/ View of Marseille's Old Port in the 17th centuryThe Fronde brought unrest to Provence during Louis XIV's minority. The parlement and local factions took advantage of central government's weakness to defend their interests. Mazarin gradually restored royal authority with the support of the Duke of Mercœur, governor of Provence and his nephew by marriage.
Marseille continued to resist royal authority. The Duke of Mercœur intervened to regain control of the city. On 2 March 1660, Louis XIV entered through a breach in the walls. This symbolic gesture, together with the reorganisation of municipal government, asserted the city's submission to the king.
Under Louis XIV, royal officials strengthened their control over provincial administration. Trade and some industries benefited from support, but taxation and military burdens weighed on the population. Provence served as a transit and supply area during wars against Savoy or Spain. Poor harvests, food shortages and economic difficulties heightened tensions towards the end of the century.
Sources and further reading: Région Sud heritage inventory: Fort Saint-Nicolas and the events of 1660.