Cabanon Malmousque

For a year, Quentin and Louise worked tirelessly with Alexandre Bastia to renovate their cabin. Their vision? “To craft a simple, streamlined home that captures the Mediterranean essence, reminiscent of Ibiza and Greece.” They stripped away the tiled walls and the original staircase—despite Louise’s fondness for it—in favor of a new layout and floating steps. This redesign not only opened up the space but also made it more welcoming for guests beyond its former life as a cozy fisherman’s retreat.

The cabin’s white exterior, which keeps it cool even during the peak of summer, has been carefully preserved. Inside, the use of raw materials, especially the light concrete, adds a minimalist touch that highlights the carefully curated decor and furnishings. Many of these unique pieces were sourced from Puces de Fifi, a favorite spot among Marseille’s flea market enthusiasts.

Born and raised in Endoume, the neighborhood right next to Malmousque, Louise is a true Marseillaise through and through. As the granddaughter of a Provençal author, she takes pride in her heritage, infusing the cabin’s decor with subtle nods to Marseille and its surroundings. In the kitchen, for example, you’ll find beautiful marine-themed tiles created by local ceramist Maggy Champsaur, who happens to be the mother of François Champsaur, a renowned designer and interior architect from the South of France.

On the walls, charming shell-shaped light fixtures (made in Marseille, no less). At the table, you might enjoy a bouillabaisse, for example, served in tableware found at the Arles boutique Moustique. You can sink into the iconic Togo sofas in the living room, sourced from the city’s artists’ workshops. In the cupboards, you’ll find Provençal fabrics that are anything but outdated.

For the more creative souls, this space is a perfect haven for summer inspiration. And for those less inclined, it at least offers the ideal spot to tackle the one challenge of the vacation: writing postcards!

Tucked away in a quiet cul-de-sac, the cabin offers a well-deserved retreat before diving into the best neighborhoods of Marseille. Begin with the Port of Malmousque, where the atmosphere instantly puts you in vacation mode. Some visitors are drawn to the “Island of the Hanged,” visible from the dock—a spot with a grim history. In 1423, Alphonse V of Aragon sought revenge against Louis III’s allies, hanging a dozen of their notable figures on that very rock, giving it its eerie name.

Today, the atmosphere is far more laid-back, and the cove of Malmousque—a quaint, shallow bay—is a favorite sunbathing spot for locals. It doesn’t take much convincing to join the Marseillais in their sunny rituals! After a day of soaking up the rays, grabbing an ice cream and wandering along the Corniche Kennedy as the sun sets is an absolute must. The holiday vibes here are undeniable…