“Ever heard of a street named after an aeronaut and revolutionary?” That’s the question Rue Antoine Bremond poses. This street carries the name of Antoine Brémond-Julien. He was a man of both the skies and the French Revolution.
Rue Antoine Bremond is more than just a street. It’s a reminder of a fascinating figure from Marseille’s past. Brémond-Julien lived in Marseille. He died there too.
At 25, Brémond-Julien made his mark in the world of aerostation. This was a very popular activity in the late 18th century. On June 14, 1784, engineer Pierre Bonin and journalist Jean-Joseph Mazet made history. They completed the first manned aerostatic ascent in Marseille. It took place on the Plateau Saint-Charles.
Brémond-Julien teamed up with Jean-Joseph Mazet. Three weeks later, they repeated the feat. This time, city officials were present. The balloon ascended 400 meters from Saint-Charles. It then descended. Brémond-Julien sustained minor injuries during the landing.
Brémond-Julien embraced the French Revolution. He took charge of the “citizen youth” alongside Charles Barbaroux and Étienne Chompré. This group consisted of the most dedicated members of the patriotic movement. Brémond-Julien admired Mirabeau. He joined the citizen guard. It was formed after popular riots in March 1789.
A disturbance occurred on April 30, 1790. It resulted in deaths and injuries. This followed a gathering to free those jailed in the Tourette affair. De Bournissac issued an arrest warrant for Brémond-Julien. The warrant was due to a writing that allegedly incited the riot. He was imprisoned at Fort Saint-Jean. This lasted until 1792.
During the seizure of Marseille forts, Brémond-Julien played a role. He was present with Lieutaud and Chompré at Notre-Dame de la Garde. There, he officially acknowledged the fort’s capture for the municipality. He later delivered a patriotic speech. This was addressed to soldiers of the Vexin regiment. They had fraternized with national guards and the people.
Near the end of that month, he was chosen as a deputy. He defended the legitimacy of the capture of Marseille’s forts. He was with Le Roi d’Ambleville. He co-founded “L’Observateur marseillais, journal patriotique” with Barbaroux and Esménard. The newspaper released 51 issues. His relationship with Barbaroux deteriorated. Brémond-Julien sided with Jean-François Lieutaud. Lieutaud was the commander of the National Guard. Lieutaud had adopted pro-Feuillant views. The conflict turned against Lieutaud. Brémond-Julien hid near Aix-en-Provence. He was with his cousin Brémond l’Américain in 1793. A detachment from the Grandes Carmes battalion discovered them. They returned them to Marseille. Brémond l’Américain was hanged on Rue d’Aix. Brémond-Julien was hanged in the middle of Cours Belsunce.
Today, Rue Antoine Bremond serves as a vital artery. Public transit options abound here. Buses 38, 42, 53, 72 and 81 all run nearby. The M1 metro line is also close. The nearest bus stop to Rue Brémond is Métro St Just. It is just a one-minute walk away.
As you stand here on Rue Antoine Bremond, consider the life of the man whose name it bears. He was a pioneer of flight and a fervent revolutionary. This street is a reminder of Marseille’s rich and complex past. It also serves as a testament to those who dared to reach for the sky. They fought for their ideals here in Marseille.