It is a major construction project that is about to begin and is expected to last 44 months for the restoration of the Roquefavour Aqueduct. It is both a historical monument (classified in 2002), a work of art, a technical feat, and a vital water source for the city of Marseille; it is an aqueduct of all records. Standing at 82 meters tall, it is twice as high as the ancient Pont du Gard, built by the Romans, from which it directly draws inspiration. It is the tallest stone aqueduct in the world! It is an integral part of the Marseille Canal, which serves all neighborhoods of the city through a series of bridges, tunnels, and other infrastructure over nearly 200 km.
Its history alone is worth the detour; a monumental work for its time, it heavily indebted the city (which financed its construction) and drew numerous criticisms towards the municipal authorities of the time. Yet, its completion delivered Marseille from its centuries-long existential anguish: water supply. Built from 1841 to 187, operational since 1849, it brought about a true revolution that would change the face of an entire region. Along its path, it irrigated once arid areas that became lush and green; country houses flourished in the north of Marseille, and industries settled along its banks, benefiting from the energy produced by its water flow. It was such a monumental event that it was celebrated with the construction of the Palais Longchamp, a monument dedicated entirely to the arrival of water in Marseille.
MARSEILLE AND WATER, A LONG AND TUMULTUOUS HISTORY
While Marseille has prospered and gained renown thanks to the sea and its port, water supply has always been an existential problem for the city, dating back to antiquity. Indeed, the two rivers that supply Marseille, the Huveaune and the Jarret, dramatically reduce their flow, especially during hot and dry summer periods. As the population increases, the quantity of available water remains the same, hindering the city's development. In 1834, a resident of Marseille had access to only 12 liters of water per day, and the army was on guard! Cholera epidemics ravaged the city. It was clear that Marseille needed abundant water to thrive.
It was the mayor at the time, Maximim Consolat, who made the decision to construct the Marseille Canal on July 18, 1834. Faced with challenges that already raised opposition, he declared, "whatever the cost, the canal will be executed." This unwavering determination proved necessary given the enormity of the task ahead. And indeed, challenges arose: delays in construction, exceeding the initial budget, and natural disasters on the construction site…
Since its earliest days, the area has been highly favored by nature walkers and hikers. This photo from 1898, taken by Marseille excursionists, is a testament to that. (Photo credit: Municipal Archives of the City of Marseille).
