Imagine Saint Martha herself pausing here. Legend says she stopped in this village. She was on her way to Sainte-Baume. The Sainte-Marthe district got its name from this visit. Later, the village became part of Marseille. It was named after her.
Sainte-Marthe is a northern district of Marseille. It sits at the edge of the Étoile massif. This area has seen many changes. Farms became housing estates. Schools and military camps appeared. Low-cost housing was also built.
The Canal de Marseille crosses Sainte-Marthe. The railway line from Aix-en-Provence to Marseille also passes through. The Sainte-Marthe train station still operates. TER trains regularly stop here. They connect Marseille and Aix.
To improve housing, a project started here. It focuses on rehabilitation and development. The project considers the environment. It also listens to residents. New roads were built. A public park was created. New homes were added.
The Chemin de Sainte-Marthe road leads to the village center. It stretches from Boulevard Burel to Rue Berthelot. This road got its name from the village.
The Sainte-Marthe church sits on a hill. A cemetery is next to it. The GR 2013 hiking trail passes the church.
Near Sainte-Marthe is the Domaine de Tour-Sainte. Its tower is easily seen. It is called the Tower of the Immaculate Conception. There is also the Sainte-Marthe fountain. It is located on Chemin de la Fontaine.
Sainte-Marthe has several schools. These include Pythéas college. Henri-Margalhan college is also here. Tour-Sainte offers private education. It has a school, college and lycee.
The Savonnerie du Serail is in Sainte-Marthe. It is one of the last Marseille soap factories still working. The Sainte-Marthe train station still has its original building. It was built in 1877.
Bastide Montgolfier is a historic site. It includes the Tour du Pin farm. The farm still operates today. Château Ricard is another landmark. It was once the home of Paul Ricard.
Paul Ricard was born in Sainte-Marthe. He invented Pastis Ricard. The company’s headquarters were near the train station until 2021. His former home is still owned by the family. It is called Château Ricard.
Sainte-Marthe is a blend of old and new. The village began with Saint Martha’s visit. Today, it continues to evolve. It balances development with respect for its history. The district tries to preserve its environment. It listens to its residents’ needs. Sainte-Marthe looks to the future while remembering its past.