“Imagine Carpiagne not just as a location but as a silent witness to centuries of French history. Carpiagne a quartier in Marseille. It is a place where military presence intertwines with the serene beauty of the Calanques National Park.
Carpiagne’s story stretches back to times long before the modern city of Marseille. There are suggestions that even before the arrival of the Greeks, people recognized the strategic importance of this elevated plateau. Its naturally defended position made it a point of interest.
Let’s journey back to the era of the Knights Templar. Around 1200, Carpiagne might have been connected to the Marseille Commandery. However, solid proof of this connection remains elusive. By 1338, Carpiagne undeniably belonged to the Grand Priory of Saint-Gilles. This Hospitalier priory inherited the Templars’ holdings. It is believed Carpiagne’s farm, documented in a 1338 inventory, was among these Templar properties.
In the late 14th century, Carpiagne transitioned into a monastery. The Notre-Dame de Carpiagne church was erected. A priest reporting to the Bishop of Marseille oversaw liturgical duties. This arrangement lasted until the Doria family purchased the estate around 1520. The monastery became a bastide. The Hospitaliers maintained a contract with the farm, which produced wheat and olive oil. They received payment until the French Revolution abolished feudalism.
Skipping ahead to more recent conflicts, Carpiagne played a role in World War I. It served as a detention center for healthy Austro-German prisoners. It also housed those repatriated from North Africa due to health issues. Gustave Ador, president of the International Red Cross, visited Carpiagne. He and his deputy, Frédéric Barbey, found it well-organized. By 1942, Carpiagne could accommodate over a thousand men.
During World War II, German forces occupied Carpiagne. They transformed it into a training camp for anti-tank commandos. On August 15, 1944, Allied troops landed in Provence. French divisions advanced towards Marseille and Toulon. The liberation of Carpiagne became essential before entering Marseille.
The 2nd Group of Moroccan Tabors, supported by the Sudre armored group, undertook this mission. Intense fighting ensued. The strategically vital camp of Carpiagne fell to Allied forces on August 23, 1944.
After the war, Carpiagne served as a regrouping center for German prisoners. In 1946, General de Lattre de Tassigny initiated reforms. Carpiagne became a training center for the IX military region’s transport troops. Over the years, Carpiagne evolved. It housed the 141st Infantry Regiment’s mobilization center. It later became the Armored and Train Instruction Center.
In 2014, the 1st Foreign Cavalry Regiment, also known as the Royal Foreign regiment, took up residence. This regiment brought new life to Carpiagne. Extensive renovations transformed the camp. Carpiagne remains a vital military site. It blends history, strategic importance, and natural beauty.
As you stand here in Carpiagne, remember its layers of history. From Templar farms to modern military exercises, Carpiagne remains a fascinating and integral part of Marseille.”