“Did you hear that? The hum of cicadas, rising and falling like the tide?” The Montée des Cigales, a slope in Marseille, isn’t named for actual cicadas. They don’t thrive in the city’s bustle. The name is a playful nod to the locals who, like cicadas, seem to sing their own vibrant song, filling the air with their unique dialect and stories. The Montée des Cigales climbs the hills above the Vieux Port. The area around this slope has seen centuries of history unfold, from the city’s Greek origins to its role as a bustling Roman port. Marseille, founded around 600 BC as Massalia, became a crucial trading hub. Its ships sailed far and wide. Marseille’s strategic location made it a coveted prize. In 49 BC, the city sided with Pompey against Julius Caesar, leading to a siege. Caesar, after a six-month struggle, conquered Massalia. He punished the defiant city, destroying its walls and curtailing its fishing rights. But Marseille proved resilient, rebuilding with the aid of its neighbors and colonies, notably Greece, which sent supplies, builders, and new inhabitants. The Vieux-Port is just a stone’s throw from the Montée des Cigales. This port has been the heart of Marseille for centuries. It has witnessed countless ships come and go. One particularly unusual incident involved the grounding of the frigate Sartine in 1780, effectively blocking the port’s entrance. This event, embellished over time, gave rise to the local legend of a single sardine large enough to block the entire harbor. From grand historical events to quirky anecdotes, the Montée des Cigales stands as a silent witness. It overlooks a city that has always risen from adversity, a city that sings its own song.
Rue Callelongue
A hidden paradise at the end of the world. That’s Callelongue. Callelongue isn’t just a street it’s a journey. A