At the gates of the Calanques National Park, a luxurious 1,000 m² château has been beautifully renovated, complete with its vast park where absolute tranquility reigns. What’s on the agenda? An infinity pool, pétanque, and a barbecue for 30 lucky vacationers.
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Marseille
Casa Cygalea
A California-inspired 80s villa in Marseille
Make a booking request
Perched on the hills of Marseille, a futuristic white building from the 1980s exudes a vacation vibe that’s part LA, part Provence. Ideal for eight architecture enthusiasts seeking panoramic views.
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Marseille
Casa Cygalea
A California-inspired 80s villa in Marseille
Make a booking request
Perched in the hills of Marseille, a sleek white building from the 1980s with a vacation vibe that’s part LA, part Provence. Perfect for eight architecture enthusiasts who love panoramic views.
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A California-inspired 80s villa in Marseille
Make a booking request
"The house overlooks the entire area, offering a very pleasant unobstructed view. It feels like being in Palm Springs."
Built in 1983 by the renowned Lefèvre family of architects—known for iconic projects like the five-star C2 Hotel and the Méditerranée Tower—Casa Cygalea stands out with its striking appearance. Buildings like this are rare in Marseille! With its white, angular design and partially buried structure reminiscent of a bunker, it was this distinctiveness that immediately captivated the new owners when they discovered it in 2022.
As real estate agents who regularly encounter beautiful properties, they were smitten with Casa Cygalea even before stepping inside. Completely renovated and ready by 2024, this 180m² home is perfect for hosting up to eight guests, who can enjoy the expansive 2400m² Mediterranean garden along with all the comforts of a fully equipped and ultra-modern retreat.
Among cicadas and pines, like a postcard from Provence. © A.Toulon
A bioclimatic house
Ahead of their time, the architects who designed Casa Cygalea in the 1980s envisioned what we now refer to as a “passive” home. But what exactly does that mean? It’s a building designed to use minimal energy while maintaining comfort year-round. This was achieved through several smart design choices: white walls to keep the interior cool, precise orientation to maximize natural light, and a large glass roof that ensures the house is always bathed in sunlight.
Moreover, some rooms are partially buried—though still equipped with windows for those concerned about claustrophobia—to naturally regulate temperature, staying cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The addition of a dry garden that requires minimal watering further reflects the house’s ecological awareness, making it not only a stylish retreat but also an environmentally friendly one.
Thanks to the large glass window in the living room, the sun fills the house all year round. © A.Toulon
In harmony
with nature
On one side, the rooftops of Marseille. On the other, the pine forest. © A.Toulon
After a year of meticulous renovations, the once-abandoned building has been transformed into the stunning Casa Cygalea. The name isn’t a nod to the ever-present cicadas, though their song fills the air around the pine-surrounded property, but rather a clever blend of the first letters of the new owners’ and their children’s names.
Their vision for the renovation? “To ensure the house harmoniously integrates with its environment.” And they’ve certainly succeeded! The California-inspired villa, with its raw minimalist design—marked by reinforced concrete and sharp angles—blends seamlessly with the fine gravel garden and the natural surroundings. It’s like stepping into a Slim Aarons photograph, only this time, it’s your reality. Picture yourself lounging by the expansive pool, meandering through the pine forest, all while the soothing sound of cicadas accompanies your every step.
"There are only about ten buried flat-roofed houses in France, and it's this unique aspect that appealed to us."
Playing at home
With a garden as beautiful—and spacious!—as that of Casa Cygalea, it’s easy to feel tempted to stay put. The concierge service is there to ensure a flawless stay, handling everything from breakfast and housekeeping to organizing activities—just ask! With so many options like the pool, patio, barbecue, Nordic bath, and pétanque, choosing where to start might be your biggest challenge.
The panoramic view of the Accates neighborhood and distant mountains, the pine forest just behind the house, and the overall peaceful ambiance create a true haven—yet you’re still just a stone’s throw from Marseille’s vibrant city center. Inside, the thoughtful design ensures that eight guests can enjoy their holiday without ever feeling cramped. The semi-buried bedrooms, in particular, offer a cool, cozy retreat, perfect for escaping the midday sun.
Thanks to the expansive glass windows, we live both inside and outside. © A.Toulon
Inspirations from here
and elsewhere
To furnish their California-Marseille-inspired villa, Cyril and his wife drew inspiration from their various holiday destinations. The all-wood kitchen exudes a warm Danish vibe, perfect for imagining delicious meals being prepared. This wooden theme extends to the living room, where a custom-made coffee table by local artisan Rinku complements the space.
Surrounding the coffee table are sheepskin chairs, a subtle nod to Fuerteventura, while the waxed concrete bathroom takes its cues from the minimalist charm of Mykonos. In the garden, the wooden “ganivelle” fence was inspired by a trip to Cap Ferret. This eclectic mix of influences gives the house a unique personality, making it a favorite among holidaymakers.
The 3 things
we love the most
The panoramic view of Marseille
The eighties-inspired architecture
The Mediterranean garden
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Destination Marseille
Casa Cygalea
Traverse des Fenetres Rouges, 13011, Marseille, France
Transports
Marseille Station
25 min
Marseille Airport
38 min
Restaurants
AM
18 min
Regain (local and seasonly cuisine)
19 min
Ripaille
21 min
La Mercerie (local and seasonly cuisine)
24 min
Shops and Craft workshops
L’orangeraie (fresh produce market)
15 min
Moutchou
22 min
Maison Empereur
23 min
Pétrin Couchette (bakery)
24 min
Nature, Culture and Heritage
MUCEM
21 min
Maldormé beach
23 min
MAC Marseille
23 min
Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde
24 min
Les Goudes
34 min
Casa Cygalea
Traverse des Fenetres Rouges, 13011, Marseille, France
Turn it up!
Get inspired!
1.
Slim Aarons photography
2.
Cactus
3.
Case Study Houses
