While the two Galeries Lafayette stores are closing this Saturday, November 15, 2025 in Marseille, the mayor announced the city’s purchase of the Center Bourse building for a cultural, scientific and recreational center. Martine Vassal, DVD candidate for city hall, stated that “Benoît Payan has not prepared anything”.
Four months before the first round of municipal elections, the purchase of the Galeries Lafayette building on the Center Bourse (1) announced by Mayor Benoît Payan (DVG) provoked a strong reaction from opposition candidate Martine Vassal (DVD).
Galeries Lafayette is actually closed this Saturday, November 15 2025 in Marseille, in the Prado Shopping shopping center (8) as well as in the Center Bourse (1), raising concerns about the attractiveness of the city center which has become a big political issue.
In a press release sent this Saturday at the start of the day, the city of Marseille expressed its wishes “developing, on the premises of the Galeries Lafayette, a cultural, scientific and recreational center. Contacts have been made, and have been for several weeks, with the main partners, especially the Paris Philharmonie.”
Marseille Mayor Benoît Payan stated that “The purchase by the Municipality allows us to remain in control of the future of our city center, by proposing a project in line with the image of our city: dynamic, open to all, pro-youth, looking to the future. This cultural, scientific and recreational center will encourage exchange, and will quickly become a place of excellence that will highlight our talent, scientific knowledge and love of the sea.”
A project that made Martine Vassal react strongly (DVD). Candidates mention specifics “sudden decision”redemption “with taxpayers’ money”announced a figure “several tens of millions of euros” (…). Benoît Payan’s low-cost vision has cost the Marseillais a lot. Why would he do something in such a hurry? Has he joined the campaign yet?”
Martine Vassal, invested by Les Républicains, Horizons and backed by Renaissance, even talk about “the risk of seeing Galeries Lafayette turned into a giant building downtown.”
Meanwhile, the city of Marseille, which did not specify any figures, announced that the principles and terms of the redemption would be voted on in the City Council on December 18. “This city council will also be an opportunity to launch a broad appeal for expressions of interest in transitional occupation of the site, pending final completion of the project.” concluded the press release.
