Castellane

Castellane metro station

Castellane is a metro station located in Marseille, France. It lies at the intersection of lines 1 and 2 of the Marseille metro, making it an important transfer station.

Castellane station takes its name from Place Castellane, a lively, central square in the city of Marseille. It is surrounded by numerous shops, restaurants and cafés, and is an important crossroads in the city’s public transport network.

The station is underground, with a ticket hall located beneath Place Castellane—accessed via four metro stations around the square—and a transfer hall below, providing access to the platforms of both lines. The two lines cross at right angles, with line 1 running under boulevard Baille and the deeper line 2 under avenue du Prado.

The dominant color is purple, but the concourse features panels of green leaves, evoking the trees of the Prado, and others evoking the old tramway. The platforms—lateral for both lines—are adorned with blue panels for line 1 and yellow and white panels for line 2.

Station inauguration

Marseille’s Castellane metro station was inaugurated on November 12, 1977. This made it one of the first stations to be opened when the Marseille metro was launched. Since then, it has continued to play an important role in the city’s public transport network.

Where does the name come from ?

The name of Marseille’s Castellane metro station comes from the nearby Place Castellane. Place Castellane itself is named after the Marquis de Castellane, a 19th-century French politician, Gabriel de Castellane-Adhémar.

Gabriel de Castellane-Adhémar played an important role in the political and economic life of the Marseille region during this period. He was a fervent advocate of the development of industry and infrastructure in the city, and contributed to its expansion.

In recognition of his efforts and influence, the square where the metro station is located was named in his honor, and consequently, the metro station was named “Castellane”. In this way, the station’s name pays tribute to Gabriel de Castellane-Adhémar’s history and contribution to Marseille.

Where to go from Estrangin – Préfecture ?

From Marseille’s Castellane metro station, you can get to many interesting places. Here are just a few suggestions:

1. Vieux-Port: Get off at Vieux-Port station on line 1 to discover Marseille’s famous Vieux-Port. Enjoy views of the harbor, visit the fish market, sample local specialties and explore the quaint alleyways.
2. Panier district: Take metro line 2 from Castellane to Joliette station, then stroll down to the Panier district. This is one of Marseille’s oldest historic districts, with its narrow streets, colorful buildings and bohemian atmosphere.
3. Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde: Get off at Estrangin-Préfecture station on line 1, then take the bus or walk to the Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde. It’s one of Marseille’s most emblematic landmarks, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city from its hilltop location.
4. Parc Longchamp: Take line 1 from Castellane to Cinq Avenues – Longchamp station to get to the magnificent Parc Longchamp. This historic park is home to the 19th-century Palais Longchamp, as well as landscaped gardens, fountains and museums.
5. Plages du Prado: Get off at the Rond-Point du Prado station on line 2 to reach the Prado beaches. Enjoy the sun, the Mediterranean Sea and the bathing facilities along this magnificent coastal promenade.

These suggestions are just a few of the many possibilities. Marseille is packed with tourist attractions, lively neighborhoods, museums, restaurants and cultural sites all within easy reach of the Castellane metro station.

Many public transport lines pass through Castellane metro station: metros 1 and 2, tramway 3, buses B1, 18, 19, 41, 50, 54, 73 and 74.

What’s nearby ?

Marseille’s Castellane metro station is close to a variety of shops, restaurants, services and attractions. Here are just a few of the things you can find near the station:

1. Place Castellane: The station is located directly on Place Castellane, a lively central square in Marseille. Here you’ll find numerous cafés, restaurants, boutiques and a fresh produce market.
2. Cours Julien: Just a few steps from the station, you’ll find the Cours Julien, a bohemian district renowned for its artistic atmosphere. Here you’ll find independent boutiques, art galleries, trendy cafés and colorful graffiti.
3. Rue de Rome: Rue de Rome is a popular shopping street near Castellane station. It’s packed with clothes, shoes, jewelry and other stores.
4. Cinemas and theaters: In the vicinity of the station, you’ll find several cinemas and theaters where you can enjoy a variety of shows, plays, concerts and films.
5. Parc du 26e Centenaire: This park is just a short walk from Castellane station. It offers a pleasant green space in which to relax, stroll and enjoy a picnic.
6. Musée Cantini: The Musée Cantini is a contemporary art museum located near Castellane station. It houses a collection of modern and contemporary artworks, as well as temporary exhibitions.

These suggestions are just a few of the many establishments and attractions located near the Castellane metro station. If you explore the surrounding area further, you’re sure to find other interesting places to discover.