“Refined living environment” is what comes to mind as you approach the Bastide du Redon. This bastide whispers tales of Marseille’s elite. It is located in the 9th arrondissement of Marseille. The Redon is adjacent to several other districts. These include Baumettes, Mazargues, Cabot, La Panouse, and Vaufrèges.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine the 17th and 18th centuries. Marseille’s bourgeoisie sought refuge. They built grand country houses called bastides. The Bastide du Redon was one such haven. It offered respite from the city’s hustle.
These bastides were more than just homes. They represented a lifestyle. A blend of leisure and agricultural pursuits. The cultivation of olive trees and vines was central. Families enjoyed a refined existence here at the Bastide du Redon.
Madame de Sévigné captured the essence of these estates in 1673. Arriving from Aix-en-Provence, she marveled at Marseille. She saw bastides dotting the landscape. They closed off to her right the hills of l’Estaque district. She saw also the hills of Marseilleveyre.
The Bastide du Redon likely echoed with laughter. It was a place for social gatherings. Imagine elegant dinners. Picture lively conversations. The air was filled with music and celebration.
These bastides became symbols of prestige. They showed wealth and status. The Bastide du Redon stands as a reminder of this era. It whispers stories of families who once strolled its grounds. They cultivated both the land and a lifestyle.
The first architectural schemes of these villas date back to the years 1670-1700. The elites owned private hotels in town. They also owned a second home in the countryside like the Bastide du Redon.
Today, the Bastide du Redon is part of the Quartier du Redon. This area had a population of 4,888 in 2012. The Bastide du Redon remains a reminder of Marseille’s rich history. It reminds us of a time when life moved at a slower pace. A time of elegance and agricultural charm.