Maison du Figaro

Maison du Figaro is a historic townhouse in Marseille's 1st arrondissement, and it stands as one of the better-preserved residential buildings from the late seventeenth century in the city's old core.

Who built it, and when?

The design comes from Pierre Pavillon, an architect active in Marseille during a period of rapid urban growth. Construction wrapped up in 1675, placing the building squarely within the city's late-17th-century building boom, a time when Marseille's harbor-driven prosperity was reshaping much of the old town. Few residential structures from that exact era have survived intact, which is part of what makes this one noteworthy today.

Where in Marseille will you find it?

Maison du Figaro sits in the 1st arrondissement, right at the heart of old Marseille, within easy reach of the Vieux-Port and the tangle of narrow streets that make up the historic center. Its coordinates place it at roughly 43.2964 N, 5.37806 E — close enough to the port that it fits naturally into any walking route through the oldest part of the city.

What makes it a protected monument?

Since 1992, the building has been listed as an official historical monument in France. That listing under the monuments historiques system means the structure carries formal heritage protection, and it signals that the facade and overall form have retained enough of their original 17th-century character to merit national recognition. For visitors interested in Marseille's architectural layers, that official status is a useful marker of authenticity.

Is it open to visitors?

The building serves a private function, so there's no general public access to the interior. What travelers can do is view it from the street as part of a walk through the 1st arrondissement — an area dense with older buildings, many less documented than Maison du Figaro but worth a glance as you pass. Pairing a stop here with a stroll around the Vieux-Port makes for a natural way to see how the old town has evolved across different centuries of construction.

Frequently asked questions

Who designed Maison du Figaro? The architect was Pierre Pavillon, who worked in Marseille in the 17th century.

When was the building completed? Construction finished in 1675.

Is Maison du Figaro a protected heritage site? Yes — it has been listed as an official French historical monument since 1992.

Where exactly is it located? In Marseille's 1st arrondissement, near the Vieux-Port, close to the historic city center.