52 corniche Kennedy, 13007 Marseille
In Marseille, everything often begins with a light. The one that appears around a corner in the Panier district, the one that bathes the white rocks of the calanques, or the one that reflects here on the clean lines of the Les Bords de Mer hotel. From the moment you arrive, the setting takes center stage: the building, renovated with respect for its Art Deco style, opens like the bow of a ship to the sea. From every floor, every corner, the Mediterranean can be observed at any time of the day, even in the silence of the evening.
The hotel has retained an intimate scale with only 19 rooms, all facing the sea. Some open onto a simple bay window, others extend the experience with a balcony or a large terrace, but all invite you to slow down, settle in, and watch. The interior decoration echoes this peaceful atmosphere: soft tones, natural wood, understated furniture. The lines are simple, the materials carefully selected, leaving the view and the light to play the starring role.
Here, you’re in a 1930s building subtly reimagined. The space has been designed to highlight the vertical, with a constant sense of fluidity between floors. Every room, regardless of size, gives the impression of complete openness to the outside. Some even evoke cabins suspended above the water, enhancing the sense of escape.
The restaurant continues this theme, perched just above the waves. Fully glazed, it offers seating for about forty, with a panoramic view of the Frioul Islands and the Château d’If. On the plate, Chef Chester Tsai develops an inspired, inventive cuisine, drawing as much from his Asian heritage as from Mediterranean local produce. The precise seasonings tell stories of travels. The ceviches, tartares, or grilled fish are as surprising as they are comforting.
The rooftop, reserved for hotel guests, extends the experience with an infinity pool and a solarium. It’s a suspended, almost unreal place where you can enjoy a moment of pause at any time of the day. In the evening, a few tapas with Asian influences accompany a glass of wine or a cocktail in a cozy atmosphere, lulled by the sound of the waves below.
Wellness enthusiasts will also find their place. The spa, designed as a mineral sanctuary, spans over 300 m² at sea level. Blonde stone, light wood, soft lighting—every detail seems designed to promote relaxation. Massages, facial and body treatments by Susanne Kaufmann, a sauna, hammam, and heated indoor pool: here, time fades away.
A fitness room complements the facilities for those who wish to maintain their routine or simply jumpstart their morning energy. The hotel also offers room service, allowing you to enjoy breakfast, a light dinner, or a selection from the restaurant menu in your room.
Contemporary art lovers will enjoy discovering the works scattered throughout the property. Drawings, sculptures, and photographs by renowned artists like Berni Searle or Jonathan Callan blend with the space and light. Each piece is chosen not to impress but to subtly accompany the experience of the place.
The hotel’s location, overlooking Catalans Beach and a stone’s throw from the Old Port, makes it easy to combine urban exploration with moments by the water. You can reach the historic center on foot in just a few minutes while enjoying a view from your room that few Marseille addresses can offer.
At certain times, the proximity of the Corniche Kennedy may be heard from the terraces, but it remains a discreet presence, quickly absorbed by the soothing sound of the sea. The hotel’s design has successfully mitigated the city’s effects to prioritize marine sensations.
Breakfast can be taken in the dining room or on your private terrace, starting the day in a bubble of calm. The staff, attentive without being intrusive, ensures this quality of service is maintained with constant availability, day and night.
Modern comforts are, of course, present: air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms in every room. The property is also accessible to guests with reduced mobility.
If you want to explore Marseille on foot, the Palais du Pharo, the Mucem, or the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica are all within a twenty-minute walk. The hotel also allows easy boarding to the Frioul Islands or planning an excursion to the calanques from the Old Port.
To explore the city, start with a visit to the Panier district, its stairways, colorful facades, and art galleries. Continue with a walk around the Mucem, blending contemporary architecture with Mediterranean memory. Fort Saint-Jean offers one of the city’s most beautiful panoramas.
Art lovers might also enjoy visiting the Friche de la Belle de Mai or the Cantini Museum, while history buffs will appreciate the collections at the Marseille History Museum, which is within walking distance of the hotel. In the evening, check the program at the Silo or the Marseille Opera for a cultural outing.
When the sun sets over the islands, the fishing boats slowly return to the port, and the sky ignites, you’ll understand what makes the Les Bords de Mer hotel so unique. An address that combines elegance, calm, and openness—both to the sea and the city—without ever choosing between the two.
Activities
General
Services
Dining
Pool and wellness area
Shared spaces
Entertainment
Miscellaneous