There had been religious sanctuaries and watch towers on La Garde for many centuries, and the basilica incorporated the lower levels of a renaissance fort that also included a chapel.
Kwakungakaze kube khona izindawo zokukhulekela zenkolo futhi ticongotekulindza ku La Garde amakhulu amaningi eminyaka, futhi leli sonto sihlanganisa emazingeni aphansi a ekuvuselelweni Fort ukuthi kwakuhlanganisa indlwana.