Where the roads and sea paths meet, a new port facility appeared with, among others, the foundation of the Compagnie des Docks et Entrepôts. The docks were built between 1858 and 1863 by Gustave Desplaces measuring over 400 metres with four interlinked warehouse buildings and a fantastic administration centre (brick and stone Louis XIII style). Each warehouse was based around a central courtyard with six floors of retail space, similar to those in London which Desplaces was probably inspired by. They are the most modern and expensive Marseille design of the Second Empire after the Nouvelle Major and Préfecture.
After a period of almost total neglect, the Docks have been restored to their former splendour thanks to the remarkable rehabilitation project undertaken by architect Eric Castaldi.
