Eight important skateboard spots in Marseille, France, EU (2024)
1. Prado Bowl
The Prado Bowl is one of the most iconic spots in Marseille, and it has been a mecca for skateboarders since it was built in 1991. This concrete bowl is huge, measuring over 15 feet deep in some sections, with vert walls, extensions, and pool coping. It is located in the Prado beach area, near the Velodrome stadium, and it is free to skate.2. Bowl du Cours Julien
Bowl du Cours Julien is another must-visit skate spot in Marseille. This concrete bowl is located in the Cours Julien area, and it features a smooth, flowing design that is perfect for carving and pumping. It is relatively small, but it has plenty of transitions and coping, making it a fun and challenging spot for all levels of skateboarders.
3. La Friche Belle de Mai
La Friche Belle de Mai is a cultural center that features a massive skate park on its rooftop. This park is located in the 3rd arrondissement, and it features a mix of concrete and wooden obstacles, including ramps, banks, and ledges. The park is free to skate, and it is open from dawn until dusk.
4. Le Dôme
Le Dôme is an iconic Marseille landmark that has become a popular spot for skateboarders in recent years. This massive, domed building features a large, smooth plaza in front of it that is perfect for skating. The plaza features a mix of banks, ledges, and manual pads, making it a versatile spot for skateboarders of all skill levels.
5. La Joliette
La Joliette is a bustling commercial district in Marseille that is home to several popular skate spots. One of the most famous is the Joliette Plaza, which features a mix of smooth ledges, stairs, and gaps. Another popular spot in the area is the J4 skate park, which is located near the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations. This park features a mix of concrete and wooden obstacles, including ramps, quarter pipes, and rails.
6. Les Trois Lucs
Les Trois Lucs is a residential neighborhood in the eastern part of Marseille that features several popular skate spots. One of the most famous is the Trois Lucs skate park, which is located near the Stade Marcel Cerdan. This park features a mix of concrete and wooden obstacles, including a bowl, a mini ramp, and a street course. There is also a large plaza nearby that features a mix of ledges, stairs, and gaps.
7. Le Panier
Le Panier is one of the oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods in Marseille, and it is home to several popular skate spots. One of the most famous is the Place de Lenche, which features a mix of smooth ledges, stairs, and gaps. Another popular spot in the area is the Place des Pistoles, which features a mix of banks, ledges, and manual pads.
8. Les Cinq Avenues
Les Cinq Avenues is a bustling commercial district in the northern part of Marseille that is home to several popular skate spots. One of the most famous is the Cinq Avenues skate park, which is located near the La Plaine train station. This park features a mix of concrete and wooden obstacles.
Skateboarding is tribal and most locals are welcoming, but if you're new to a spot, or just passing through, have respect for the locals. Listen. Be smart. Have fun.
A human being
Art can change the world – and everybody is an artist. Those who scribble stickmen. Those who paint chapel ceilings. Those who tattoo biceps. Those who are careful with pigment on canvas. Those who create fantasy characters. Those who paint pet portraits. Those who yarn bomb. Those who write poems on crappy old cardboard.
My art lives on the bottom of skateboard decks. It's designed for you to destroy. For you, the rider, my art may come second to the deck’s ability to perform – and that’s awesome. To me, art comes first. Always.
It’s how I think. It’s who I am. It’s what I am.
A machine
This article has been created with the help of artificial intelligence platforms ChatGPT and Bard. If there are inaccuracies or there are opportunities for improvement, please let me know.
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