Perfectly positioned opposite Notre-Dame de la Garde, steps from the historic Panier district and the striking MuCEM museum, this transformed 18th-century hospital is now a luxurious 5-star retreat designed by acclaimed decorator Jean-Philippe Nuel. Dive into the indoor pool evoking a traditional washhouse, unwind with lavender pouch massages at the Spa by Clarins, sip cocktails with panoramic views at Le Capian bar, and savor Michelin-starred chef Lionel Lévy's elevated bouillabaisse—milkshake-style at Brasserie Les Fenêtres or classically at gastronomic restaurant L'Alcyone.
Now's the ideal time for crowd-free hikes amid limestone cliffs plunging into turquoise waters, free from summer fire restrictions. Or access by sea to spot over 60 marine species like groupers, dolphins, and sea turtles. Set off from Quai d'Honneur at the InterContinental's base with Chef Lévy's picnic (smoked salmon club sandwich, citrus prawn salad), anchoring off the Frioul islands—watch for scavenging gulls overhead. www.calanques-parcnational.fr.
Options abound: 1) Cutting-edge concept stores like Jogging (former butcher shop), Jardin Montgrand (19th-century mansion), Manufactures Françaises (13 rue du Panier) in Le Vieux Panier, and Hélène Boy's creative flea-market lab. 2) Endoume's hipster haven for Cozete's stylish jumpsuits and Egg's curated vintage (121 rue Sainte). 3) Euroméditerranée's Les Docks Marseille with designers like Triaaangles, organic markets, and Virtus Sport Training Center in Joliette warehouses; classic brands at Terrasses du Port; decor at Wooden Gallery and Les Toiles du Large in Voûtes de la Major.
Start with Pierre Psaltis's blog, then tour: Maison Saint Honoré (131 rue d'Endoume) for organic sourdough bread by the slice; Les Pissenlits (147 rue Sainte) for local produce; Saint-Victor Market (33 rue d'Endoume) for oysters, cheeses, Corsican charcuterie. Lunch at La Boîte à Sardines (2 bd de la Libération), where fishmonger Fabien Rugi transforms fresh catch amid nautical décor. Dinner at Une Table au Sud (2 quai du Port)—Ludovic Turac earned his first Michelin star at 25; his modern aioli is legendary.
Sample from 200+ beers at Fietje, organic wines under La Relève's stunning ceiling (41 rue d'Endoume), gastronomic tapas at Chez Paulette during Vieux Port afterwork, Mama Shelter's DJ sets with raki, then 360° views at Terrasses du Port's Refectory. The night is young!
Ready to go?
Stay: InterContinental Marseille, doubles from €199 incl. breakfast. 04 13 42 42 34.
Visit: "Picasso, a Genius Without a Pedestal" at MuCEM, 27/04-29/08/2016.
Tip: City Pass Marseille (museums, tours, Château d'If boat, transport) for 24/48/72 hours from €24.
More info: marseille-tourisme.com.
Also read:
https://www.bibamagazine.fr/style-de-vie/voyages/7-randos-a-la-cool-6-52651
