Just a few words about this fantastic city: Marseille’s renaissance has been palpable in recent years, with a growing creative and culinary scene breathing new life into the southern metropolis. It can be hectic, beautiful, edgy, vibrant and slightly grungy all at once. But one question always remained: where to stay that felt genuinely soulful? The search had been extensive. But then, finally, we found Villa Medjé.
THE STORY
Pénélope Comet and Yohann Dupasquier, a young French couple who returned south in search of a slower pace, were not planning to fall in love with this 20th-century house, but life had other plans. In 2021, they decided to acquire the property and create the kind of dream house they themselves would want to live in.
THE VILLA
Perched above the Corniche Kennedy in the 7th arrondissement, Villa Medjé is removed from the hustle and bustle, yet only a stone’s throw from one of the city’s most laid-back districts (and very much our favourite).
Revived with care and attention to detail, the house preserves its slightly old-fashioned character while taking on a fresh new patina. From the moment you pass through the property’s iron gate, you feel as though you’ve been transported to the countryside. From the tranquil garden, a flight of stairs leads up to the main house, which unfolds over two floors in wonderful pastel shades that feel playful and nostalgic.
On the ground floor is the cosy living and dining space, furnished with vintage pieces and antique objects. Next door is the showstopper kitchen: an interesting light-pink affair that feels somewhere between an old family kitchen and a Wes Anderson film set, only with everything you actually need to cook.
Upstairs are the two bedrooms, each with a completely different outlook. One faces the Mediterranean Sea, the other the greenery and gardens climbing up the surrounding vallon. Both are simple, peaceful and fitted with very comfortable mattresses. And then there is the bathroom: turquoise-tiled, with a large walk-in shower occupying most of the room, while a small separate WC and little mezzanine balcony complete the upstairs.
THE GARDEN
Shaded by mature trees, the garden is a little haven and almost an extra room in its own right. The outdoor kitchen and plancha make meal prep easy, the outdoor shower is perfect for cooling down on warm summer days, and the small bath – perhaps the quirkiest element of the property – is fun for adults and children alike. That said, the sea is absurdly close, so there is little excuse not to make the short stroll down the hill.
THE EXPERIENCE
Imagine borrowing somebody’s charming home for a few days, one that just happens to feel like Provence country living. Up here among the trees, with the shutters open and the Mediterranean appearing through the windows, you get to experience all of Marseille’s energy while having somewhere rather lovely to come home to.
The owners reside just next door, so help is close at hand whenever needed. Yohann also runs one of the city’s newer restaurant additions, and local recommendations come with true insider knowledge.
Special
Alongside private stays, the house has gradually opened itself to chefs, artists and other local creatives, hosting supper clubs, exhibitions and intimate gatherings. By happy coincidence, one of these dinners was taking place when we visited. Around 35 people had gathered in the garden, sharing delicious plates and natural wine at long tables while the work of a local photographer was shown throughout the house.
THE LOCATION
The villa sits above the Corniche Kennedy, close to Malmousque and Endoume, in an area of Marseille where we could happily spend days without ever venturing into the centre. Step outside and within roughly 100 metres you can be in the sea, via a tiny natural swimming spot. Plage du Prophète lies in one direction, while the rocks around Petit Nice and Malmousque are an easy walk in the other.
This part of Marseille is ideal for wandering. Small streets climb between beautiful old houses, suddenly opening onto huge views of the Mediterranean. Continue towards Malmousque and you’ll find narrow lanes, rocky coves and its tiny fishing port. There are local bakeries and coffee shops within walking distance, as well as some of Marseille’s newer, hipper places to eat. Buses run along the Corniche when you want to head into town. Cycling is another good option, or simply walking if you have time (the Corniche is one of Marseille’s great promenades and often the better way to understand the city).
IDEAL FOR
Couples, friends or a small family wanting the intimacy of a private house rather than a hotel. Come if you want to swim before breakfast, cook dinner at home, spend afternoons reading under a tree and still have one of France’s most compelling cities within easy reach.
Getting there
Marseille Airport is 26 km away, and the Bompard bus stop is about 250 metres from the house.
Rates
The house costs €350 per night from October to March, €400 in April and May, and €450 in June and September. In July and August it is let by the week only, at €2,900 per week. The rest of the year there is a two-night minimum stay, rising to three nights in June and September. A cleaning fee of €88 and the local tourist tax are added to each stay.
Contacts & Booking
Villa Medjé
15 Traverse de la Baudille
13007 Marseille, France
