Craving a breath of fresh air? Right here at the Traverse de la Berge du Canal, we find ourselves on a path that whispers tales of Marseille’s ingenuity. This isn’t just any street. The Traverse de la Berge du Canal runs alongside a vital artery of the city.
The Canal de Marseille. It is the reason this traverse exists. Picture Marseille struggling with a severe water shortage centuries ago. The city needed a reliable source of drinking water. The Huveaune River was not enough. Cholera outbreaks were common.
Maximin Dominique Consolat was mayor of Marseille in 1834. He boldly declared that he would bring water from the Durance River to Marseille. It did not matter the cost. He would make it happen.
The Durance was far away. Mountains separated it from Marseille. Yet, Consolat was determined. He enlisted Franz Mayor de Montricher. He was a brilliant engineer. Together they devised a plan to transport water.
Construction began in 1839. Workers labored for fifteen years. They had to tunnel through mountains. They built aqueducts to cross valleys. The most impressive is the Roquefavour aqueduct. It was inspired by the Roman Pont du Gard.
The Canal de Marseille stretches for 80 kilometers. Twenty kilometers of it are underground. It was an incredible feat of engineering. Finally, on November 19, 1849, the water arrived in Marseille.
The water arrived at the Plateau Longchamp. The Palais Longchamp was built to commemorate this achievement. Henri-Jacques Espérandieu designed it. The arrival of fresh water transformed Marseille.
The city’s population doubled in forty years. Yet, there was thirty times more water available per person. Marseillais had 370 liters for domestic use each day. Industries had 660 liters. The city was no longer as reliant on the Huveaune.
The Canal de Marseille branches out across the city. One branch goes west towards L’Estaque. The main canal goes around the Aygalades valley. It hugs the Étoile mountain range towards the east. At Four de Buze, the canal splits again. One branch heads south towards the Merlan reservoir. It then flows to the Chutes-Lavie and Palais Longchamp. The other branch continues east.
It goes around the outskirts of the city. It passes Château-Gombert and Plan-de-Cuques. It goes near Allauch and returns to Les Olives. The canal goes through a tunnel under Les Trois-Lucs. It sends a branch west to Saint-Julien and the Saint-Barnabé reservoir. Another branch goes east to Les Camoins and Aubagne. It skirts La Valentine and crosses the Huveaune valley. It then heads west.
It passes La Valbarelle and Saint-Tronc. It flows through Le Cabot and Le Redon. It goes through Mazargues and Le Roy d’Espagne. It travels through Campagne Pastré. Finally, it reaches La Madrague de Montredon. The Canal de Marseille ends its journey at Mont Rose. It empties into the sea.
Even today, the Canal de Marseille is vital. It still supplies two-thirds of the city’s water. The Canal de Provence supplements it. That canal brings water from the Verdon River. Together, they ensure a secure water supply.
The Traverse de la Berge du Canal offers a chance to appreciate this engineering marvel. As you walk, consider the history. Think of the determination that brought life-giving water to Marseille. It’s a story of vision. It is a story of perseverance. It is etched into the very fabric of this city.