Le Castellet

A small town located in the east of Marseilles is called “Le Castellet.” It stands on the hill, and there are many cute houses and souvenir shops in the small space. Some houses are decorated with colorful flowers. They are like pictures. You will feel like taking a picture in every alley. It’s a small place, but it takes time to see around. It gives you a feeling of traveling in the medieval time. I visited several shops selling the famous textile of Provence and a shop selling colorful room lamps. Everything is full of colors and stylish.

When I visited there in the summer, the first thing I realized was there were many cicadas, just like my country. Not only in the trees but in the souvenir shops! They sell many cicada character goods. Some toys have a sound device, so everywhere cicadas!!! The funny thing I found is, in Japan, they cry “min min min,” but in France “tss tss tss.” Even cicadas are French!!

History

Le castellet comes from Latin, Castellum. It was occupied by Rome before the 8th century and then by Zarasin. Furthermore, Guillaume I began to govern the region, changing it into the feudal society. One aristocrat became a new governor here and built a Castellet Castle and churches after the religious revolution occurred in Marseilles. Then, time passed, and in 1437 the city was sold to Castillon Family and belonged to the family until 1790. After the French Revolution, France took over the power.

The panoramic view from Le Castellet.

LE CASTELLET
Le Castellet official site
Hotel de Ville 83330 Le Castellet
Tel：04-94-98-57-90、Fax：04-94-98-57-98