Boulevard Jean Duplessis

Amidst the vibrant energy of Marseille, a grand boulevard unfolds, a thoroughfare steeped in history and named after a fascinating figure: Boulevard Jean Duplessis. This boulevard, a testament to a pivotal moment in Guadeloupe’s history, echoes with the name of Jean du Plessis d’Ossonville, a key player in the island’s French colonization. Boulevard Jean Duplessis serves as a reminder of this intriguing historical connection between Marseille and Guadeloupe. D’Ossonville, a gentleman from Picardy and a distant relative of Cardinal Richelieu, embarked on a journey in 1635 that would forever intertwine his name with the Caribbean island. He co-led the French expedition that established a colony on Guadeloupe. Imagine the scene: a flotilla of ships carrying over 500 people, including Norman families, laborers, and even Dominican missionaries, setting sail from Dieppe, France. Their destination: the lush, tropical paradise of Guadeloupe. D’Ossonville, alongside Charles Liénard de l’Olive, landed near Pointe-Allègre, present-day Sainte-Rose. They established two initial settlements, marked by small forts. The locations are now lost to time. However, whispers of their existence remain on ancient maps. Unfortunately, the chosen location proved ill-suited. Many settlers succumbed to disease and starvation. The survivors relocated to the south of the island, near present-day Vieux-Fort. Here, a surprising turn of events unfolded. The indigenous Carib people extended a helping hand to the struggling colonists. They assisted in felling trees, cultivating the land, crafting canoes, and even fishing. D’Ossonville, known for his gentler nature, advocated for peaceful coexistence. However, his co-leader, l’Olive, opted for a more aggressive approach. This difference in philosophy led to a rift between the two leaders. Ultimately, d’Ossonville, disillusioned by the unfolding events, decided to return to France. Sadly, he perished during the voyage in December 1635. His legacy, however, stretches across the ocean to Boulevard Jean Duplessis in Marseille, a subtle yet powerful connection between a bustling French city and a pivotal moment in Caribbean history.