La Digue du Large

Origins and construction

Construction of the Digue du Large dates back to the mid-19th century, a period marked by major infrastructure works. The project was initiated in 1844 under the reign of Louis-Philippe and continued to evolve under Napoleon III. The breakwater was a direct response to the need to modernize the port andincrease its capacity to accommodate ever-largerships, in step with growing industrialization.
Today, the Digue extends for almost 7 kilometers from the entrance to the Vieux-Port to l’Estaque.

Developments and improvements

Over the years, the Digue du Large has undergone several modifications and extensions. Initially conceived as a purely functional structure, it has been strengthened and lengthened several times to meet the changing needs of the port and the challenges posed by erosion and weather conditions. Each modification has contributed to its sturdiness, making it today an impressive monument and an integral part of the port’s infrastructure. It was completed in 1925. As the port’s protective shield, it plays a crucial role in maritime safety.

La Digue today

If, during the Belle Époque, citizens used to stroll, picnic or even fish there, today it’s a little-known place for most Marseillais. Since 2001, the dike has been closed, with a few exceptional openings, such as in 2013 for Marseille Provence 2013, when a monumental structure was installed by artist Kader Attia. In 2019, Artist Alexandre Périgot installed his works (containers with words inscribed on them). More recently, in 2023, salt sculptures created by Mathieu Lorry Dupuy blended into the dike’s landscape.

Today, the dike features a lighthouse (Phare de Sainte-Marie) and, at its southern tip, 5 rail-mounted cranes almost 40 meters high, which enabled dockworkers to load and unload goods more easily. These 5 cranes, nicknamed “Les Elegantes” (The Elegants), have survived the wars and the port’s new developments. They ceased all activity over 20 years ago. On the Estaque side, there’s a building that used to be the headquarters of the Paquet company. Abandoned, it was nevertheless occupied for 25 years by an artist, Hartmut Bosbach, who was forced to leave in 2018. Today, the building is completely abandoned.