Ruine du refuge Félix Roche

Gazing up at the weathered stones of the Ruine du refuge Félix Roche, one can almost hear the echoes of laughter and camaraderie. This isn’t just a pile of rocks. It’s a tombstone of dreams, a testament to human resilience, and a forgotten chapter in Marseille’s vibrant history. The Ruine du refuge Félix Roche began its life anew in 1933, thanks to the efforts of the Club Alpin Français. They envisioned a haven for weary travelers, a place where 8 to 10 adventurers could rest their heads after exploring the rugged beauty of Cap Gros. Equipped with a pathway, a woodshed, and a cistern, the refuge promised warmth and respite. It was later named after Félix Roche, a local benefactor of the club who passed away shortly after its inauguration. Félix Roche, a Marseille ship owner and maritime agent, probably never imagined his name would grace the walls of a mountain refuge. But his legacy lived on, etched into the stones of this sanctuary. The Ruine du refuge Félix Roche wasn’t destined for a peaceful existence. Abandoned after World War II, it crumbled into ruins, a victim of time and neglect. Yet, like a phoenix from the ashes, it was reborn. Yves Azemas, a member of the Club Alpin Français and the builder of the Calanques shelter that bears his name, took on the task of renovating the refuge. “Tonton,” as he was affectionately known, dedicated his retirement to preserving the Calanques. He restored shelters, protected the area from wild camping, and cleaned up abandoned waste. His efforts breathed new life into the Ruine du refuge Félix Roche, extending its lifespan for a few more precious decades. The refuge continued to serve hikers and climbers until the 1990s. In 2011, renovation and use were forbidden, and the ONF ultimately “secured” (destroyed) the structure. Today, only the ruins remain, a stark reminder of the refuge’s vibrant past. The Club Alpin Français and Les Excurs, a local hiking group, still visit the site regularly to clean and maintain the underground channels that once fed the cistern. From the summit of Cap Gros, where the Ruine du refuge Félix Roche stands sentinel, the view of the eastern massif stretching towards the bay of Cassis is breathtaking. Though the refuge itself is gone, the spirit of Félix Roche and Yves Azemas lingers, a testament to the enduring power of human connection and the love of nature.