52 Weeks Project
Three days in Marseille as a bonus...
Location: Fort Saint-Jean, Marseille (F)
Coordinates: 43°17'42.9"N 5°21'41.7"E (Google Maps)
Motif: From 2001—when I started working for highspeed train Thalys—I came to Marseille almost every year for the summer special, Thalys Soleil. Thalys became Eurostar, and they scrapped the summer train from the Netherlands and Belgium to the South. Bad news. The last train ran in 2024, and in 2026, I felt it was time to go back to Marseille. Not for work, but for pleasure. I missed Marseille, and Mehdi had never been there. So... I booked three nights in Marseille.
Fort Saint-Jean: Fort Saint-Jean is a fortification in Marseille, built in 1660 by Louis XIV at the entrance to the Old Port. Since 2013, it has been linked by two foot-bridges to the historical district Le Panier and to the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations; the latter being the first French national museum to be located outside Paris.
Fort Saint-Jean was built on a site earlier occupied by the Military Order of the Knights Hospitaller of Saint John, from which the new building derived its name. Fort Saint-Nicolas was constructed at the same time on the opposite side of the harbour. Commenting on their construction, Louis XIV said, "We noticed that the inhabitants of Marseille were extremely fond of nice fortresses. We wanted to have our own at the entrance to this great port."[1] In fact, the two new forts were built in response to a local uprising against the governor, rather than for the defence of the city: their cannons pointed inwards towards the town, not outwards towards the sea.
La Tour du Fanal: Built on a square plinth, the Fanal Tower stands 30 metres tall and rises some 50 metres above sea level. The few people authorised to visit it are treated to an exceptional 360° panoramic view of Marseille.
Construction began on 22 March 1644 under the supervision of three master masons: Bœuf, Gay and Alluys. Built from solid ashlar stones transported by boat to the site, the tower features a unique double-cylinder design.
Halfway up, a continuous balcony rests on false machicolations, whilst a spiral staircase of 132 steps leads to the summit. Lit by a few loopholes, it reinforces the building’s military character. The tower is crowned by a stone dome, which gives it its distinctive silhouette. From 1980 onwards, major restoration work restored the Fanal Tower to its former glory. Today, it is one of the major architectural features of Fort Saint-Jean and the Mucem.
Guest Star: Mehdi
Weather: Mostly sunny, 36° C (max wasx 37° C this day)
To Listen ♫: No Stress, Just Vibes | AI Irie (Youtube)
Selfie Attempts: 5 (3 with Mehdi, 2 solo)
Self-portrait technics: Joby portable gorillapod placed on the railing, timer at 10 secs.
