Rond-Point Irène Calmettes

Hidden in plain sight, the Rond-Point Irène Calmettes is more than just a traffic circle. It’s a tribute to a remarkable woman. Irène Calmettes, a name whispered with respect in Marseille, dedicated her life to fighting cancer. Right here at the Rond-Point Irène Calmettes, we stand on the edge of a story of courage and dedication. Irène Calmettes began her career as a student nurse at the Frégier School of the Hospitals of Marseille. She married René Neyral in 1924. They had a daughter in 1926. Her journey led her to the “Centre Anticancèreux (CAC)” in Marseille in 1927. This center, later renamed in her honor as part of the Institut Paoli-Calmettes, became her life’s work. The CAC, initially split between Hôtel-Dieu and Conception Hospital, was transferred to Sainte-Marguerite Hospital. It occupied a separate pavilion called “Château Lafon” and the “Pavillon Pierre et Marie Curie”. Irène Calmettes became its general superintendent in 1950, working alongside Professor Jean Paoli, a pioneer in radium treatments. Rond-Point Irène Calmettes is a tribute not just to her work, but also to her bravery during World War II. When the Nazi army threatened to requisition the radium used for treatments, Irène hid it in the cellar of her home at 43 rue Liandier. This act of defiance protected a vital resource for cancer patients. It cemented Irène’s place as a hero in Marseille. The Rond-Point Irène Calmettes serves as a constant reminder of her dedication. She worked tirelessly with Professor Paoli. She even managed the radium stock, exposing herself to the then little-understood dangers of radioactivity. Her commitment came at a personal cost, as the risks of radiation exposure were not fully known at the time. In 1974, the center was renamed the Institut Paoli-Calmettes. This honored both Professor Paoli and Irène Calmettes for their significant contributions to cancer treatment. The Rond-Point Irène Calmettes, located near the institute, stands as a testament to their legacy. So, as you navigate the Rond-Point Irène Calmettes, remember the woman behind the name. Remember her courage, her dedication, and her unwavering commitment to the fight against cancer. This simple traffic circle holds a piece of Marseille’s history. It’s a tribute to a woman who risked everything to make a difference.