“Du retard mais c’est en bonne voie.” These words echo around the Fort de Brégantin. They hint at a grand vision taking shape. Here on the island of Ratonneau, designer Ora-ïto envisions an art center dedicated to ecology.
The Fort de Brégantin itself plays a key role in this vision. Ora-ïto owns three hectares of Ratonneau. His plan is called Marsa, a “villa Medicis of ecology”. It mirrors the Académie de France in Rome. This center will host artists in residence.
Imagine artists and scientists collaborating. They will focus on ecology and ocean preservation. The fort’s restoration is complex. It sits within a natural park. This adds layers of preservation challenges.
Ora-ïto collaborates with “Parley for the oceans” and Neede Méditerranée. This collaboration will make the Fort de Brégantin a hub. It is planned to be a place for ecological innovation.
The fort has a rich history. It was part of coastal defenses. Jean de Baudricourt built the current fort in 1483. This fort was built as part of the French monarchy’s coastal defense.
In 1574, King Henry III donated Brégantin to Antoine Escalin des Aymars. He was a baron and captain general of the galleys. Later, Napoléon Bonaparte improved the fort. He strengthened its artillery. He added a company of Imperial veterans to the garrison.
The fort has seen many changes. It has been occupied since ancient times. Ligurians used its dominant position. They established an oppidum. Greek merchants later founded a trading post called Pergantion.
In the early Middle Ages, the Merovingians built a fortress. They watched over the coast. Cardinal de Richelieu initiated major restoration in the 17th century.
After World War I, the fort was decommissioned. In the 1920s, it was leased to Robert Bellanger. He was a former Minister of Marine. Bellanger restored the fort as a private residence. He preserved its original appearance.
Since 1968, Fort de Brégantin has been a presidential residence. General de Gaulle visited in 1964. He commemorated the Provence landings. Pierre Jean Guth modernized the fort.
Today, designer Ora-ïto hopes to transform this historic site. It is planned to be a beacon for art and ecology. He aims to preserve the heritage of the Fort de Brégantin. He also wants to create a space for innovation. The opening has been delayed but is expected to open sometime after 2024.
The Fort de Brégantin’s story is still unfolding. Its walls hold centuries of history. They are set to embrace a future. This future combines art, ecology, and the enduring spirit of Marseille.