Join us on an immersive walking tour of Marseille’s iconic Vieux-Port (Old Port), specifically focusing on the prestigious “Pôle Voiliers de Tradition” of the Société Nautique de Marseille (SNM). This section of the harbor acts as a living, floating museum, hosting some of the world’s most beautiful and historically significant classic wooden yachts.
In this video, we step away from the modern hustle and dive into the golden age of yachting. We will explore the Quai de Rive Neuve, where these meticulously restored treasures are moored, many of which hold the distinguished status of “Monument Historique” (Historical Monument) of France. We will uncover the stories behind legendary naval architects like William Fife, C.E. Nicholson, Sparkman & Stephens, Johan Anker, and Tore Holm.
Our journey isn’t just maritime; we also explore the vibrant streets bordering the port, sampling the local atmosphere and admiring modern architectural marvels like Norman Foster’s L’Ombrière. Regarded as a must-visit for sailing enthusiasts and history buffs alike, this tour captures the timeless elegance of classic sailing against the backdrop of one of the Mediterranean’s oldest cities.
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📍 The Itinerary & Key Points (Historical Context)
1. Starting Point: Société Nautique de Marseille (SNM) We begin at the historic floating clubhouse of the SNM, a focal point for classic sailing in the Mediterranean. Established in 1887, this institution champions the preservation of maritime traditions.
2. The Classic Yacht Showcase (Quai de Rive Neuve) Walking along the quay, we admire a stunning line-up of wooden yachts, primarily from the early to mid-20th century. This area showcases different design philosophies, from British elegance to Scandinavian minimalism.
3. Stepping into the City: Place aux Huiles & Historic Streets We take a short detour into the city to explore Place aux Huiles. Historically, this area was a canal used to unload oil and commodities. Today, it’s a pedestrian plaza lined with bars and restaurants, epitomizing Marseille’s lively atmosphere.
4. A Legend of Commerce: Nicolas Wine Shop We stop at the Nicolas wine shop on Quai de Rive Neuve. This iconic French wine retailer was established in 1822, revolutionizing how wine was bought and sold in France by pioneering bottled wine.
5. Ending Point: L’Ombrière du Vieux-Port We finish at the modern heart of the port, under the stunning L’Ombrière. Designed by British architect Norman Foster and completed in 2013, this mirrored steel canopy provides a unique, inverted perspective of the port and its people, perfectly blending modern design with historical surroundings.
⛵ Featuring the Legends of the Sea (Yachts Discussed)
* Alcyon 1871 (Reconstruction): A faithful reconstruction (2013) of Émile Goujet’s legendary, “unbeatable” Houari Marseillais racing yacht. A symbol of local maritime heritage.
* Briseis (1931): A C.E. Nicholson masterpiece. Famously owned by Louis Renault, founder of the Renault car company. Now a classified Monument Historique.
* Lone Fox (1957): A Robert Clark design with a Hollywood connection, formerly owned by actor Kirk Douglas. Winner of the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta.
* Marge (1930): Norwegian elegance designed by Johan Anker, the master who also created the famed “Dragon” class.
* Rainbow III (1927): A powerful William Fife classic 8M JI class racing legend from Scotland. Fife yachts are legendary for their speed and beauty.
* Léopard Normand (1965): A prime example of the influential American firm Sparkman & Stephens, known for dominating the America’s Cup for decades.
* Andale (1951): California 32 class racing yacht, representing American West Coast design by Nicholas S. Potter.
* Svanevit (1939): Swedish design by Tore Holm, meaning “White Swan.” Represents Scandinavian elegance just before WWII.
* Windhover (1904): The oldest yacht we found (122 years old!). An English-built Bermudian cutter with a past as a working vessel.
* Rân II (1910): A 116-year-old German classic designed by Gerhard Rünne.
* Ellen (1931): A Bjarne Aas design (Norway) 8M JI class, featuring a beautiful traditional wooden helm.
* Orphée (1965): A classic wooden Bermudian yawl by French architect Philippe Hervé.
2 Comments
Floating Museum' of Marseille! 🇫🇷
It was a privilege to film these historical monuments. Which era of yachting is your favorite? Let us know! 👇
Bonjour. Aaahhh, l'épopque des classe "J".