Rond-Point Lieutenant Colonel Piollet

Amidst the tapestry of Marseille’s vibrant streets, lies Rond-Point Lieutenant Colonel Piollet. A seemingly unassuming roundabout, yet it holds a story of courage and sacrifice. Rond-Point Lieutenant Colonel Piollet commemorates a man who played a pivotal role in a tragic moment in history, the assassination of King Alexander I of Yugoslavia. Jules Piollet, a Lieutenant Colonel in the 14th Infantry Regiment, was part of the escort for the King during his visit to Marseille in 1934. As the King’s motorcade proceeded along La Canebière, an assassin emerged from the crowd. Piollet, initially mistaking the attacker for a photographer, reacted swiftly when shots rang out. He drew his saber and charged towards the assailant. Rond-Point Lieutenant Colonel Piollet stands as a testament to Piollet’s bravery. He was awarded the Legion of Honour for his actions. However, his outspoken criticism of the security failures that led to the assassination resulted in an early retirement. Years later, King Peter of Yugoslavia posthumously awarded Piollet the Yugoslav War Cross. Rond-Point Lieutenant Colonel Piollet, located on the A50 motorway between Marseille and Aubagne, serves as a lasting tribute. It reminds us of a moment of courage in the face of tragedy.