Le Petit Nice

There’s often a contrast drawn between the luxe escapes of the French Riviera and the edgy urbanity of the city of Marseille. But at Le Petit Nice, thanks to the hospitality of the well-known chef Gérald Passedat, Marseille displays its own vision of Mediterranean luxury. This is a family affair from the beginning, established by the Passedat family in 1917. But anyone looking to history to find Le Petit Nice’s golden age is looking in the wrong place — it’s as spectacular right now as it’s ever been.

The location, between the coastline and the Corniche, feels a world apart from the bustle of the city, and lends the hotel something of a seaside resort atmosphere, even though it’s mere minutes from the center of town. The interiors take their cues from the classic colors of Provence — gold and lavender feature prominently — and the style is a harmonious marriage of modern and classic.

There’s a wellness area that amounts to a hammam, a Japanese bath, and a swimming pool, while the waters of the Mediterranean lie a few steps away. And it’s overlooking those same waters that you’ll find a pair of restaurants, the bistronomic 19-17 and the eponymous Le Petit Nice.