Avenue du Parc Montgolfier a name whispered on the wind. It speaks of history and hidden stories. This avenue leads to the Bastide de Montgolfier also known as the Tour des Pins. Imagine a place where history unfolds before your eyes. Here on Avenue du Parc Montgolfier stands a testament to Marseille’s rich past. The Bastide de Montgolfier is more than just a building. It’s a living story. It’s a story of family a story of land and a story of renewal.
The Bastide de Montgolfier a grand estate was once home to the Montgolfier family. The name itself hints at a connection to the famous hot air balloon pioneers. Legend says the highest point held a tower. This tower watched the ships entering the harbor. The estate boasts a beautiful farmhouse a barn a landscape park and two windmills. These windmills once ground flour. Today they’re charming belvederes offering stunning views.
The property has been on the inventory of historical monuments since 1993. Its facades roofs farmhouse buildings the park itself and its elements are protected. The city of Marseille bought the estate in 1987. It remained closed for three years. Then in 2014 a farmer Marie Maurage reopened the farm. She runs a pedagogical farm. This venture gives new life to the historic site. She works with the city which now owns the land. Next to the property sits the Parc Urbain des Papillons.
Think of the stories these walls could tell. Stories of generations who lived and worked here. Stories of changing times. Stories of careful restoration. The Bastide de Montgolfier is not just a relic of the past. It is a place of active life. It’s a place where the past meets the present.
The avenue itself the Avenue du Parc Montgolfier breathes life into the area. It connects the past with the future. It reminds us of Marseille’s deep roots. It speaks of the resilience and beauty of this city. Take a moment to absorb the atmosphere. Feel the weight of history. Imagine the stories yet to unfold within these walls. This is Avenue du Parc Montgolfier. This is Marseille.