Discovery of the “belly of Marseille”
Living the experience of the history of the MIN
It is 4.40 am when I passed by the great barriers which allow us to access this place where I have never been. Yet I have often passed by with my car. I am welcomed by the guide, Philippe as the others attendees and invite us to park our car in a car-park closer to the entrance. It is dark but there is already a lot of activity here !
Once the group has been formed, we can start the visit. Philippe starts explaining to us how the market was created, celebrating its 50 years in 2022. Previously, it used to take place in Cours julien,today, there is only the producers market left. In 1972, it moved in order to make the supply of goods easier: it has become one of the greatest enomic and logistical point of the region !
Local products
We start our tour the discovery of the producers area which is the biggest area deducated to local farmers in France! agriculture is not the main asset if you compare to the indefinable Rungis. The farmers of the region and neighbourhood area, offer their fresh food to restaurants owners, groceries and any others catering trade.
Settled down from 2 am this morning, it is already time for them to pack up their stalls and to leave to go to the markets or take care of their harvests !
A product that catches my eye : the Marseille salad…You heard me right ! Lionel explained to us it has been harvested by his family in the 14 th district of Marseille.
Pumkins, turnips, aubergines… Colours are gorgeous and are probably even more amazing in the beginning of the summer !
…and the whole world
Then we are heading to the wholesalers area who try to hunt the best vegetables and fruits. For example, that’s exactly Samy’s case, commercial manager of Primavera Frutta , he make us try the “citron caviar” ‘ caviar lemon’which has a huge interest for the chefs of the great tables of Marseille.
Pomegranates, apples, mandarins, mangoes… My appetite is whetted by the sight of all these magnificent fruit and vegetables stalls.
