“Charmée de la beauté singulière de cette ville,” or “Charmed by the singular beauty of this city.” Those were the words of Madame de Sévigné in 1673. She arrived in Marseille and captured the essence of what makes these bastides so special. Today we stand before Bastide Villa des Pins.
But what exactly is a bastide? In Provence, a bastide is more than just a house. It’s a secondary residence. It is simultaneously a place for leisure and an agricultural domain. Think of it as the countryside escape for Marseille’s elite. They had their private hotels in town. But they also desired a retreat outside the city walls.
Life within these bastides represented a true art of living. The Bastide Villa des Pins offered a refined environment. It was for the prominent families of the Marseille bourgeoisie. While leisure was important the primary purpose was often practical. Many bastides focused on cultivating olive trees and vines.
The architectural style of Bastide Villa des Pins dates back to the late 17th century around 1670 to 1700. This era saw the rise of these exceptional villas. They became symbols of wealth and status. They were places to enjoy the Provencal lifestyle.
Imagine stepping back in time. Picture refined families strolling through the gardens of Bastide Villa des Pins. They oversee the olive groves and vineyards. The air is filled with the scent of blossoms and the distant sound of the city.
Madame de Sévigné’s experience resonates even now. As she entered Marseille she saw the scattered bastides. They dotted the landscape. The hills of l’Estaque and Marseilleveyre closed in around her. Before her lay a rugged space. Within it nestled the Vieux-Port.
Bastide Villa des Pins stands as a reminder of this rich history. It showcases a unique aspect of Marseille’s cultural heritage. It embodies the Provencal lifestyle. It is a blend of leisure agriculture and family. The elites enjoyed this in the countryside.