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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Marseille
Château de Forbin
Between Marseille and Cassis, a 15th-century château and its seven-hectare park
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At the entrance to the Calanques National Park, discover a stunningly renovated 1,000 m² château set within a vast park where serenity is guaranteed. For 30 fortunate guests, the days unfold by the infinity pool, with games of pétanque, and evenings spent around the barbecue.
Between Marseille and Cassis, a 15th-century château and its seven-hectare park
Make a booking request
“It’s a very surprising place. You’re in Marseille, but it’s very calm, relaxing, and surrounded by nature.”
This is not the kind of property you’d expect to find here, yet here it is! At the foot of the Saint-Cyr mountain range, in the charming Saint-Marcel neighborhood of Marseille, the Château de Forbin offers an idyllic setting for a holiday that blends contemporary art – with 500 pieces of graffiti on display – and a rich, historic legacy.
Originally a hunting lodge turned into a lavish aristocratic residence, Château de Forbin has been fully renovated in 2000, transforming it into a modern haven of comfort. With its seven-hectare park, 11 bedrooms, and expansive living areas, there’s plenty of space for large families to gather without feeling cramped. And with amenities like pétanque, a pizza oven, and a heated infinity pool, boredom isn’t an option. Plus, you’re just a twenty-minute drive from the bustling Old Port of Marseille. What more could you ask for?
Five centuries of history
If the walls of Château de Forbin could talk, they’d whisper tales of a storied past. Originally a hunting lodge acquired in the 15th century by the influential Forbin family, it gradually transformed into a vast estate. While it has seen multiple renovations, the property’s Renaissance charm remains intact, most notably in its corner turret and the façade.
If you take a closer look at the tiles adorning the walls of the library, you’ll find the portrait of one of the château’s former owners: Roselyne de Villeneuve de Forbin d’Oppede, a distinguished historian and writer who moved in aristocratic circles during the Second Empire. Inside and out, there’s always something to marvel at. The expansive park, a vestige of the old bastide, boasts a waterfall, ponds, a greenhouse, an aviary, and a classic French garden. Among the trees, you’ll find Mediterranean cypress and Atlas cedars—majestic species that have stood witness to much of the château’s storied past.
Between the park and the castle, there's no chance of getting bored, but you might get lost.
A new chapter of the château
is being written
In recent years, Château de Forbin has found new owners who are passionate about contemporary art and 1980s graffiti. For two years, the property even served as a museum dedicated to the history of urban art! Today, it’s the lucky guests who can admire the family’s collection. Connoisseurs will recognize notable names in the field: Futura 2000, Rammellzee, Kenny Scharf… Another standout feature as you explore the château is the magnificent wrought iron spiral staircase, rumored to have been designed by Gustave Eiffel. Whether fact or legend, this stunning piece is sure to captivate anyone who sees it.
The château’s furnishings are equally impressive, with beautiful designer pieces that harmonize perfectly with the eclectic artwork on display. Christian Liaigre furniture, a Bretz sofa, and unique finds from Selency add to the charm. This delightful mix of Renaissance remnants, 19th-century tiles and floors, graffiti art, and modern designer furniture creates a truly unique and captivating atmosphere.
In the library, the 19th-century tiles sit alongside the staircase, which is probably signed by Gustave Eiffel.
The true
château life
Stroll through the French gardens.
Beloved by vacationers, the château’s numerous attractions also make it a popular choice for large family gatherings, weddings, anniversaries, seminars, and more. To ensure every event and stay runs smoothly, the property’s dedicated team is attentive to every detail, offering services like breakfast, massages, wine tastings, and personal chefs—just ask! “We want guests to feel at home while being in a truly exceptional place.”
To top it all off, the château’s prime location offers easy access to the surrounding region: Marseille, the Calanques, Cassis, and Aix-en-Provence are all within reach. But with the beauty of the park—complete with its French gardens—you might find it hard to leave. Whether you’re admiring the grounds or wandering through them, accompanied by the sounds of the resident parakeets, it’s easy to see why they, like us, seem to never want to leave.
The 3 things
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Destination Marseille
Château de Forbin
19 Bd de la Forbine, 13011, Marseille, France
Transports
Marseille Station
23 min
Marseille Airport
37 min
Restaurants
AM
17 min
Regain (local and seasonly cuisine)
18 min
Ripaille
19 min
La Mercerie (local and seasonly cuisine)
22 min
Shops and Craft workshops
L’orangeraie (fresh produce market)
13 min
Moutchou
21 min
Maison Empereur
21 min
Pétrin Couchette (bakery)
22 min
Nature, Culture and Heritage
MUCEM
19 min
Maldormé beach
22 min
MAC Marseille
22 min
Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde
23 min
Les Goudes
33 min
Château de Forbin
19 Bd de la Forbine, 13011, Marseille, France
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