The Eaux-Salées rail viaduct is located in the far east of the region near the Eaux-Salées natural creek ('calanque').
Come and admire one of the finest creations designed by the engineer Paul Séjourné.
This colossal work was built in less than ideal conditions. Indeed, the valley was discovered to be an abundant source of alkali and magnesium sulphates.
The Paris-Lyon-Méditerranée (PLM) rail company asked for a concession to build a railway which would, for safety reasons, connect the section from Miramas to Marseille. PLM was awarded the concession in 1883.
The decision was made to build a single arch, 50 m wide, a particularly audacious plan. 25 m tall, 143 m long and 246 m wide, the viaduct towers over Eaux-Salées creek.
The tracks are laid out over 10 arches built over one main arch. On the west side, the arch has a foundation of solid dolomite rock. On the east side, the foundations are very deep (22 m below sea level).
The viaduct was completed in 1914 and opened to rail traffic in 1915.
The regional heritage and sites commission awarded the site a 20th century heritage badge on 28 November 2000.
Getting there:
1. From Le Rouet car park, head to Avenue Blanche Calvet.
2. Continue along the Chemin des Eaux-Salées until you reach the Vacanciel centre's car park.
3. Turn left on to the path that follows the railway.
4. Walk along the Douaniers footpath for about 10 minutes.
5. Descend the stairs to your right which take you down to the Eaux-Salées creek from where you can enjoy great views of the viaduct.
