Overlooking the prison that shares its name the Croix de l’Aiguille des Baumettes stands tall. From here one can see as far as Mont Ventoux on a clear day. Today we will discover a bit more about this place.
The Croix de l’Aiguille des Baumettes is reached via a marked path. This well-marked path leads to the summit of the Escampons. A 360-degree view awaits there encompassing the sea the city and Luminy campus. From there a small narrow but visible path descends toward the Croix de l’Aiguille des Baumettes.
The Croix de l’Aiguille des Baumettes is near the Baumettes neighborhood. This area gets its name from the Occitan word “baumetas”. This translates to “small caves”. For those wanting to see the calanques de Sormiou or Morgiou you must pass through here.
The neighborhood of Baumettes sits in a small valley. The ridge of Escampons and Lun hill border it. Several passes also dominate the landscape. These include Lun Pass Baumettes Pass and Morgiou Pass. A mule path once ran through here connecting Mazargues village to Morgiou calanque.
Historically this area was not very populated. It was suited to vegetable farming wine growing hunting and fishing. Its location away from the city and large spaces made working the land easier. There were however polluting factories here too. In 1817 a soda factory operated in the Lun valley. Soda was needed for detergent production in the soap industry. In 1863 an oil refinery was added. By the end of the 19th century the refinery moved its activities. It relocated to Port-de-Bouc where petrochemical industries remain today.
At the start of the 20th century Morgiou calanque was improved. A modern pier and dike were built. This protected the calanque from easterly winds and waves. Hiking became popular with groups like the Excursionnistes Marseillais. This launched the trend of hiking. With climbing and diving it is one of three historic activities done at Morgiou and Sormiou calanques.
Around this time agricultural lands were sold. These were transformed to house so-called “undesirable” populations away from the city.
The Croix de l’Aiguille des Baumettes stands overlooking the calanques. It provides a place for reflection and a reminder of the area’s past. It has seen industry agriculture and now welcomes hikers and nature lovers. Take a moment to appreciate the views and imagine the changes this area has undergone.