This charming little street in the heart of Aubagne’s old town, Rue Laget, is lined with colourful houses and shutters, but one building in particular stands out. Look to your left, at number 3, you’ll see the Hôtel de Bausset, also known as the House of the Plot. Take a look at its two beautifully sculpted windows, they’re richly decorated and hint at the house’s unique history. Built in the 15th century, it was later owned by Nicolas de Bausset, a nobleman from a wealthy local family, and it became the backdrop to a political conspiracy that would leave its mark on French history. Let’s rewind back to 1589, when Henri IV, the first Bourbon king of France, came to the throne. However, he was Protestant in a country torn apart by violent religious wars between Catholics and Protestants. His rise was far from welcome in some areas. Henri eventually converted to Catholicism in 1593 and was crowned in 1594, and in 1598 issued the Edict of Nantes, which brought an end to the bloodshed and granted Protestants the right to worship. But back in 1596, Marseille, just next door to Aubagne, was one of the last cities refusing to recognise him as king. That’s where our story kicks in. Right here in this house, Nicolas de Bausset, then governor of the Château d’If and a trusted servant of the king, met with Geoffroy Dupré, a notary from Marseille. Together, they plotted the assassination of Charles de Casaulx, captain of the Marseille militia and a fierce opponent of Henri IV. Their goal was to eliminate him and open the city to royal troops. A few weeks later, the plan was carried out. Charles de Casaulx was struck down by Pierre Libertat, dying from two sword blows. Marseille was brought back under royal control, and Henri IV’s power was finally secured. Today, the Hôtel de Bausset remains one of the last surviving Renaissance buildings in Aubagne, adorned with delicate motifs, foliage, rosettes, cherub heads and pearls. More than just a beautiful façade, it’s a building where history truly came to life.