Isn’t it fascinating that even a small street like Impasse des Plâtrières can hold a story? The Impasse des Plâtrières is located in Marseille. Marseille is the oldest city in France. Greeks founded it about 2600 years ago. They came from Focea which is nowadays in Turkey.
Marseille has a rich history with historical sites and artifacts. The city experiences lots of sunshine. It has over 2900 hours of sunshine each year. That makes it the sunniest city in France.
Marseille has the biggest commercial port in France. Most of the traded goods are oil and imports. In the Middle Ages, soap production began due to surplus raw materials such as olive oil and soda. King Louis XIV set standards for using the Marseilles soap label in 1688. Today five original soap makers still exist in Marseille.
Marseille is known as the World Water Capital since 1996. The World Water Council headquarters are located here. Their goal is to act on critical water issues.
Just outside Marseille, you can find the Calanques National Park. There you can go hiking or swim in the turquoise sea.
Marseille serves as the gateway to the Provence region. The city is close to lavender fields, medieval towns, Roman sites and vineyards.
Marseille’s history is complex. It involves power, trade and chance. Julius Caesar’s conquest gave Arles the upper hand. But Marseille got its revenge 10 centuries later with the arrival of the Franks. In the 19th century, Marseille became a stronghold of trade in the Mediterranean again.
Today Marseille is on a roll. It was the European Capital of Culture in 2013. Nearly 10 million visitors came. New venues are flourishing. Marseille has characteristics of a great city. It is innovative but attached to traditions. It is also cosmopolitan and Provençal.
The Impasse des Plâtrières may seem like a simple street. But it connects us to Marseille’s long history. It links the city’s ancient roots to its modern vibrancy. As you walk through Impasse des Plâtrières consider the layers of time. Think about the people who have walked this path before. Their stories are part of Marseille’s enduring story. They are also part of the story of Impasse des Plâtrières.