A dive into the paletolithic
More than thirty years ago, in a depth of 37 meters at the foot of Cape Morgiou, the diver Henri Cosquer discovered the cave that will bear his name. The replica of this sunken treasure can now be seen at the Villa Méditerranée. We embark on board small autonomous boxes for an exploration along the walls draped in stalactites, where horses, bison, aurochs and even penguins appear in raking light! A whole bestiary from the last ice age, when the level of the Mediterranean was 135 meters lower and the shore 10 km from the entrance to the cave…
Cosquer cave, €16 per adult (€10 for 10-17 year olds), audioguide included. Esplanade J4, on the port of Marseille. grotte-cosquer.com.
Also to discover: Discovering Los Angeles, the capital of cinema
A trendy hotel on the old port
We already loved those in Nantes and La Rochelle, and now a new Maisons du Monde hotel has opened in the Old Port. The idea of the place: to create a chic and trendy place, where everyone feels at home… but better! The 62 rooms, some with a view of the sea, are decorated with furniture and pieces to unearth in the stores of the decoration brand. Five styles to choose from, with evocative names: Cassis, Aubagne, Saint-Rémy, Gordes, Lourmarin… Here, everything is in the details: eco-labeled products in the bathroom, espresso machine, bistronomic jars made from organic and local products in room service… And, in terms of shared spaces, there is the lounge with its bar, sofa corners with cozy fireplaces, bookcases, high-speed Wi-Fi, of course, a fitness room a five-minute walk away and even a shared kitchen for those who like to prepare their own breakfast.
Maisons du Monde Hotel & Suites, from €237 per double in B&B. 43, quay of the Belgians, 13001 Marseilles. marseille.maisonsdumondehotel.com.
Folk and ethnic shopping
Passing rue de Paradis, the bohemian center of Marseille, we fish for ideas at the Quinta Folk Collectif. Cushions and throws, necklaces of soap beads to hang in the bathroom, pretty perfume bottles, braided fiber lamps, terracotta jars and vintage furniture… Everything you find there makes you want to redecorate your room. house and garden in the colors of the South. This eco-responsible concept store is designed by designer Cyd Jouny as a holiday home and offers a sharp selection of limited-edition handcrafted pieces.
Quinta Folk Collective, 119, rue de Paradis, 13006 Marseille. @quintafolkcollectifon Instagram.
–
