La Vesse Port
Located between the Bay of Marseille and the Blue Coast, at the foot of the Massif de la Nerthe and between two limestone cliffs, it offers a particularly beautiful and unique setting. Indeed, this picturesque little port is situated under the large concrete viaduct of a railway. Yes, this distinctive setting has earned it worldwide renown. With 35 moorings exclusively reserved for members, access is via the road from Rove and it falls under the jurisdiction of the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis, which is linked to the Capitainerie of Carry-le-Rouet. It is a highly appreciated spot for fishermen and divers, as well as for visitors who come to admire the surroundings. It gets its name from the vetch, a local plant used as fodder. It should be noted that vehicle access is prohibited from May to August, on weekends, and on public holidays. That being said, let's discover together this incredible place, far from everything, and its port.
The history of Port de la Vesse and its harbor
Located truly at the "end of the world," this peaceful place is a gem far from everything, evoking a paradise on earth. This contrasts with the atmosphere of the modern world where everything moves fast and there's no time for anything. It's the perfect place to pause life and recharge. The isolation of the place delayed the emergence of its first dwellings and its transformation into a real housing estate. It wasn't until 1930 for this, then garbage collection began in 1950, and water and electricity arrived later in 1973. The inhabitants thus form a small community whose traditions and celebrations are linked to fishing and the sea. The port has existed since the 17th century. At that time, it served as a natural refuge for fishermen and sailors without any particular facilities, apart from some boats and basic installations, including small houses and makeshift cabins lining the harbor. Very picturesque, it recalls another era, but its traditions have been passed down from generation to generation. The railway only appeared in 1915, to open up the coast between Marseille and Port-de-Bouc. Nowadays, in a sustainability drive, the modest little port has become an equipped and modern place, resistant to time but retaining its atmosphere and essence of yesteryears. Inhabitants, fishermen, and visitors commune with the environment offered by La Vesse.
The village of La Vesse
The village consists of a few houses with orange roofs, as well as a restaurant (La Calanque) and a diving club (UCPA). It's possible to swim on the small beach under the railway viaduct of La Vesse, but you can also go to the Calanque de Figuerolles, which benefits from beautiful sand and shallow crystal-clear water. Another alternative is the seaside near the rocher de la Pointe de Figuerolles, open towards the sea and offering a spectacle of exquisite gentleness with a beautiful view of the Mediterranean.
For entertainment, there are several possibilities: kayaking, sailing, hiking on trails. But nothing beats scuba diving along the Blue Coast. The surroundings of the port reveal a very varied and impressive underwater biodiversity. Diving during the day and at night is recommended to appreciate the beauty of these seabeds.
Even if, at first glance, La Vesse and its port may seem similar to other ports in Marseille, with the notable exception of its viaduct overlooking the area, one quickly realizes the opposite. Once the initial apprehensions are overcome, this place reveals everything it has to offer to those who take the time to visit and linger, while interacting with its inhabitants. It's undoubtedly one of the most beautiful ports in Marseille and definitely worth a visit.