La Magdeleine – Mathias Dandine
Confident, family-run Provençal bastide. Think antique furniture, terracotta tiles, exposed beams, and a fireplace library that doubles as a dining room in cooler months. Warm without being fussy. Gastronomy-led rather than design-led.
Book a room with a balcony facing the fountain — multiple guests single this out as the best view on the property
Why It Matters
Mathias Dandine has held a Michelin star for over 21 years and earned 3 toques (16/20) at Gault & Millau. The restaurant is widely considered one of the finest tables in the Bouches-du-Rhône, with the chef personally championing a tight roster of local Provençal producers — from zucchini flowers to olive oil from Domaine de la Michelle. The vegetable garden on the property supplies the kitchen directly.
An 18th-century Provençal bastide — former property of the Marquis d'Albertas, which over the centuries served as a hospital, orphanage, and military command post — now the personal project of chef Mathias Dandine and his wife Christel. The estate sits in a 4-acre park of century-old plane trees on the edge of the Sainte-Baume Regional Natural Park, 15km east of Marseille. The real draw is the 1-Michelin-star restaurant, but the hotel itself (32 rooms, suites, and a private villa) earns its 5-star classification.
Where You'll Stay
7 room types available
Classic Double Room
The entry-level room. Compact but individually furnished in classic Provençal style, opening onto the garden or terrace. Hill or courtyard views. Spacious bathroom with bath or shower.
19 sqm
Comfort Double Room
A step up in size and aspect. Garden or mountain views, individually decorated in Provençal tones. Spacious bathroom with bath or shower.
25 sqmFamily Suite
A dedicated suite configured for families, accommodating slightly larger parties. Specific size not published but noted as one of the larger room categories.
Junior Suite
Spacious and luminous suites decorated in classic Provençal style with marble bathrooms. Can accommodate one extra bed on request. Some feature bathtubs.
40 sqmPrivate Villa
A freestanding villa in the grounds of the estate, sleeping up to 8 guests. Described as 'spectacular' and offering full seclusion — the best option for families or groups who want the Magdeleine experience without sharing a building. Specific interior details not publicly listed.
Suite
The larger suite category, ranging up to 68 sqm. Decorated in Provençal style with marble bathrooms and bathtubs. Located on the back of the building per guest reviews. Can accommodate an extra bed on request.
68 sqmSuperior Double Room
The largest standard room category. Garden or mountain views; choice of double bed or twin configuration. Includes a refrigerator — a practical upgrade that the smaller rooms don't all have.
double or twin · 33 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
An annual festive and gourmet garden party on July 14 — one of the most popular recurring events at the property.
Bike rentals available on-site, allowing guests to explore the surrounding countryside and villages.
A 2-hour guided botanical walk in the Sainte-Baume forest with a specialist guide. Available as part of the Gourmet Discovery package.
Short cooking lessons available as part of the Gourmet Discovery package or bookable separately. A chance to cook alongside a Michelin-starred chef in a working bastide kitchen.
Outdoor giant chess in the park, suitable for all ages.
A traditional pétanque court in the grounds. Very Provençal. Open to all guests.
Regular summer evening events in the park — musical evenings and piano concerts organized by the hotel.
Seasonal outdoor cinema screenings in the park. Typically held weekly in summer.
A 3-hour guided visit and tasting at this organic wine and olive oil producer in Auriol, available as part of the Gourmet Discovery package.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Elevator on site.
Two on-site meeting rooms for small corporate events or seminars. Full event planning team available.
A grand library in a converted barn with exposed beams, terracotta tiles, and a majestic fireplace. Doubles as the Michelin restaurant dining room in autumn and winter.
Complimentary wireless internet access available in all areas of the property.
Babysitting available on request.
An on-site potager supplying the Michelin-starred restaurant with seasonal produce.
A dedicated Zen garden within the estate's 4-acre park.
On-site private parking, no reservation needed. Free of charge.
Seasonal outdoor pool surrounded by a large lawn and patio with sun loungers. Unheated.
Front desk staffed 24 hours a day.
Limited-hours room service available.
Full concierge service for activity and excursion bookings, local recommendations.
Pressing and laundry service available.
Airport shuttle service available at additional charge.
Fitness corner within the Patio Spa complex.
BUILD YOUR LA MAGDELEINE – MATHIAS DANDINE PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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