Henri de Castellane

Transcription

October, 1940. Lombard Avenue. 'La Pomme' Marseille. Leaving tram number 14, walking along the slope under the train tracks, 2 large plane trees, over 200 years old. The first trees of the Bastide des Boissons. A path starts there, under the tracks, leading to a whole new world. A large alley lined with plane trees under the soft October light opens up the domain. To the south of the Huveaune valley, the hills of Saint Cyr... Prairies... A first glimpse at the Villa on the hill. The road loops upward. A small stone paved path for cars 5 cedar trees, and the small stable on the left. Facing us, the Villa Air Bel awaits our visit. Inside the stable, a buggy and lodgings. The urge to enter seizes us. Let's go in ! Laurel shrubs, Jacqueline's trapeze hanging from a plane tree In the distance, the sweeping landscape of the Valley. The plane tree holding Max Ernst's tableaux at the auction 2 stone vases surmount the pedestal of the Belvedere. Below, a garden « à la française ». Well drawn pathways but rather neglected. The panorama of the Valley appears with... its fields... the Marseilleveyre mountains... ...plunging into the sea. The old Villa has 3 storeys. A symmetrical and cheerful facade On the upper terrace to the right of the Villa... The greenhouse where Breton made frequent visits. Inside, on a large table, a warm sun light, A few notes... This is « Fata Morgana ». His love poem for Jacqueline, illustrated by Wifredo Lam. A smaller greenhouse, by the larger one. The Villa is there. Standing guard. Outside the gate, the large basin, a reservoir for plantings, which became Dany Bénédite's a pool. There we are ! This large domain, a puzzle of 1000 pieces, reborn. Doctor Thumin's butterfly collection... Jacqueline Lamba's trapeze... And... what if that butterfly were Jacqueline ? Subtitles : Julia Douny