“Baignoir” that means bathtub in French. Now, why would a street in Marseille be named Rue du Baignoir? Let’s find out.
Rue du Baignoir is located in Marseille’s 1st arrondissement. This 259-meter-long street connects Rue Tapis-Vert to Rue des Petites-Maries. But its story goes deeper than just its location.
The name Rue du Baignoir comes from a former bathhouse. This establishment was called “Grands bains et étuves,” which translates to “Grand baths and steam rooms”. These baths were once a prominent feature of this street.
Before it was Rue du Baignoir, it was known as Rue du Grand Saint Jean. This name came from an inn that stood here until 1763. That year, the street was extended to reach Rue des Petites-Maries.
In the 18th century, only one public bathhouse remained in Marseille. It was located at number 40 Rue du Baignoir. Augustin Fabre noted the special rules for “baigneurs, étuvistes et perruquiers”. These bath attendants, steam room operators and wigmakers had to show visible signs of their trade. This was to prove their skills in cleanliness and body care. Shops had to be painted blue. They needed large-paned glass windows. Signs had to display white basins. This made their profession clear.
The 19th century brought a surge in popularity for home bathtubs. This boosted the business of water carriers. These workers delivered buckets of hot water on carts. They carried them up to apartments. The water carriers weren’t allowed to stay during the bath. They waited on the landing. After the bath, they emptied the dirty water into the courtyard. A spilled drop meant losing their tip.
The oldest baths in the city were likely fed by the Frache spring nearby. In the early 19th century, Vincent Coste ran these baths. His establishment was known for its cleanliness and respectability.
Parallel to Rue du Baignoir, at 5 rue de la Fare, you can still find the Hammam Sultan. This Turkish bath features a large brick chimney. The Serkizyan family created this bath in 1936. It was meant for Armenian refugees living near the Saint Charles train station. It provided them with shower facilities.
At number 35 Rue du Baignoir, the Salle family owned a building since 1775. Around 1935, they donated it. It became the Direction des œuvres diocésaines that means the Direction of Diocesan Works. The building’s beautiful courtyard and fountain are still visible today.
In 1932, the Bishop of Marseille thanked the Salle family for their donation. He promised the house would always serve a diocesan purpose. In 2022, the building became an Adoma residence. It provides furnished housing for people facing economic and integration challenges.
Look at number 30. It is a beautiful private mansion. It may have been the former headquarters of E Gombert. This company specialized in glassware, earthenware, porcelain and crystals. They supplied pharmacies.
In 1945, number 12 was home to Madame F Gaudin’s haberdashery. She specialized in galalith buttons. Galalith was one of the first synthetic plastics. In the 1930s, number 18 housed “Frigorifique Industriel du Midi”. This was a model lard refinery. At the beginning of the 20th century, number 20 was where M Ségurand sold grapes for wine. He also specialized in dates, dried fruits, and vegetables.
Today, Rue du Baignoir features street art. You’ll also find many bazaars, carpet sellers, hairdressers, hammams, and tea rooms. Rue du Baignoir is full of stories. It is a place where the past and present intertwine.