Saint-Victoret is a town in the Bouches-du-Rhône, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, about twenty kilometers northwest of downtown Marseille.
Of a very modest surface, its territory of 4.7 km² borders the municipality of Marignane and is now highly urbanized with the exception of wooded areas to the south.
It was much different when, around 965, monks belonging to the already powerful Saint-Victor abbey in Marseille were commissioned to found a priory on still marshy land, on the edge of the Cours de la Cadière, on the territory of the parish of Marignane. A cloister house and a church were also built. Saint-Victoret (literally the "little Saint-Victor") did not become an autonomous parish and seigneury until the 17th century.
The face of the town changed in the twentieth century due to the rise of the Marseille agglomeration but also to the establishment of aeronautical industries linked to the Marignane international airport. Saint-Victoret now has around 6,600 inhabitants. We will appreciate its few heritage elements but especially its extensive leisure offer near the Berre pond, the Mediterranean coast and of course Marseille.
If nothing remains of the buildings linked to the priory founded in the 10th century, the heritage of Saint-Victoret nevertheless retains some traces of its past and highlights its recent evolution.
The new town hall, inaugurated in 2010, is a symbol of this, since it occupies the site of the old stately castle, part of the "east" and "west" facades of which have been preserved, as well as the vaulted rooms. Copies of ancient ruins are also visible.
Next, see the church of Saint-Pierre ès Liens which dates from the 19th century. The stained-glass windows of the side naves evoke the life of the saint and the rose window traces the evolution of the building... The presbytery adjoins the church, formerly called the "cloister house" in reference to the presence of the monks.
More recently, the Convent of La Filosette welcomed missionary sisters from the Society of Mary.
Finally, we will notice on the locality the cross installed on the top of the hill of Pas-des-Broquettes which dominates the plain of the pond of Berre and that which adorns the crossroads of the roads of Pas-des-Lanciers and Pennes Mirabeau.
For shaded walks in the heart of the city, we gladly take advantage of the City Hall park, which has been recently renovated. It is planted with centuries-old trees of various species and the Cadière river adds to its bucolic charm. At Christmas and in summer, the site hosts the festivities organized by the town. Open every day.
In the south-east of the village, the Petit-Lodi municipal park is aimed more at athletes: it has a fitness trail, another trail dedicated to bike enthusiasts and a bowl-skate. This green space is also dotted with playgrounds.
For larger hikes including the banks of the Etang de Berre or the Nerthe chain to the south, maps and information on +33 4 42 30 04 79 or +33 4 42 31 12 97.
Culturally, since 2018 the city has had a large 660-seat performance hall, the Odeon, with a varied program (concerts, theater). Information on +33 4 42 30 04 79. Concerts and events are also scheduled at the Edith Piaf village hall: contact on +33 4 42 89 06 66.
We must also mention the Ménestrel room near the town hall which hosts artistic exhibitions throughout the year (inquire at +33 4 42 15 32 48) and the library where activities (readings, workshops) are regularly offered (contact at +33 4 42 79 29 49).
The proximity of Marignane airport and the aeronautical units where a number of residents of Saint-Victoret are employed also explains why an aviation museum was founded in the city. Expanded in 2016, the establishment presents 15 planes and 16 helicopters to the public that can be approached, not to mention 5,500 models that retrace the history of civil and military aviation.
Among the aircraft on display, a Mirage III, a Fouga Magister, Eurocopter Djinn, Alouette II and III helicopters and a Canadair cabin.
Open from Monday to Saturday. Price: 3 euros. Information on +33 4 42 34 59 16 or +33 9 60 52 16 34.
Finally, symbolizing the attachment of the city of Saint-Victoret to aviation and to the firefighters who risk their lives every year in Provence, a Memorial to the soldiers of the fire and the Memorial Jean Boulet, who was a test pilot, are worth a detour.
