Rue Reine Jeanne

In 1888, construction began on a unique building on Chemin de la Batterie. It would later become known as Rue Reine Jeanne. The initial structure, called Pavillon Saint-Louis, was completed in 1908. It was designed by the architect Jean-Pierre Costa, who had purchased the land in 1885. Upon Costa’s death, his daughter, Marie-Jeanne Costa, inherited the property. She lived there with her two daughters, renting out portions of it between 1909 and 1926. One notable tenant, Ernestine Garnier, ran a silk mill and presided over the Malmousque Nautical Club. During her tenancy, from 1914 to 1923, the building was temporarily dubbed “Pavillon de la Fileuse,” or the Spinner’s Pavilion. The building itself boasts distinct architectural features, including cornices, lintels, and decorative iron and wood elements on its terraces. Requisitioned during World War II, the building suffered bomb damage and its address changed to 6 Chemin du Génie. In 1944, Mr. Piery, a renowned Marseille jeweler, purchased the damaged pavilion. He renamed it “Pavillon de la Reine Jeanne,” possibly in honor of its new owner or perhaps as a nod to a similar structure in Baux-de-Provence. Pieri briefly transformed the pavilion into a seafood restaurant, accessible by boat, in the late 1940s and 1950s. However, he soon abandoned this venture to focus on his jewelry business. After Piery’s death, the pavilion passed to his daughter and son-in-law. Finally, in 2020, it found new owners in the Pentcheff family. Recognizing its historical significance, they undertook a meticulous renovation. They transformed the pavilion into an art gallery, showcasing works from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This new chapter in the life of Rue Reine Jeanne continues its rich legacy, offering a blend of history, art, and architectural charm by the sea.