Perhaps you have arrived here by bus. Several bus routes will take you to Rue Toussaint. The numbers 32, 33 and 72 will bring you to Rue Toussaint. The bus stops Barbini Loubon and Loubon Barbini are only a 2 min walk away from Rue Toussaint. The bus N2 stops nearby too. You can reach Rue Toussaint by train also. The train lines C2, C5 and C6 will take you close to Rue Toussaint.
Now let’s talk about the story of Rue Toussaint. It lies in Marseille’s 3rd arrondissement. To fully appreciate Rue Toussaint, you must know a little about Marseille itself.
Marseille is France’s second-most populous city after Paris. In 2021, it had over 873,000 inhabitants. Founded around 600 BC by Greek settlers, Marseille is the oldest city in France. It is also one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements.
The Greeks called it Massalia. The Romans knew it as Massilia. Marseille has been a trading port since ancient times. It boomed commercially during the colonial period. This boom continued into the 19th century. Marseille became a prosperous industrial and trading city.
The Old Port remains at the heart of the city. Marseille soap began here six centuries ago. Overlooking the port is the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde. Locals call it “Bonne-mère”. It’s a Romano-Byzantine church and the symbol of Marseille.
Marseille’s openness to the Mediterranean has shaped it. Cultural and economic exchanges mark the city. These exchanges extend to Southern Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia. Marseille has the third-largest Jewish community in Europe. Only London and Paris have more.
The Euroméditerranée project launched in the 1990s. It aimed at economic development and urban renewal. This led to new infrastructure and renovations. The tramway was built and the Hôtel-Dieu was transformed into a luxury hotel. The Vélodrome Stadium expanded. The CMA CGM Tower rose. New quayside museums appeared, such as the MuCEM.
Marseille was the European Capital of Culture in 2013. It became the European Capital of Sport in 2017. The city hosted matches at the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2016. Olympique de Marseille is based here. It’s one of France’s most successful football clubs.
Getting around Rue Toussaint is relatively easy. The closest metro station to Rue Toussaint is Desirée Clary. It is a 16 min walk away. The train station Gare De Arenc-Euroméditerranée is 21 min walk away. The tram station Arenc Le Silo is a 25 min walk from Rue Toussaint.
As you explore Rue Toussaint remember its connections. This street connects to Marseille’s rich transport network. It is a small piece of a large and fascinating puzzle. Enjoy discovering all that Rue Toussaint and Marseille have to offer.