was called Pré Redon. In 1483 Claude Millière bought property here. He was a hotelier from Marseille. He gave the area his name. The Diodé family later owned the domaine.
In 1579 La Millière was agricultural. Pierre Marquesy had a flour mill here. Two water mills operated here in the late 19th century. The Bastide de La Millière was divided into lots in 1930. Modern industries arrived in the 20th century. Organico later became Atochem.
The population has remained stable. In 2012 the population was 2773.
But there’s a darker side to this boulevard. A sharp hairpin turn gained notoriety. It was near number 80. Locals called it the “virage de la mort” or death curve. This curve surprised drivers coming from Marseille. They were headed towards La Penne-sur-Huveaune. The force would push cars to the right. Trees and a service station posed dangers.
Residents recall terrible accidents. They remember the sounds of cars sliding. Many people died here. The community fought for twenty years. They wanted the curve modified. After a 5-year-old girl died changes were finally made in the 1970s. Accidents decreased significantly.
In recent times a new cycle path has revived old fears. Residents say it has restored the curve to its dangerous original form. The service station is again in the path of potential accidents. Petitions circulated to address this issue.
Boulevard de la Millière tells many stories. It is a mix of nature industry and history. It serves as a reminder. Progress must be made. Safety should be prioritized.