Désirée Clary

Désirée Clary metro station

The Désirée Clary metro station is located in Marseille, France. It is part of the city’s public transport network, operated by the Régie des Transports de Marseille (RTM).

Désirée Clary station is on line 2 of the Marseille metro, also known as the red line. It is located in the Chartreux district, in Marseille’s 3rd arrondissement.

The station is underground and has two levels. The ticket hall is decorated in blue and is built on a mezzanine above the platforms. It is decorated with a panel by Patrick Ventujol depicting the Swedish royal family at the time of Désirée Clary. The platform level is decorated with white and red panels interrupted by portraits of personalities linked to the station’s name: Désirée Clary, Napoléon Bonaparte, Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte.

Inauguration of the station

Marseille’s Désirée Clary metro station was inaugurated in 1987.

Where does the name come from ?

Marseille’s Désirée Clary metro station takes its name from Désirée Clary, a historical figure associated with the city. Désirée Clary was born in Marseille on November 8, 1777. She was the daughter of a prosperous merchant and grew up in a middle-class family.

In 1794, Désirée Clary met Napoléon Bonaparte, then a young officer. They fell in love and became engaged. However, political circumstances led to their separation, and Napoleon married Joséphine de Beauharnais.

Désirée Clary then married Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte, a French general who later became King Charles XIV Jean of Sweden. As Queen Consort of Sweden and Norway, she was known as Queen Desideria.

The name of the Désirée Clary metro station pays tribute to this historical figure from Marseille, who had a remarkable life and links with important figures of the time, including Napoleon Bonaparte.

Where to go from Désirée Clary ?

From Marseille’s Désirée Clary metro station, you can get to many of the city’s interesting destinations. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Vieux-Port: Get off at Vieux-Port station, located on metro line 1, to visit Marseille’s famous Vieux-Port. Here you’ll find restaurants, stores, the Mucem (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilization) and boat excursions to the surrounding islands.
2. Le Panier: Get off at Joliette station, also on metro line 2, to explore the Panier district. This is one of Marseille’s oldest districts, with picturesque alleyways, craft stores and charming cafés.
3. Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde: Take metro line 2 to Castellane station, then change to line 1 to Estrangin-Préfecture station. From here, you can take a bus or walk to the famous Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, an emblem of the city offering a breathtaking panoramic view of Marseille.
4. Parc Longchamp: Get off at the Cinq Avenues – Longchamp station on metro line 1 to visit Parc Longchamp. This magnificent park is home to the Palais Longchamp, an impressive historical monument, as well as peaceful gardens and elegant fountains.

These suggestions are just a few of the many possibilities Marseille has to offer. The city is packed with sights, museums, beaches and attractions that can be reached from various metro stations. We recommend that you consult the timetables and exact connections using the information provided by the Régie des Transports de Marseille (RTM) to plan your specific itinerary.

Numerous public transport lines pass through this metro station: buses 70, 526 and 535.

What’s nearby ?

Marseille’s Désirée Clary metro station is located in the Chartreux district, in the 3rd arrondissement. Here are a few interesting things you can find near this station:

1. Parc Longchamp: It’s about a 10-minute walk from Désirée Clary station. The Parc Longchamp is a magnificent park housing the Palais Longchamp, a remarkable historic monument, as well as landscaped gardens, water basins and green spaces for relaxing and strolling.
2. Le Couvent des Chartreux: Just a 5-minute walk from the station. This 17th-century convent is steeped in history and interesting architecture. You can visit parts of the convent and admire its peaceful gardens.
3. Boulevard National: This is the main thoroughfare through the Chartreux district, accessible from the Désirée Clary station. Boulevard National is bustling with shops, restaurants, cafés and boutiques.
4. La Friche la Belle de Mai: A cultural and artistic center about 20 minutes’ walk from the station. La Friche la Belle de Mai offers a varied program of exhibitions, shows, concerts and creative events.
5. Marseille European Hospital.

These are just some of the attractions close to the Désirée Clary metro station. Marseille is a dynamic city, and there’s much more to discover, be it cultural, historical, gastronomic or architectural.