Maison Blanche
Maison Blanche is a 19th-century estate house surrounded by a 6-hectare park filled with magnolias, cedars, and other mature trees planted over more than a century. The main building now serves as a municipal office, while the grounds offer open lawns, walking paths, and a small lake for public enjoyment.
The merchant David Léon de Cohen purchased the property in 1846 and had it redesigned as a bastide with architect F. Duvilliers, establishing it as a symbol of merchant wealth. The city acquired the estate in 1978 from its heirs, transforming it into a public park while preserving its historical structure.
The property reflects the legacy of 19th-century merchants who shaped Marseille through architectural ambition and garden design. Today it serves as a gathering space where locals walk, picnic, and meet, continuing its role as a place where the city's residents connect with nature and each other.
The park is accessible by bus with parking available below the main grounds and public restrooms near the entrance. The flat terrain and wide pathways accommodate strollers and visitors with mobility needs.
A memorial to singer Charles Aznavour was added at the park entrance in 2024, connecting the estate's historical past with modern cultural recognition. The stone plaques with his name and images now mark the space as a tribute to the performer's legacy.
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