La Friche Belle de Mai

DISCOVER LA FRICHE LA BELLE DE MAI

Historically, a significant part of France's industrial world in the 19th century, the Friche is located in Marseille in the Belle de Mai district. This former large manufacturing plant is deeply ingrained in French history, and exploring it further provides a deeper understanding of one of the largest manufacturing facilities in the country. Discover this heritage, which has now become a modern living space.

HISTORY OF LA FRICHE LA BELLE DE MAI

Located in Belle de Mai, the tobacco factory began in 1868. The choice to establish it in the city of Marseille was not purely coincidental. Thanks to a climate very favorable for drying tobacco leaves, as well as the expertise of the region's workers, tobacco production was a great success.

It consists of a total of 3 distinct groups of buildings: the first block served as administrative offices and manufacturing workshops, the second housed everything related to production, and finally, the last group of buildings was designed for transit stores. These roles were perfectly respected until the decline of the Friche in 1990.

LA FRICHE LA BELLE DE MAI: MARSEILLE'S LEISURE DESTINATION

A few years after the definitive cessation of tobacco factory activities, changes were made following the purchase of the 3 blocks. The first is now the Heritage Hub, dedicated to the conservation and restoration of artworks and archives. The second block is currently the Media Hub, which is dedicated to all professions related to the field, and finally, the third block is now the Friche la Belle de Mai, the region's cultural reference point.

Currently, the former roofs of the stores in the 3rd block house numerous performance and exhibition halls, in addition to showcasing the works of great artists. A skatepark is even installed there, all for the pleasure of young people in Marseille. Now a reference space for leisure and relaxation in Marseille, the Friche de Belle de Mai is clearly a place with a history.