Hidden amongst Marseille’s vibrant streets lies Rue des Industrieux. Its unassuming name belies a rich history. This street whispers tales of Marseille’s industrial past. A past often overlooked in favor of the city’s more glamorous port history.
Rue des Industrieux isn’t just a street. It’s a living testament to Marseille’s pivotal role in France’s industrial revolutions. For a long time historians believed Marseille’s industrial growth started late. They thought the city missed the second industrial revolution. They underestimated the ingenuity and drive of Marseille’s entrepreneurs.
The truth is quite different. Marseille actively participated in the first industrial revolution. Industries thrived here. These included the production of oil sugar soap and even sulfur acids and cement. Think of the bustling factories the hardworking men and women. Picture the smells of sulfur and the sounds of machinery. It was a far cry from the romantic image many have of Marseille.
Beyond the traditional industries Marseille also invested in modern technologies. This included the production of steam engines. It’s less known that the renowned British engineer George Stephenson himself visited La Ciotat in 1843. He personally helped set up a locomotive production workshop. These workshops employed over 500 people a considerable number at the time.
Marseille’s industrial prowess continued into the second industrial revolution. Local entrepreneurs invested heavily in new industries. They received support from regional banks. New industries such as oil mills cement factories and even metallurgical plants sprang up. Some of these industries were located in surprising places. Eight industrial sites existed within the calanques themselves. Who knew that a soda factory and an oil refinery once stood at the Col de Sormiou?
Rue des Industrieux itself might not have housed these giants of industry. But it stands as a silent witness to this era. It serves as a reminder of the hardworking people who shaped Marseille’s identity. The street reflects the city’s evolution from a simple port to a major industrial player.
Sadly many of these industrial sites fell into disuse. They were abandoned after the 1960s. The city underwent a period of deindustrialization. However these abandoned factories and warehouses represent another layer of Marseille’s history. They tell the story of economic shifts and the impact of industrial decline.
Today Rue des Industrieux might be quieter. But the echoes of its past remain. Walking down this seemingly ordinary street is to walk through time. It is to experience the hidden heart of Marseille’s industrious spirit.