Updated Luxury at Marseille’s Le Petit Nice

It has been almost a century since this boutique hotel first opened its doors on the shores of the Mediterranean. Germain Passedat purchased the Villa Corinthe in 1917 and chose the name “le Petit Nice” as a tribute to the villa’s stunning location on the azure shoreline. Even today, 100-years later, the property is a seaside oasis, with a relaxed vision over the aquamarine waters as Marseilles’ traffic snarls outside the walls.

“Le Petit Nice is 5 minutes from the city centre and 100 km from the noise.” Germain Passedat

Gérald Passedat is the third generation of his family to place his golden tongs in the business. He officially took over the hotel and restaurant in 2000 from his father Jean-Paul who was both an hotelier and opera singer. Building on his father’s legacy (2 Michelin stars) Gérald Passedat’s kitchen achieved a 3rd Michelin Star in 2008. The restaurant at le Petit Nice is the perfect place to go for a special occasion. The cantilevered dining room contributes to the impression that you are floating on blue water through your divine meal. The table service at le Petit Nice is nothing short of fluid perfection.

The chef has a couple signature dishes (Loup Lucie Passedat and his Bouille-abaisse) that acknowledge the bounty of products readily available in the Mediterranean basin – from both land and sea – “100% Mediterranean.” Gérald Passedat says he was named after a figure in Lakmé an opera by Léo Delibes. With all the moving parts at le Petit Nice and his other culinary pursuits perhaps the musical reference is suitable.

Gérald Passedat sets the vision and orchestrates a team who deliver food to thousands of visitors at MuCEM’s Le Môle Passedat, Fort St Jean and la Table at J4. In addition, there are cooking classes available at le Môle.

Back at le Petit Nice, even a 3-star reputation in the restaurant and sparkling coastal backdrop could not cover the fact that this luxury hotel needed a facelift. It took nine months, a large (undisclosed) budget, two professionals Rudy Ricciotti (architect) and Gérard Traquandi (painter), and a team of contractors to refresh and revitalize the 16 guest rooms.

Now, is the time to book your room!

LE PETIT NICE

Anse de Maldormé

Corniche J.F. Kennedy

13007 – Marseille

Tel. : +33 (0) 4 91 592 592

Image Credits: All photos were provided by and published with the permission of le Petit Nice.

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).