Lost in the maze of Marseille’s 11th and 12th arrondissements you find Traverse de la Martine. A narrow street it stretches between Boulevard des Libérateurs and Avenue des Peintres-Roux. Its name whispers a story. A story of a grand estate La Martine once stood here. A bastide a grand house belonging to a banker during the French Revolution. The Pastré family acquired it in 1809. The street’s history extends beyond this wealthy past.
Before its current name Traverse de la Martine was known as Traverse des Estrechs. It officially became part of Marseille’s road network on July 6 1959. This unassuming street holds some significant landmarks.
At number 33 stands the Robert Louis-Dreyfus training center. Home to Olympique de Marseille this center is crucial for the club’s success. Imagine the young players honing their skills. Their dreams of glory fueled by the very ground they train on. The history of Olympique de Marseille is interwoven with Traverse de la Martine. Its training center is a testament to the club’s legacy.
Further down at number 98 lies a different type of history. The Oppidum des Baou de Saint-Marcel is accessible through a gate on Traverse de la Martine. This ancient settlement offers a glimpse into Marseille’s distant past. It’s a stark contrast to the modern training center nearby. Yet both co-exist on this small street. A testament to the layers of history found in Marseille.
Traverse de la Martine is more than just a street. It’s a microcosm of Marseille’s history. From the opulence of La Martine to the ancient Oppidum. The street embodies the city’s blend of past and present. It shows its rich tapestry of stories waiting to be discovered. The modern ambitions of a football club meet the echoes of a bygone era. All along this unassuming traverse. Take a moment to absorb the atmosphere. Feel the weight of history under your feet as you walk Traverse de la Martine. You’ve walked through time itself. You’ve experienced a small piece of Marseille’s soul.