“Tour Sainte,” a name that echoes through Marseille. It’s a name tied to a bastide. Let’s explore the Avenue de Tour Sainte.
The Bastide de Tour Sainte marks the eastern part of the old Domaine de Tour Sainte. Amédée Armand, an industrialist from Marseille, created it in the 1850s. The Avenue de Tour Sainte borders the Chemin des Bessons. It sits on the even-numbered side, in the Sainte-Marthe district. This district is in Marseille’s 14th arrondissement.
Now, about that statue. The monumental statue of the Virgin Mary gave its name to the estate. It stands some distance away on the other side of the Chemin des Bessons. This places it in the Saint-Joseph district.
The bastide itself features a simple building. It has a porch. A park surrounds it. The park is organized around a body of water. This ensemble is partially listed as a historical monument. It is considered a major work of landscape composition. It is also a first-rate element of Marseille’s bastide heritage.
Today, a private company owns the Bastide de Tour Sainte. They use it for receptions. Imagine elegant events unfolding within its historic walls. The Avenue de Tour Sainte serves as a gateway to this blend of history and modern use.
So, as you stroll along the Avenue de Tour Sainte, remember Amédée Armand. Remember the Virgin Mary statue. And remember the bastide’s journey. From industrialist’s estate to a site for receptions. The Avenue de Tour Sainte offers a glimpse into Marseille’s layered past.