How about a journey into Marseille’s past. We are standing at Traverse des Plâtrières. It is more than just a street. It’s a pathway to understanding the city’s hidden layers.
Traverse des Plâtrières is located in Marseille’s 12th arrondissement. But to truly appreciate this place, we must delve into its story.
This area was once a hive of activity. Miners extracted gypsum here. They dug deep under the Fondacle plain. Imagine them working almost 80 meters underground. This happened near the end of the 19th century.
They initially dug in a bottle shape. This continued until 1928. Later they used a “rooms and pillars” method. This went on until 1935.
The intense mining had consequences. The area became unstable. It was marked as one of Marseille’s most dangerous zones. This was due to the risk of collapse. The danger zone covered about five hectares.
Today this area is mostly green. It is almost entirely free of buildings. This is because it is not safe to build here.
Despite the dangers some streets are still open. The large Fondacle nursery thrives here. It sits on the very ground where collapses are possible.
The ZAC de Fondacle was created in 1976. It is a unique example of buildings integrated into the pine forest. When viewed from afar, its tower rises from the greenery.
Getting here is quite easy. One can take several bus lines to Traverse des Plâtrières. These include lines 4B, 6, and 9. The closest bus stop is Résidence Fondacle. It is only a five-minute walk away. The metro line M1 also provides access.
As you wander along Traverse des Plâtrières consider the layers beneath your feet. There are echoes of industry. There are also whispers of risk. It’s a place where nature and history intertwine. Traverse des Plâtrières offers a unique insight into Marseille’s past. It shows how human activity can reshape a landscape. It is a reminder of the city’s ever-evolving story.