Gémenos, our village at the foot of the Sainte-Baume, facing the Garlaban

Gémenos, a village at the crossroads of Provence’s landscapes

Gémenos, or Gèmo in Provençal, is the name of our village. Between hills and the Mediterranean, it is home to La Magdeleine, an 18th-century bastide now turned into a charming hotel by Mathias Dandine, a Michelin-starred chef in love with his land.

To the north, Garlaban, the majestic rock made famous by Marcel Pagnol, a loyal friend of La Magdeleine. He wrote:

“So it is not a mountain, but it is no longer a hill: it is Garlaban.”

Here, we do not say the Garlaban. We simply call it by its name, as you would an old friend. It dominates our daily life and shapes our landscape, our culture and our cuisine. It is a vivid limestone land, always facing the sea.

To the south, the Calanques National Park unfolds its white cliffs, turquoise waters and steep paths, from Marseille to Cassis. A true natural sanctuary, it echoes the authenticity of our village.

To the east, the Sainte-Baume Regional Nature Park already borders Gémenos. This sacred forest, refuge of Saint Mary Magdalene according to legend, is also a place for hiking, silence and renewal.

A stay rooted in the soul of Provence

At the crossroads of Marseille, Aix-en-Provence and Cassis, La Magdeleine and Gémenos together offer a unique setting of calm, emotion and escape. Here, the art of living takes root in the light, in nature and in shared memories.

And to make your stay at our 5-star hotel in Gémenos complete:

Discover our selection of the most beautiful hikes in Provence near the hotel