Villa Medjé

Guided by friends who are architects and interior decorators—Apogée Architecture and Lola Garcia—Pénélope and Yohann breathed new life into Villa Medjé. The name, a feminine Arabic first name possibly inspired by a love song, and the original building were kept intact, including the stone staircase leading to the entrance and the charming courtyard wall. Since returning to Marseille, Pénélope has witnessed changes in her city and was adamant about preserving this typical structure of the 7th arrondissement.

The renovation proceeded gently, revitalizing the villa while maintaining its charm. The old decor and flashy colors, considered somewhat kitschy, were replaced, but the renovated house is far from dull. Bedrooms in mint green and blue nod to their respective views of the sea and valley gardens. The living room features a playful “Malabar” candy-inspired theme, and ochre terracotta tiles add warmth. Life at Villa Medjé is truly seen through rose-colored glasses!

To decorate the freshly renovated villa, Pénélope scoured Le Bon Coin and flea markets in Marseille. Each piece of furniture was carefully selected, resulting in a decor that “feels timeless.” Indeed, one gets the impression of reliving childhood at Villa Medjé! Pastel-colored gingham curtains and tablecloths, a yellow soap nestled in its soap dish, a floral tablecloth in the kitchen, vintage crockery… All these nods make you feel at home while enjoying modern comforts: hotel-worthy bedding, Aesop cosmetics… With a touch of nostalgia, one dreams of spending every summer there, baking clafoutis and reading in the garden.

Ideally located just two minutes from the Corniche Kennedy, in one of Marseille’s most upscale neighborhoods, Villa Medjé is the perfect starting point to explore the city. If the call of the sea becomes too enticing, it’s only a 100-meter walk away. The Calanques National Park is just a 20-minute drive from the villa. Excursions to the Frioul Islands, a pastis in Cours Julien, a stroll in Les Goudes… It will take more than one summer at Villa Medjé to discover all the great spots in Marseille.

After watching the local youth dive from the famous Anse de la Fausse Monnaie, return to the villa for a peaceful end to the day. Lounging in the small courtyard garden is a delightful way to unwind! Under the blooming Judas tree, you can listen to the parakeets sing while being sheltered from the sun by the foliage. Take a dip in the small outdoor pool or cool off under the garden shower. In the early evening, enjoy a festive atmosphere under the string lights and prepare a local specialty in the summer kitchen. And in the background? A playlist curated by Pénélope!

Inspired by her grandmother, with whom she is very close, Pénélope wants the villa to come alive and organizes events for this purpose. The first ones? An exhibition by Yegan Mazandarani titled “The Scent of Fried Onions,” featuring photographs in homage to her grandmother and her house. There are also dinners prepared by chef Minou Sabahi, drawing inspiration from her grandmother’s Persian cuisine, of course!