Originally called “Wave to the Sea”, Villa Valmer now stands before us. It is a testament to Marseille’s rich history. This grand mansion, in the 7th arrondissement, offers a glimpse into the past. Villa Valmer is near other villas like La villa de Gaby Deslys.
Charles Gounelle, an oil manufacturer from Salon-de-Provence, commissioned this villa in 1865. He fell in love with Marseille and its coast. Gounelle wanted a summer residence that captured the area’s beauty. Architect Henry Condamin designed Villa Valmer. Condamin also designed other Marseillais monuments. These include the Hôtel Grau and the Saint-Charles high school.
Bishop Place blessed Villa Valmer in 1867. He insisted on adding a chapel. The chapel is located behind the main building. The name “Wave to the Sea” was shortened to Valmer over time.
The architecture makes Villa Valmer look like a small castle. Its lush park spans 1.6 hectares. The park offers stunning views of Marseille’s harbor and islands. The villa is located on a promontory at a bend in the Corniche. The location is after the Fausse-Monnaie bridge.
Throughout the 20th century, Villa Valmer changed owners. In 1940, the German navy requisitioned it. After the war, it housed the École Nationale de la Marine Marchande until 1975.
The city of Marseille later acquired Villa Valmer. They wanted to protect this architectural and historical treasure. The park became a public garden. Locals and tourists can admire Mediterranean plants there. Gounelle brought rare oriental plants from his travels.
The gardens feature exotic and native vegetation. Palm trees, olive trees, and Aleppo pines thrive here. Green oaks, pistachio trees, and lentisks add to the landscape. The winding path leads to one of Marseille’s most beautiful viewpoints.
Artificial rocks are sculpted in cement. They are softened by vibrant perennial plants. This is reminiscent of 19th-century rock gardens.
The park includes a playground for children. Benches offer superb views of the harbor. Landscape renovations took place in 2015.
In 2016, the city considered turning Villa Valmer into a luxury hotel. This idea faced public opposition. A collective called Les sentinelles launched a petition. They wanted the park to remain public. In July 2020, the new city government opposed privatizing part of the park.
In April 2021, unauthorized construction damaged two terraces of Villa Valmer. This sparked public outrage. The city stopped the construction and started legal proceedings. In August 2022, the city regained control of Villa Valmer.
The city’s priority is to protect Villa Valmer. They plan to restore it. Their aim is to make it accessible to the people of Marseille. In June 2024, an agreement was reached to allow a luxury hotel to be built. The park will remain accessible to the public.
Villa Valmer stands as a symbol of Marseille’s resilience. It is a beautiful location that reflects the city’s rich history.