The appointment was scheduled at the ending of the 12S bus. Brigitte, our guide, is already waiting for us signalling her presence handling a small Tourist Office coloured panel. Great, I’m at the right place! Chattering and Waiting for all participants to arrive, the little company then sets off on the path of young Marcel Pagnol’s memories and his filming locations.
During the walking tour, surprising neighbourhoods far from the sprawling city strike my vision. La Treille village is indeed countryside in the metropolis. Along the way, a stop at the Marseille Canal is a testimony of how important the arrival of water has been for this area. With the diversion of the Durance river both irrigation and current water enabled Marseille to develop as a modern city in the mid 19th century.
Thankfully, I did well to wear flat and comfortable shoes, as advised when booking the tour. As a fact, Brigitte takes us on a route all uphill!
The visit first starts with a long lineage. Entering the cemetery one can discover Marcel Pagnol’s beautifully flowered and decorated tomb. As leaving, I can also admire the whole scenery, a panoramic view embracing the Saint Cyr mountain and the neighbouring Barasse, once the final stop for traffic cars. From there young Marcel Pagnol and his family used to set out on foot and climb up to La Treille. I’m walking in his footsteps.
