Didn’t you know that the Bastide de la Guillermy is one of Marseille’s oldest buildings? It stands here in Les Aygalades. This historic bastide whispers tales from the 17th century.
In 1689 the de Guillermy family acquired this land. Before them, the 16th-century poet Jean de La Ceppède owned it. The family constructed the Bastide de la Guillermy shortly after acquiring the land.
Over the centuries, the Bastide de la Guillermy welcomed notable guests. Paul Barras sought refuge here in exile. Later, Princess Françoise of Orléans graced the bastide with her presence. The Savin family later purchased the Bastide de la Guillermy.
Fast forward to 1941. Mr. Rousset owned the Bastide de la Guillermy then. He leased it to the police. During this time, Nazi forces initiated the construction of the A7 autoroute nearby.
In 1957, the French state acquired the Bastide de la Guillermy. It served as a home for the French police until 2004.
In 2009, a controversial proposal arose. The French state considered turning the vacant Bastide de la Guillermy into temporary housing for Romani people. Protests led to the project’s abandonment. The Bastide de la Guillermy was listed for sale in 2011.
The Bastide de la Guillermy owes its name to the Guillermy family. They acquired the land to build a family residence.
In the 19th century, Jean-Honoré Salavy, a Marseilles merchant, owned the property. After him, Baron Fernand de Fonscolombe inherited it.
Throughout the 19th century, the Bastide de la Guillermy hosted famous guests. Besides Barras and Françoise d’Orléans, Préfet Antoine Claire Thibaudeau stayed here before his exile in 1813.
In 2019, a real estate agent purchased the Bastide de la Guillermy. He undertook its restoration. Before that it had been vandalized after the police left in 2004.
Today, the Bastide de la Guillermy stands as a testament to Marseille’s rich history. It has survived wars, proposals, and neglect. The Bastide de la Guillermy is ready to face the future, a phoenix risen.