History of La Joliette and Arenc
The economic life of Marseille has always revolved around its port. But over the centuries, with prosperity aiding, the original port quickly became too small. Faced with very high demand, municipal authorities ordered the opening of a new basin to the north of the city. Thus were born the neighborhoods of La Joliette and Arenc, both accompanying the economic development of the city of Marseille.
History of the Joliette neighborhood
La Joliette, an emblematic neighborhood of Marseille located north of the Old Port, is a symbol of urban and economic renewal. Its history, rich and complex, bears witness to a remarkable evolution, from its legendary origins linked to Julius Caesar to its contemporary transformation into a vibrant business district thanks to the Euroméditerranée project.
In the 19th century, La Joliette became the heart of Marseille's port activity. The construction of the Joliette basin in 1847, followed by that of the Digue du Large, marked a significant expansion of the port, responding to the increase in maritime traffic that exceeded the capacities of the Old Port. This period saw La Joliette become a major economic hub, with the completion of the Lazaret, Arenc, and Napoleon basins. The Imperial Street, now Rue de la République, was opened to connect the old and new port, highlighting the importance of the neighborhood in the city's economy.
However, the decline in industrial activity plunged the neighborhood into a period of decline, until the intervention of the Euroméditerranée project in the 1990s. This ambitious project aims to revitalize La Joliette by making it one of the leading business districts in the region, while preserving its architectural and historical heritage. The transformation is spectacular: the former Docks are transformed into spaces for creative shopping and business centers, while the construction of the Terrasses du Port adds a major commercial and recreational dimension with a breathtaking view of the sea.
The CMA CGM tower, the tallest in Marseille, designed by architect Zaha Hadid, and the Tour La Marseillaise by Jean Nouvel, are symbols of this renovation, contributing to the dynamism and attractiveness of the neighborhood. La Joliette is now a space where modernity and tradition blend, a place of life, work, and leisure, reflecting Marseille's ambition to position itself as a leading Mediterranean metropolis.
This evolution is reminiscent of the challenges and successes of urban transformation, making La Joliette a remarkable example of urban space rehabilitation, where history and the future coexist harmoniously.
History of the Arenc neighborhood
The Arenc neighborhood, located in the 2nd arrondissement of Marseille, offers a rich and complex history that reflects its evolution over the centuries. Initially, Arenc, whose name derives from the Occitan or Latin term "arena" meaning "sand", was known for its sandy beach where the people of Marseille went to enjoy the sea before the construction of the autonomous port of Marseille. This resort area, appreciated for its sea baths since the early 19th century, saw its landscape radically transformed with the expansion of the port of La Joliette.
In the 19th century, Arenc became a key site for the industrial and port development of Marseille, notably marked by the construction of the Lazaret and Arenc basins which contributed to the extension of the new port of La Joliette. This transformation meant the disappearance of the Arenc beach, replaced by port and industrial infrastructure. The neighborhood, once renowned for its relaxation spaces and sea baths, industrialized and lost its recreational function.
The history of Arenc is also marked by iconic sites such as Hangar J1, a venue for exhibitions and a symbol of urban renewal initiated as part of the Euroméditerranée project. This project aims to transform Arenc into a major tertiary and commercial hub, integrating modern infrastructure.
As part of its reinvention, Arenc now embodies Marseille's ambitions to position itself as a major economic and cultural metropolis in the Mediterranean region. The neighborhood, which was once a space for leisure and relaxation for the people of Marseille, is now at the heart of a dynamic of urban and economic development. Highlighting the issues related to gentrification, housing, and public space in the context of large-scale urban projects. This critical perspective invites reflection on the impacts of these transformations on residents and social cohesion in evolving neighborhoods.