In the 18th century, the beautiful Consignes Sanitaires building was the headquarters of Marseille’s Intendance sanitaire, responsible for preventing epidemics and systematically quarantining ships.

It was therefore in a context of great vigilance that Marseille built the Sanitary Consignments building in 1719.

In 1720, despite these measures, the ship the Grand Saint-Antoine spread the plague throughout the city and soon throughout Provence.

In the 19th century, a second pavilion (customs building) was built in the same style.

Today, the Marseille Provence Métropole Ports Authority wishes to re-establish the harbour master’s office in the former customs building.