This grand building before you is the Maison du Figaro. Its elegant facade whispers tales of centuries past.
The Maison du Figaro stands proudly at the corner of La Canebière. It’s a testament to Marseille’s rich history. Built between 1673 and 1675 by architect Pierre Pavillon and master craftsman Jean-Claude Rambot it was part of a larger complex. The original design included thirteen bays on the Cours Saint-Louis facade. Only five remain today.
Imagine the scene in 1860. The Canebière was widened. This significantly altered the Maison du Figaro’s northern facade. One bay was lost. The Canebière. then divided into three parts. It stretched from the Old Port to Cours Saint-Louis and Belsunce. Rue de Noailles continued it to boulevards Dugommier and Garibaldi. Allées de Meilhan led to the Reformed Church.
The demolition of the galley arsenal in 1787 opened a direct view of the Old Port from La Canebière. Rue de Noailles however remained narrow. Only eight meters wide. The city council decided to widen it creating a grand avenue. This project involved removing parts of many buildings. The Maison du Figaro’s north facade lost its first bay. The Canebière facade was rebuilt identically but in cement a relatively new technique. This restoration was completed by the Désiré Michel company. Seven more bays were removed from the south side. They made way for a reinforced concrete building.
In 1867 a travel goods store called the Grand Bazar Figaro opened on the ground floor. It remained for over seventy years. The building became known as the Maison du Figaro. During World War II. its Jewish owner Mr Hermann was deported. The Vichy government requisitioned his property. The building was occupied by the Parti Populaire Français. Resistance fighters bombed it on February 27 1944. After the war the building was owned by the Assistance Publique. They rented it to a women’s clothing merchant. The city of Marseille bought the Maison du Figaro in 1993. They installed their communication services including the Revue Marseille. From 1976 to 2015 Espace Culture used the building. Today it stands as a reminder of Marseille’s resilience. It’s a beautiful building. It also has a fascinating past.