The Verduron district

The Verduron district of Marseille is located in the 15th arrondissement, close to the districts of Saint-Antoine, Saint-André, Saint-Henri and La Viste. Its location in the north of the city makes it one of the closest to Marseille’s neighbouring districts. The district is home to homes, schools and a lycée, as well as natural areas, including the Verduron oppidum, for which the city’s arrondissement is famous. From the top of its hills, the district offers a view over Marseille’s northern harbour. Historically populated by Armenian and Italian migrants, Verduron is a place steeped in history.

Nature in the Verduron district

Nature still occupies a large part of the Verduron district. The urban landscape is topped by a 195-metre-high rocky outcrop that shelters the Verduron oppidum. This historic site of fortified Celto-Ligurian dwellings probably dates from the end of the 3rd century BC. Excavations carried out between 1999 and 2003 revealed a number of remains, some of which, such as furniture, can be admired at the Musée d’Histoire de Marseille. This plot of land in the city’s 15th arrondissement is now a listed historic monument.

Historic sites of interest in the district

Take a stroll through this hillside district and you’ll come across the Saint-Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church, the first to be built in Marseille. You can also follow in the footsteps of the city’s military past, with bunkers and blockhouses still standing as reminders of the Second World War. The ruins of the buildings of the former Paul & Pons quarry stand before you. They once housed a crusher powered by water from the Marseille canal. Today, the quarry is used as a climbing wall, with some fifteen routes designed for beginners.

The Verduron district was formerly part of the canton of Marseille-Verduron, a former French administrative division that included certain districts of the city’s 15th arrondissement and all the districts of the 16th arrondissement.

A lively residential area

The Verduron district is home to the Castellane housing estate, known as the estate where footballer Zinédine Zidane grew up. A fresco in his honour has been painted on one of the buildings, recalling, according to the artists: Le Professor, Crapule 2000 and Muz, that ‘anything is possible in life’. A little further on, a garden reopens at the foot of the Bricarde buildings. Designed by local residents, the garden is a place where people can share and enjoy each other’s company. The Café des femmes is a further example of this dynamic approach, highlighting local initiatives in sensitive areas of the city. This innovative meeting place, created by a partnership between the ‘women of Plan d’Aou in action’ and the NGO Banlieues Santé, enables women in isolated and precarious situations to meet and recharge their batteries.

How do I get to the Verduron district?

The Verduron district is served by bus routes 25 and 98. The nearby Saint-Antoine and L’Estaque stations are also within easy reach by train. Its geographical location makes it easy to reach by road and motorway, including the A55 motorway and the D5A departmental road.

Places to discover

The districts of Marseille

Pointe Rouge Marseille

Saint-Pierre - Church statue © WG OTLCM (1)

Le quartier de Saint-Pierre

Saint-Mauront Marseille

Marseille inspires you

The Pharo garden

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