“A sandy path.” Does that sound like a fitting name for a street in bustling Marseille? Here we are at Traverse de la Sablière. This traverse is more than just a road. It is a slice of local life in the 11th arrondissement of Marseille.
Traverse de la Sablière finds itself nestled in an area with a rich tapestry of communities. This arrondissement is home to diverse neighborhoods. They include Les Accates, La Barasse and Saint-Marcel. Each possesses a unique character. Traverse de la Sablière is a thread connecting them all.
The 11th arrondissement is huge. It has a population of over 59.000 people. It is a vibrant and dynamic part of Marseille. It is bordered by the 10th and 12th arrondissements to the west. The 9th arrondissement sits to the south. The communes of La Penne-sur-Huveaune and Aubagne lie to the north-east and south-east.
The area around Traverse de la Sablière has evolved over time. Once upon a time, Saint-Marcel had an important community of Segobriges. They built a village around 600 BC. This village controlled passages between Massalia and eastern Provence.
Even earlier, prehistoric people found shelter here. Rock shelters dating back to the Paleolithic era were discovered. They were on the north side of Baou de Saint-Marcel. The Baou overlooks the Huveaune River.
The name “Saint-Marcel” itself has interesting possible origins. Some believe “Marcel” comes from “Marcelie.” Marcelie was an ancient name for Marseille. It might derive from Castellum Massilliense. This was the name of a castle on the south bank of the Huveaune.
Today, Traverse de la Sablière is part of a well-connected area. Several bus lines serve the 11th arrondissement. They include lines 4, 15 and 50. These lines connect Traverse de la Sablière residents to the rest of Marseille. Some residents hope for a metro line to ease traffic.
There are shops along Traverse de la Sablière. The LPB Woman shop sells clothes and accessories. The Time Story shop inside Centre Commerciale Printemps la Valentine sells jewelry.
Traverse de la Sablière offers us a peek into the everyday life of the people of Marseille. It is a place where history and modernity meet. It is a road that carries the stories of this vibrant community.