Did you know that the Chemin de l’Armée d’Afrique honors soldiers? Specifically, it honors the French military units in North Africa. These units were commonly called the “Armée d’Afrique.” This road lies in the 5th and 10th arrondissements of Marseille.
The Chemin de l’Armée d’Afrique stretches 1719 meters. It measures 12 meters wide. It begins at the intersection of Rue Saint-Pierre and Rue Jean-Martin. This starting point is near the Hôpital de la Timone.
The road passes under a railway bridge. This bridge carries the Marseille-Blancarde to Marseille-Prado line. From there, the Chemin de l’Armée d’Afrique runs along the southern edge of the Saint-Pierre cemetery. It concludes at Avenue Désiré-Bianco. To get there, it passes over the Rocade L2.
Originally, this path had simpler names. It was once known as “Chemin vicinal du cimetière Saint-Pierre”. Another former name was “Chemin du Béal”. The city council chose the current name. They wanted to honor the Armée d’Afrique. This army played a key role in liberating Marseille. This liberation occurred between 1830 and 1962. Parts of these troops even resided at number 144 of the Chemin de l’Armée d’Afrique.
Until 2015, the Chemin de l’Armée d’Afrique ended above the Florian interchange. After that year, changes were made. The interchange was redeveloped. The road was extended to Rue Désiré-Bianco.
The Armée d’Afrique included various units. These units came from French North Africa. This area included Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. Their origins trace back to the conquest of Algeria.
The term “Armée d’Afrique” wasn’t institutional. Instead, it generally referred to forces stationed in French Algeria. It also included forces in Tunisia and Morocco. This was during the colonial period from 1830 to 1962.
The Armée d’Afrique integrated into the French armed forces. It was distinct from the Troupes coloniales. Some formations were mostly or entirely European. Others consisted largely of indigenous soldiers. Proportions varied across different corps.
During World War II, the term remained relevant. It applied to the French Expeditionary Corps in Italy. It also included the 1st French Army. Regiments from French Algeria received many decorations. These included the Foreign Legion, Zouaves, and Tirailleurs. They were among the most decorated in the French Army.
The Armée d’Afrique was disbanded in 1962. Some units maintain its memory. These include the 1st Tirailleurs Regiment and the 1st Spahis Regiment. Others are the 68th African Artillery Regiment and the 40th Artillery Regiment.
Today, the Chemin de l’Armée d’Afrique serves as a reminder. It reminds us of the sacrifices and contributions. These were made by the soldiers of the Armée d’Afrique. It links the past with the present. It provides a space for reflection and remembrance in Marseille.