Did you know the Grande Bastide Paul in Marseille has a fascinating history? It’s not just a beautiful old building. It’s a silent witness to centuries of Marseille’s past. The Grande Bastide Paul wasn’t always known by that name. It began its life as the Bastide de la Guillermy. The de Guillermy family built it in the 17th century. Imagine them arriving on this land formerly owned by the 16th-century poet Jean de La Ceppède. They built their grand home overlooking the city.
For hundreds of years the Grande Bastide Paul hosted notable guests. Paul Barras a prominent figure in French history spent time here. Princess Françoise of Orléans another significant personage graced the Bastide with her presence. The grandeur of the Grande Bastide Paul speaks to its privileged past. It held its position throughout several centuries of tumultuous events. It stood strong amidst changing times and families. The Savin family owned the Bastide after the de Guillermys.
By 1941 the Grande Bastide Paul belonged to Mr Rousset. He rented it to the police. This was a time of great upheaval. The Nazi occupation began building the A7 autoroute nearby. The construction must have loomed large over the Grande Bastide Paul. This changed the landscape and the tranquil atmosphere for the area permanently.
The French state acquired the Grande Bastide Paul in 1957. The French police continued their residence there. It served as a home for the authorities until 2004. In 2009 a plan emerged to convert the empty Grande Bastide Paul into temporary housing for the Romani people. Local protests ended this proposal. The Grande Bastide Paul remains an important piece of Marseille’s history.
Today the Grande Bastide Paul stands as a testament to resilience and the passage of time. It’s a tangible link to Marseille’s rich history. The building tells a story of families powerful figures and historical events. It waits to share its secrets with those who pause to listen. Its silent stone walls whisper tales of centuries gone by. The Grande Bastide Paul continues to captivate anyone who discovers its story.