How about a walk where art and industry meet the sea? This is the Chemin du Littoral in Marseille. It is a path of surprising contrasts.
The Chemin du Littoral is more than just a street. It stretches 5400 meters. That makes it the longest street in Marseille. It winds through the 2nd, 15th, and 16th arrondissements.
Once, it was called Chemin de Marseille par le saut de Marrot. This old road ended at the traverse de l’Octroi until 1875. Then, it was extended to L’Estaque. A steam tram once ran here. That was between 1892 and 1902.
The name Chemin du Littoral is simple. It means “coastal path.” It runs along the sea. The A55 motorway borders part of it. The road begins at the intersection with the coastal motorway. You will find the Panzani semolina factory and the Silo de la Madrague. Here is also the third gate of the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille.
The Chemin du Littoral then follows the motorway. It goes to exit 5. Here lies the fourth gate of the port. The road separates from the motorway. It crosses the Mourepiane site. This area is full of warehouses. The road heads west. It crosses the fifth gate and the port of Saumaty. This is at the roundabout with Boulevard Fenouil. Here you will find form 10. The road ends at the entrance to the port and village of l’Estaque.
This route was part of the old National Route 568. It linked Marseille to Arles. It runs along the northern part of the autonomous port. It serves gates 3, 4, and 5. The RTM bus line serves the entire length of the Chemin du Littoral.
The Chemin du Littoral offers a blend of experiences. It’s a route through working Marseille. L’Estaque is part of Marseille today. It is the city’s 16th arrondissement. You can reach it easily by bus or train from the city center. L’Estaque retains its own atmosphere.
L’Estaque has drawn many famous artists. They were attracted by the light and colors. Red roofs meet the blue sea. Green pines stand by white hills. Chimneys rise into the sky.
Félix Ziem discovered L’Estaque in the early 19th century. Adolphe Monticelli influenced Paul Cézanne. Later, Renoir, Dufy, and Braque painted here. Cézanne painted about 60 canvases of L’Estaque. He captured the sea and the factory chimneys.
Renoir visited Cézanne in 1882. They painted the same scene side by side. Renoir found it beautiful. Braque shared a studio with Dufy in 1908. They helped launch the Fauvist movement. Émile Zola set his novel Naïs Micoulin in L’Estaque.
The Chemin du Littoral offers a sensory experience. Imagine the sounds of the port. Smell the sea air and the scent of orange flower doughnuts. See the colors that inspired artists. It’s a journey through history, art, and industry. The Chemin du Littoral is a reminder of Marseille’s multifaceted soul.