Château de Forbin is a former hunting lodge that has become an aristocratic residence over the centuries.
Guillaume Forbin acquired the hunting lodge in the 15th century. The de Forbin family grew rich in commerce during the 15th century, and over time became one of the most influential families in Provence.
Palamède de Forbin (1433-1508), an eminent diplomat, was appointed governor and lieutenant-general of Provence in 1481, in recognition of his role in bringing Provence into the kingdom of France. A joke by Louis XI that his position gave him as much power as a king gave rise to the de Forbin family motto: "You made me count, I make you king".èDescendants of the family continued the military tradition: Claude de Forbin, born in the mid-17th century (1656-1733), became Count of Gardanne. This title enabled him to become an admiral and general in the armies of the King of Siam. Marquise Roselyne de Forbin d'Oppède (1822-1884) was one of France's first historians. The Château de Forbin still bears traces of her presence, as an earthenware piece in the library shows her as a couple with her husband.
A fragment of stone carved in the 5th or 6th century is present in the library: it comes from the castrum Saint Marcel, a medieval castle whose remains have all but disappeared.
Another astonishing feature of the château is the superb spiral staircase giving access to the various floors, probably designed by Gustave Eiffel.
The Château's façade is adorned with superb Renaissance windows. They were salvaged before the Forbin mansion on rue de Siam was demolished when the Rue Impériale, now rue de la République, was built in 1864.
Chateau de Forbin
19 boulevard de la Forbine, 13011 Marseille