Deep within Marseille’s 11th arrondissement lies the Impasse de la Bouqui\u00e8re. Its name echoes a history richer than one might expect from a simple alleyway. The name Bouqui\u00e8re itself gives a clue. It originates from the Occitan words “Bauquiera” or “Bauca”. These translate to a “herbaceous place”.
Let’s delve into the past. This area was once part of a vast estate. It was known as La Bouqui\u00e8re. Until 1609, the estate belonged to the Bouquier family. Fran\u00e7ois Bouquier was a consul of Marseille.
In 1609, Fran\u00e7ois Bouquier sold the property. Guillaume du Vair bought it. He was the first president of the Parliament of Provence. Du Vair renamed it “La Floride”. It became his summer residence. He often hosted friends. Famous figures like the poet Malherbe and philosopher Gassendi visited La Floride. They walked its grounds almost 450 years before today’s students.
From 1622 to 1731, La Floride changed hands frequently. Aristocrats involved in the judiciary bought and sold it. There was an exception. From 1697 to 1719, a businessman owned the estate. From 1731 to the 20th century, several bourgeois families owned it.
Imagine La Bouqui\u00e8re in Guillaume du Vair’s time. It’s hard to picture today. Witnesses described it as a true earthly paradise. This domain around the Vallon des Aygalades was stunning. The area had lush vegetation. Numerous springs bubbled everywhere.
The estate began to fragment in the 19th century. The construction of the railway caused it. Later, the building of the highway further divided it. Over the centuries, the main house underwent many renovations. But one element remained. A frieze on the lintel of a first-floor door-window. It bore the inscription: “Florentem florem florida flora fleat”. This translates to “may the flourishing flora weep for the flower that flourished here.” This inscription survived from the 17th century.
Eventually, urban sprawl and industrial development consumed the domain. The bastide persisted until 1962. For a time, it served as a training center. It was demolished to make way for a vocational high school.
Now, as we stand here in Impasse de la Bouqui\u00e8re, remember its origins. From a verdant estate to a bustling part of Marseille, its name reminds us of its past. It whispers tales of consuls, presidents, poets, and philosophers. The Impasse de la Bouqui\u00e8re connects us to a rich tapestry of history.