Belsunce
The neighborhood of Belsunce owes its name to Bishop Henri François-Xavier de Belsunce-Castelmoron, known for his actions during the Great Plague that struck Marseille in 1720.
You all know the famous song by Bouga, Belsunce Breakdown? Let us tell you more about this popular neighborhood in Marseille.
History of the Belsunce neighborhood
The Belsunce neighborhood, located in the bustling heart of Marseille, holds a rich history, reflecting the city's many faces. Its story begins in the 13th century, with the construction of a convent by the Franciscan order, between the current streets of Tapis-Vert and Vincent Scotto. This place of prayer and contemplation did not survive beyond the 16th century, destroyed as part of defense strategies against Charles Quint.
The neighborhood underwent a radical transformation in the 17th century when Pierre Puget, an emblematic figure of Baroque art, contributed to the enlargement of the Grand Cours, now a symbol of elegance and Marseillais prestige of the time. This place became a center of social life, welcoming nobles and bourgeois around lively fairs and markets.
Belsunce's history is also marked by the tragedy of the plague of 1720, during which Bishop François-Xavier de Belsunce de Castelmoron distinguished himself by his unwavering dedication to the people of Marseille. In his honor, the neighborhood was named Belsunce, a recognition of his courage and humanity.
In 1792, Belsunce entered national history when the Marseillaise was sung there for the first time, rue Thubaneau. This revolutionary period infused the neighborhood with a spirit of freedom and strong Marseillais identity.
Over the centuries, Belsunce has preserved its soul, bearing witness to Marseille's tumultuous history, while opening up to modernity and diversity. The neighborhood remains a place of life, memory, and an essential meeting point, representative of the Marseille spirit.
What to do in Belsunce and its surroundings ?
Belsunce is the neighborhood of cheap sportswear stores: sneakers, tracksuits, and other branded sports items fly off the shelves in shops that seem to offer the same items at more affordable prices. Textiles, jewelry stores, and bazaars mingle in a perpetually lively and colorful atmosphere. Hotels are also plentiful in the neighborhood. Belsunce is also home to the large Alcazar library, a former Marseille theater, r emaining an essential cultural pillar. Nearby, the Capucins market and the Jardin des Vestiges invite you to discover local flavors and the ancient history of Marseille.
At the foot of imposing residential towers and a stone's throw from the Centre Bourse and its shopping center, the Cours Belsunce provides a link to the Porte d'Aix and its lively oriental souk. The tram can drop you off one stop away at Rue de la République.
And if all this shopping has made you hungry, why not head down to the Vieux Port to sit at the terrace of one of the many bars or restaurants in the area?
Have you thought about renting a Segway to explore Marseille differently? The younger ones will undoubtedly enjoy the activity :-D
