THE STORY: Ever since its facelift performed by Marion Bernard’s architecture studio, La Traverse has been bringing a little art world flair to Marseille’s Malmousque neighborhood. Starting in 2021, it’s boasted a space dedicated to design and contemporary art run by Catherine Bastide, a former gallery owner and curator in Belgium, and now this southern house has opened its doors to a duo of lucky guests when it’s not hosting talented artists in residency. The creative and hospitality worlds have effectively joined forces, with, on the ground floor, a concrete-laden kitchen designed as a permanent work of art by artist Régis Jocteur Monrozier, and upstairs, a bright bedroom with sloping ceilings, carefully decorated by the Laizzez Passer collective who specialize in recycling materials you’d find at the harbor (pool-style tile floors, a mesh-frame bed on wheels, light fixtures made from buoys). The cherry on top? The sunny little balcony, where you can laze about while enjoying the picture-perfect views of the Mediterranean. Studio starting at €140 a night in the off-season, €170 a night in the tourist season. 

TOILETRIES: Organic soap and body wash.  
BREAKFAST: Not served, but there’s a kitchenette with everything you need to make it yourself, and Moutchou café/épicerie is just a skip and a hop away! 
LITTLE LUXURY: Privatize the gallery space and invite chefs to craft a delightfully creative dinner.