Wasn’t it Paul Barras who once graced these very stones? The Bastide de la Guillermy stands before you. A silent sentinel. Its history whispers through the aged stones. This magnificent bastide in Les Aygalades is far older than many realize. It dates back to the 17th century. That makes it one of Marseille’s oldest buildings.
Before the de Guillermy family acquired it in 1689 the land belonged to Jean de La Ceppède a 16th-century poet. Imagine the verses he composed within these walls. Or the stories he wrote among these trees.The de Guillermy family were not only landowners but gracious hosts. They welcomed illustrious guests including Paul Barras and Princess Françoise of Orléans.
The Bastide de la Guillermy changed hands many times. It was owned by Mr Rousset in 1941. He rented it to the police. A remarkable fact. During that very time construction began on the A7 autoroute. The road’s path ran dangerously close to the bastide.
In 1957 the French state took possession of the Bastide de la Guillermy. It remained a police station until 2004. Its history is not without controversy. In 2009 there was a suggestion to use it for Romani housing. The idea faced stiff opposition leading to its abandonment. In 2011 it was put up for sale.
The Bastide de la Guillermy stands today as a testament to Marseille’s enduring past. Its walls bear witness to centuries of stories. The elegance and grandeur of this historical bastide. The silent observer of Marseille’s rich history. A living monument. It stands as a symbol of resilience and perseverance. A piece of Marseille’s soul.