Nestled in the heart of a preserved park of almost two hectares in Gémenos, on the doorstep of the Sainte-Baume massif, La Magdeleine is a house whose history is intertwined with that of Provence.
A former property of the Marquis d’Albertas in the 18th century, the bastide has lived through the ages and the great events of history. Turned into a hospital during the First World War, it then housed the “Le Bercail” orphanage before becoming, in 1932, a charming hotel devoted to the art of hospitality.
A place steeped in memory, La Magdeleine also played a role in the Liberation of Provence. In the summer of 1944, Generals de Lattre de Tassigny and de Monsabert set up their command post here, taking part in organising the military operations that marked the liberation of the region in the summer of 1944.
Over the decades, the house you discover today has been built around a true family story. For three generations, the Marignane family shaped and developed La Magdeleine with passion, patience and respect for its heritage, making it the place of charm and character you love today.
As you face the bastide, you can read the different periods that make up its history. The central part, recognisable by its green shutters, is the original heart of the property and dates back to the 18th century.
To its right, the section with blue shutters was built in the 19th century, harmoniously enlarging the house. Finally, at the far right, the part with light green shutters was built in the early 1980s.
Built with reclaimed materials and with the greatest respect for Provençal architecture, this latest extension blends so naturally into the whole that it seems always to have been part of the bastide. This harmonious dialogue between the centuries gives La Magdeleine a singular identity, where family history, Provençal heritage and the art of hospitality naturally meet.
The bastide became an iconic address in the region. Marcel Pagnol liked to stop here on his way back from Saint-Tropez, he who knew Gémenos and its Provençal landscapes so well.
A few years later, during the filming of Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources, Yves Montand, Gérard Depardieu, Daniel Auteuil and Emmanuelle Béart were among the guests of the Relais de La Magdeleine. In the 1990s, the hotel also welcomed the players of Olympique de Marseille during their training camps under the presidency of Bernard Tapie.
But beyond these prestigious pages of history, La Magdeleine is above all a place of life and memories. For generations, Provençal families have gathered here to celebrate weddings, christenings, communions and moments of sharing that stand the test of time.
Located in Gémenos, affectionately nicknamed “Gèmo la Poulido”, the property enjoys an exceptional natural setting. The Saint-Pons valley and its Cistercian abbey, the Sainte-Baume massif, the Garlaban, the vineyards of La Cadière-d’Azur, the medieval village of Le Castellet and the port of Cassis with its famous calanques make up a unique backdrop.
Just a few kilometres away, Aix-en-Provence and the Montagne Sainte-Victoire, immortalised by Cézanne, complete this remarkable heritage.
Today, under the leadership of Chef Mathias Dandine, La Magdeleine carries on its heritage by combining heritage, gastronomy and hospitality. Its Michelin-starred restaurant celebrates sincere, elegant Mediterranean cuisine inspired by the seasons, local producers and the vegetable garden. Each plate tells the story of Provence with precision, generosity and modernity.
Its gardens, its terrace shaded by plane trees, its historic lounges and its orangery welcome travellers, companies, families and culture lovers in a warm and refined atmosphere.
Open all year round, La Magdeleine offers charming stays, seminars, private receptions, cultural events, concerts and exhibitions. Its 5-star rooms and suites, combining timeless elegance, contemporary comfort and soothing views of the park or the Provençal mountains, offer every guest a refined and exclusive stay.
True to its soul, La Magdeleine remains a place of encounters and emotions where history, gastronomy and the Provençal art of living come together to offer a rare and authentic experience.
