Les Canons

Beneath the imposing walls of Fort Saint-Jean in Marseille, two Napoleonic cannons rest. These are Les Canons. They tumbled from the cliff batteries long ago, landing southwest of their original position. Fort Saint-Jean itself is a fascinating place, built in 1660 by Louis XIV. He famously remarked, upon its completion and that of its counterpart, Fort Saint-Nicolas, “We noticed that the inhabitants of Marseille were extremely fond of nice fortresses. We wanted to have our own at the entrance to this great port.” This statement, though seemingly benign, held a darker truth. Les Canons, along with the other fort cannons, were pointed inwards, towards the city of Marseille, not out to sea. They were a symbol of royal control, a deterrent against the rebellious spirit of the Marseillais. The placement of Les Canons speaks volumes about the tense relationship between Marseille and the crown. Louis XIV, still wary from a local uprising against the governor, intended the forts not as protection for the city but as a means of control. Imagine the citizens of Marseille looking out at the imposing Fort Saint-Jean, its cannons, including Les Canons, trained directly on their homes. A constant reminder of the King’s power. Fort Saint-Jean also incorporated older structures. The 12th-century Commandry of the Knights Hospitaller of St. John of Jerusalem, once a monastic hospice during the Crusades, became part of the fort. The 15th-century tower of René I, King of Provence, was another addition. Les Canons, though relics of a later era, now reside near these remnants of Marseille’s rich and layered past. The forts, including Fort Saint-Jean and Les Canons, became symbols of royal oppression during the French Revolution. In April 1790, revolutionaries seized Fort Saint-Jean and executed the commander of the royal garrison. During World War II, the fort was occupied by German forces. Then, in August 1944, a munitions depot within Fort Saint-Jean exploded, destroying a significant portion of its historical structures, a stark contrast to the intended purpose of Les Canons and their counterparts. The damage was extensive, but the fort was eventually restored. Today, Fort Saint-Jean and Les Canons stand as reminders of a tumultuous past. They represent the complex relationship between Marseille and the French monarchy. So, as you gaze upon Les Canons, consider their silent story. They whisper of rebellion, control, and the enduring spirit of Marseille.