After unveiling the French commune with the longest name, or the longest street in Marseille, we’ve decided to lower our standards. Farewell to the world of the infinitely large, here comes the world of the small. And to inaugurate this series, we’ve decided to present the world’s smallest sea crossing, which takes place in Marseille. Put on your sailboats, sailors, and cast off for the shortest epic of your existence.
Is Marseille home to the world’s shortest sea crossing?
It’s often said that we Marseillais have a tendency to overdo it. So let’s get one thing straight. Yes, there’s a crossing in Concarneau that lasts just a minute and a half. But be warned, this cruise is by ferry, not ferry-boat. Is that the nuance? Another clue: even the official website of the City of Marseille claims that the crossing between the quays of the Vieux-Port is “the shortest sea crossing in the world”.
Marseille’s ferry-boat has been in daily service since 1880, crossing 283 meters in less than 3 minutes. The ticket costs 50 centimes, except for RTM or City Pass holders, who travel for free. Two boats currently provide this crossing of the “Lacydon”: the legendary “César”, built in 1952, and the “Ferry Boat”, an electro-solar vessel in service since 2010. If you haven’t already done so, don’t miss out on this smallest crossing in the world.
We’ll leave you with a “fun fact“: in 2007 it was this shipping line that transported the players of the Alls Blacks during the Rugby World Cup!