Baou de Saint-Marcel, Ancient fortified settlement in 11th arrondissement of Marseille, France
Baou de Saint-Marcel is an ancient settlement perched on a high plateau surrounded by steep cliffs and defensive walls. The remains visible today include structures from dwellings and fortifications that date back over 2000 years.
The settlement was founded in the early Iron Age and inhabited for centuries by Celtic and Ligurian peoples. Its role as a regional center eventually faded as Roman influence grew in the surrounding area.
Walking across the plateau reveals traces of a settlement that was central to the lives of people in this valley for centuries. The objects found here show how communities traded and interacted across the Mediterranean region.
The site sits atop a hill with views across the surrounding landscape, so sturdy footwear is important for exploring. Most of the ruins are spread across open ground, giving visitors room to wander and take their time.
The settlement was not continuously occupied but was abandoned and reoccupied multiple times during ancient periods. This pattern of rise and fall reflects broader shifts in the region's fortunes.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
