It was in 1882 that the property of what is now the Pavillon Monticelli became part of the ambitious Square Monticelli project — a private residential development comprising elegant homes and their connecting roads. The very first home to emerge was built by an admiral from Brittany, captivated by Marseille’s light and charm.

He called it Ker Mao, “the little peaceful haven.”

Pavillon Monticelli carries a royal legacy through its most emblematic owner, Her Majesty the Queen of England.
For several years, the residence served as the British Consulate in Marseille, forming part of the Crown’s real estate heritage.

Its former owner, a renowned surgeon from Marseille, experienced one of the most unusual sales of his life. At the signing of the deed of sale in 1998, the Crown’s personal notary appeared in person to place the royal seal, marking the Queen of England’s consent.
A unique royal symbol, forever engraved in the history of the Pavillon.

As the sale took place in the midst of the 1998 Football World Cup, the Queen of England expressly requested, through the Quai d’Orsay, that the owner accommodate the Consulate staff until the end of the tournament to support their team.

A royal request that could not be refused, the property continued to host British nationals until July 1998 — a date now etched in the history of French football.