Belle de Mai, Working-class district in 3rd arrondissement, Marseille, France
Belle de Mai is a district in Marseille's 3rd arrondissement with residential and industrial areas near Saint-Charles railway station. The neighborhood extends with housing blocks to the north and railway infrastructure to the south.
The area transformed from a leisure destination for wealthy residents into an industrial zone following the 1868 tobacco factory establishment. This plant shaped the district's character and development for over a century.
The former tobacco factory now houses archives, media studios, and artist workshops where creative work happens daily. This space draws people interested in cultural production and local media activities.
The district is well connected to public transportation through Saint-Charles railway station. This central access point makes it straightforward to navigate the neighborhood and reach different areas.
The district serves as a filming location for the French television series Plus Belle La Vie, with a significant portion of scenes shot here. Visitors can often spot recognizable locations from the show throughout the neighborhood's streets and buildings.
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