The city of Marseille came together to bid a heartfelt farewell to Jean-Claude Gaudin, who served as the mayor for a remarkable 25 years. The funeral took place in the iconic Major Cathedral, not far from the Old Port and facing the sea. Among the prominent personalities in attendance were Brigitte Macron, former President Nicolas Sarkozy, and Prince Albert II of Monaco. The service began at 3:30 p.m., filled with distinguished guests and government representatives.
Jean-Claude Gaudin's funeral procession commenced in his native district of Mazargues, in the heart of Marseille. The hearse, adorned with floral wreaths and escorted by a convoy of eight cars, made significant stops along its journey. It paused at the Mazargues church square and later the city hall, where current Mayor Benoît Payan acknowledged Gaudin's enduring dedication to the city from 1995 to 2020.
The Major Cathedral was packed with notable figures from various walks of life. Football legend Jean-Pierre Papin, Senate President Gérard Larcher, and OM President Pablo Longoria were all present. François Bayrou, president of MoDem, described Gaudin as not only 'the voice and face of Marseille' but also a pivotal figure in French democracy and regionalism.
Born into a humble family with a mason father and a mother who worked in a rope factory, Jean-Claude Gaudin grew up to become a history and geography professor, senator, minister, and most notably, the mayor of Marseille. The former mayor passed away at the age of 84 due to a heart attack in his second home in Saint-Zacharie in Var.
The ceremony, led by Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, Archbishop of Marseille, was a poignant tribute to Gaudin's life and faith. Following the service, he was laid to rest in the Mazargues cemetery, where he joins the late Bernard Tapie, another well-known figure. Throughout the preceding days, residents had gathered to pay their respects at his home adorned with representations of Marseille's churches and landscapes dear to Gaudin.
However, Gaudin's tenure was not without controversy. His opponents criticized him for neglecting the underprivileged northern areas of Marseille and allowing school infrastructures to deteriorate. His last years as mayor were marred by the tragic collapse of two buildings on rue d'Aubagne in 2018, a disaster that claimed eight lives and emphasized the city's housing crisis.
In a more personal touch, Gaudin's final wishes included a modest funeral chapel set up in his childhood home and a vigil at the Mazargues church, where he had been baptized. His close friends and locals from Mazargues paid tribute, recalling personal anecdotes and their fond memories of the man who remained grounded despite his political stature. 'He was a remarkable man' was a sentiment echoed by many, mourning the loss of a figure who had become a part of their daily lives.
- The house in Mazargues where Jean-Claude Gaudin grew up was built by his mason father. It was within its walls that Gaudin spent his early years, long before he rose to the political prominence. The funeral chapel set up here was done so upon his explicit request.
- Close friends and local residents shared personal stories of Gaudin, reflecting his humility and approachability. Even as the mayor, he remained a familiar and friendly figure within his neighborhood. His love for Marseille extended beyond politics; it was deeply personal and rooted in his upbringing.
- Jean-Claude Gaudin's final mandate was overshadowed by the rue d'Aubagne tragedy, which left a lasting impact on him. The collapse revealed the stark reality of substandard housing in parts of Marseille, an issue that Gaudin admitted haunted him daily.
- Despite the criticisms, many residents remember Gaudin fondly for his dedication to Marseille. His legacy as a fervent local patriot who engaged deeply with the community remains strong among those who knew him personally.
