Make way for oil

The Maison des Têtes, a listed building, collapsed in 1989 following a gas explosion, killing 13 people. It was rebuilt identically in 1995, and a commemorative plaque was laid.

Between 1332 and the end of the 17th century, Place à l'Huile changed name more than five times! Named Platea in 1332, plassa de la mar in 1336, plassa del Palays in the 14th century, plassa del merchel (market) in 1442, place des quatre coins (fruit square) in 1621, and place à l'Huile at the end of the 17th century.
This emblematic Old Town square has long remained open to the sea and neighboring marshes. Before the Second World War, it was furnished with several shellfish benches, which went down well with the nearby fish market.