A whisper of history. That’s what Rue Horace Bertin holds. It’s a quiet street in Marseille’s 5th arrondissement. A short street connecting Place Jean-Jaurès and Rue George. Yet its name tells a story. A story of Simon Bense. Better known as Horace Bertin.
Rue Horace Bertin is named after a remarkable man. A journalist and poet. He was the founding president of Marseille’s press syndicate in 1880. He championed the city’s voice through his writing. His passion for Marseille was undeniable.
His life was a whirlwind of ink and words. He founded newspapers like L’Echo de Marseille and Les Tablettes de Marseille. He spent nearly thirty years writing for Le Sémophore. Marseille’s oldest newspaper. Later he joined Le Petit Marseillais. He wasn’t just a journalist though. He was a poet too. His major work was Les heures marseillaises. A beautiful tribute to the city he loved.
He described Marseille’s charm. He captured its essence. His words painted vivid pictures. He showcased its people their daily lives. He was a true son of Marseille. In 1899 he was elected to the Académie de Marseille. He delivered his acceptance speech in 1900.
Rue Horace Bertin is more than just a street. It is a memorial. A tribute to a man who dedicated his life to his city. His words live on. They’re etched in the history of Marseille. His name ensures his legacy. It lives on in the very stones under your feet. Walk this street and feel the weight of his words. Feel the spirit of a city celebrated by its poet. It’s a silent homage. A testament to a life lived fully. A life dedicated to the vibrant tapestry of Marseille.