The revival of Bastide MARIN is above all a great human adventure, driven by citizens passionate about history and heritage. A "collective achievement" that has continued for 22 years, with the long-standing residents encouraging newcomers.

A surge of civic engagement - Threatened by oblivion, ravaged by squatting and illegal dumping, this former agricultural property has found its saviors, determined to preserve, restore and pass on to younger generations this historical jewel of La Ciotat.

Municipal property since 1992, consisting of two hectares (originally 10 hectares), it was a municipal decision that allowed the association La Ciotat il était une fois to take charge (since July 2004) of the cleaning and restoration of the building, its agricultural annexes and 8,000 m² forming the nearby natural setting.

Following the Bastide's inclusion in the inventory of Historical Monuments in March 2013, project management was entrusted to the association, allowing it to apply for investment subsidies in addition to its own funds and subscription to the Heritage Foundation.

The heritage study carried out in 2014 programmed several phases of restoration work, from the most urgent to the interior finishes.

Each phase requires studies, grant applications, agreements from the DRAC and the ABF, and calls for tenders.

Building permits complete the cumbersome and expensive process of constructing roofs, reinforcing floors, building facades and installing exterior joinery.

The project continues in 2026 with studies and internal surveys preparing for the restoration phase of the monumental staircase and floors.

Other phases are also being studied in order to restore the decorations, plasterwork and statues adorning the interior.

A permanent exhibition is installed in the courtyard of the Historic Monument, where visitors can discover all the work carried out, the various funds and donations that made these achievements possible.