OUR STORY
Born from a desire to safeguard and pass on cultural and heritage sites, the association "La Ciotat il était une fois" (La Ciotat Once Upon a Time) and its volunteers have been undertaking the immense project of restoring the buildings and their surrounding agricultural landscape since 2004. Simultaneously, its Scientific Council has conducted historical research (still ongoing) to delve into the past and illuminate the fascinating history of the owners over the centuries. All that remained was to bring this place, which has become a must-see in the Provençal landscape, to life. Since 2005, an annual program has offered a multitude of cultural and environmental activities to the public. Shared work projects mobilize numerous volunteers who maintain the heritage gardens, an educational farm, and welcome visitors.
Since 2014, the municipality of La Ciotat (which has owned it since 1992) has entrusted the project management to our association in order to continue the restoration work which is taking place in several phases, according to the instructions of the DRAC and the ABF, the Bastide being a historical monument since 2013.
THE HUMAN ADVENTURE
It's a fantastic story within the history of the Bastide, a great adventure.
United by a love of heritage and unwavering commitment, they pooled all their energy, courage and skills to accomplish what seemed impossible twenty years ago.
First, clean up the place , a house that has been squatted for years, which means about ten trucks, dumpsters full of garbage and bulky items.
Next, the focus will be on giving the land a new life , cleaning up the agricultural hectare surrounding the building from an illegal dump that was marring the landscape.
Then, sow green manure, enrich and irrigate, design heritage gardens recreating in miniature the 10 hectares that made up the estate until the last century.
Finally, to share their passion with visitors , to transmit history, ancestral gestures, knowledge and know-how in an educational and instructive approach.
The creation of the educational farm in 2013 completed the reconstruction, offering everyone, and especially children, a relational space for mediation and learning.
The restoration of the building has mobilized the members of the association since 2011, supported by numerous partners. DRAC, ABF, heritage foundation, Crédit Agricole corporate foundation, numerous donors, companies and associations, all mobilized to restore the beautiful Bastide, 466 years old, to its former glory.
Roofing: 2011/2012
Heritage and historical studies: 2013/2015
Restoration work: north facade, roofs of agricultural annexes, floors, all facades and exterior joinery and numerous studies, surveys etc. have been carried out in 10 years.
The interior restoration is underway.
One team, one heritage!
Part of the women's team
Part of the men's team
Our partners
