here - Maison de la France

PRESS FILE

SUMMARY
GENERAL SUMMARY _____________________________ 5
THE HOTEL ______________________________________ 6
THE PROjECT ____________________________________ 7
THE ARCHITECTURE _____________________________ 9
THE ARCHITECT ________________________________ 11
THE HOTEL DIEU _______________________________ 12
BAR & RESTAURANTS ____________________________ 13
THE MICHELIN CHEF & ALCYONE ________________ 14
THE SPA ________________________________________ 16
MARSEILLE _____________________________________ 18
THE INTERCONTINENTAL
MARSEILLE: THE VERY BEST
MARSEILLE HAS TO OFFER
Marseille will very shortly welcome a new grandiose
luxury hotel: the InterContinental Marseille - Hotel
Dieu. Perched atop Le Panier, in the oldest part
of France’s second largest city, InterContinental
Marseille - Hotel Dieu is a majestic XVIII th century
building transformed from the former Hotel Dieu.
Originally designed by a nephew of the renowned
architect Mansart, the building boasts superb
staircases, vaulted passageways and large terraces
and, as an added bonus it overlooks the city, offering
spectacular views of the Vieux Port and the very
ornate Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica. A superb
location for The InterContinental Marseille - Hotel
Dieu, a unique hotel housed in a building that is a
listed monument! This hotel, when it opens, will be
the most important of Marseille’s 5* hotels, with its
194 rooms, including 22 suites. 72 of these rooms
provide breathtaking, panoramic views of the Vieux
Port. A number of suites have impressive private
balconies commanding marvellous views of the
city of Marseille. Nominated European Capital of
Culture in 2013, the ancient city of Marseille with its
present day booming tourism and cruise industry is
full of an animation and excitement that will woo all
visitors.
Entrusted to the capable hands and creativity of
Jean-Philippe Nuel, a world reference in luxury hotel
design, the architecture of the InterContinental
Marseille - Hotel Dieu remains faithful to the spirit
and the history of this venerable institution. Its
minerality echoes that of the city with its ancient
monuments, it also draws its inspiration from the
Mediterranean Ocean, cradle of civilization. The
InterContinental Marseille - Hotel Dieu will ensure
that this unique Marseille experience includes your
palate: in addition to the 80 seat brasserie restaurant
that extends onto an outdoor terrace with a
superb view, the hotel also boasts a gastronomic
restaurant of 40 seats proposing local fish and
seafood specialties. For relaxation and some tranquil
calm, the hotel proposes the Clarins Spa managed
by Deep Nature, 1,000 m 2 equipped with an indoor
pool, two saunas and a hammam, together with
six beauty treatment booths proposing Clarins
products exclusively. This serene haven, decorated
with contemporary editions of traditional Provencal
wash bowls and lavoirs, offers guests a soothing,
reinvigorating plunge into the warm and sensual
waters of the Mediterranean.
The InterContinental Marseille - Hotel Dieu is
capable of hosting an array of events in its 1,000 m 2
conference centre. In addition, its cultural centre will
serve as a showcase for its ancestral, architectural
heritage.
A sustainable pilot project, the InterContinental
Marseille - Hotel Dieu is the first hotel ever to be
restructured subject to an environmental quality
certification.This certification requires scrupulous
monitoring of stringent specifications, especially in
the choice of building materials, energy and water
management, visual comfort, acoustics, and in the
quality of air and water.
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THE HOTEL
The InterContinental Marseille - Hotel Dieu is
located at the foot of Le Panier, the oldest part of
Marseille, and is a mere few steps from the Vieux
Port, a historical and cultural centre and a landmark
in France’s second largest city.
Established in the former Hotel Dieu, a XIIth century building that was extended in the XVIIIth century, this superb construction is included in the
supplementary inventory of historic monuments
(ISMH).
From its stately perch its colossal staircases, arched
galleries, gardens and terraces soar above the
majestic city of Marseille and offer breathtaking
views of the Vieux-Port and the iconic Notre-Dame
de la Garde Basilica.
When it opens, the InterContinental Marseille will
be the most important 5***** hotel in the city:
• 194 rooms and suites with:
- 172 rooms (72 of these overlook the Vieux-
Port and 33 boast private balconies)
- 22 suites, with
› 15 Junior Suites
› 7 large Suites with magnificent high ceilings,
with floor to ceiling 5-metre high windows
that offer stunning views of the Vieux-Port
and Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica. The
Presidential Suite has an exclusive 80 m2 private balcony.
• A 750 m2 outside terrace offers a panoramic view
over the city and seats 160 people for meals
• 2 restaurants:
- A brasserie style restaurant catering for 80
people extends out onto a large terrace with a
spectacular view
- A gastronomic restaurant of 40 seats that serves
fish and local specialties
• A lounge bar with inside seating for 60 and 40
places in the central walkway
THE PROjECT
The refurbishment of the InterContinental
Marseille - Hotel Dieu totals a surface of 23,200
square metres, 5,000 square metres of this concerns
new buildings.
Wishing to expand its upscale hotel industry, the
municipal authorities in Marseille acquired the
building in 2003. In 2006 the same authorities
launched an invitation to developers for their
submissions on a project to transform the Hotel
Dieu into a luxury hotel: on February 5, 2007, the
City Council designated a group of companies to
that effect, comprising the AXA REIM investment
group, the ALTAREA COGEDIM consultants group
and the InterContinental Hotels Group in their role
as Hotel Management.
AXA Real Estate Investment Managers (AXA
Real Estate) is a 100% owned subsidiary of AXA
Investment Managers, ranked the number one real
estate investment manager in Europe, with assets of
THE PROJECT SHAREHOLDERS
Contracting Owner: Axa Real Estate
Developer: Altarea Cogedim
Construction Company: Eiffage Construction Provence
Architects: Agence Bechu and Tangram Architectes
Interior decorators: Jean-Philippe Nuel with Tangram Architecte and Agence Bechu
Management: InterContinental Hotels Group
KEy DATES
- Approval of acquisition of the Hotel Dieu from the
Public Assistance Hospitals of Marseille:
December 15, 2003
- Contract awarded by the city of Marseille:
February 5, 2007
- Approval by the city of Marseille for a
99-year lease: 16 July 2007
- Building permission received: between
August 2007 and December 2008
about 42 billion euros of assets under management
as of March in 2012. AXA Real Estate has more
than 130 third party institutional clients around the
world, with, in addition to in addition to managing
funds for 10 AXA insurance companies.
Architectural design and decoration were entrusted
to Jean-Philippe Nuel, Tangram Architects and the
Bechu agency.
These complex refurbishment works are designed
to conserve, restore and enhance the entire building,
that is a listed monument, making it the flagship of
luxury hotels in Marseille, under the management of
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts.
Parallel to the work on the hotel a new building,
comprising 85 rental units, 165 underground parking
spaces and three retail outlets, is currently under
construction on a part of the site to the rear of the
property.
- Work began: April14, 2010
- Tower crane installation: Spring /Summer 2010
- Flushing/asbestos removal: first half of 2010
- Demolition/excavation: 2nd half 2010 to
first quarter 2011
- Interior work on the hotel: Fourth quarter 2011
until first quarter of 2013
• A 1,000 m
- Hotel handover: March1, 2013
- Launch of the preparatory work: January 14, 2010
2 conference centre
• An indoor swimming pool
• A Clarins Spa
• A cultural space for private events and exhibitions
• An underground carpark with 54 parking spaces
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A SuSTAINABLE PILOT PROJECT
From the very outset, respect for heritage and
environmental concerns have been the watchwords
in the construction of the InterContinental
Marseille - Hotel Dieu. This construction is a pilot
project in France, being the first hotel restructuring
project subject to Environmental Quality
certification.
AXA and Cogedim have implemented all possible
technical, financial and human resources in order to
obtain the new “NF Bâtiments Tertiaires - Démarche
HQE ® , Hôtellerie” certificate (NF Tertairy Buildings
certification, associated with the HQE ® ).
This certification requires scrupulous monitoring of
stringent specifications, especially in the choice of
building materials, energy and water management,
visual comfort, acoustics, and in the quality of air and
water. This first-ever HQE ® hotel reconstruction
project is part of ALTAGREEN, the progress-based
approach of Altarea Cogedim to Sustainable
Development, in strict adherence to the objectives
of the Grenelle Environment Forum.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL
EXCAVATIONS
Excavations were conducted from December 2009
through to February 2010 and focused on three
areas:
- The XIIth century Hospital Chapel of the Holy
Spirit, buried under the building
- The XVIII th century bronzesmith’s oven
- The geology and the downdip to the rear of
the site
Part of the mosaic discovered in the foundations
of the XII th century chapel will be exhibited in the
hotel.
THE ARCHITECTURE
The architecture of the InterContinental Marseille -
Hotel Dieu was entrusted to Jean-Philippe Nuel,
a world reference in luxury hotel design and
whose works are characterized by their diversity.
Jean-Philippe Nuel was inspired by the building
itself: eighteenth century architecture from plans by
Mansart, it was considered one of the finest hospital
achievements in French architecture under the Old
Regime.
The mineral character of the building, with its Stone
of Cassis facade, complete with an imposing arch, is
the genius of this whole venture. The opulence of
the project is articulated through the raw materials,
the attention accorded to the volume and of course
the rich history of the location.
The second source of inspiration is the city of
Marseille itself, situated as it is on the Mediterranean
Ocean.
Like the Hotel Dieu, the city has a very mineral
content with an outcrop of rock. The sky, washed
clean by the prevailing mistral wind, diffuses a bright
light that underlines the contrasting shadows. Lastly,
is the ever present discourse with water, from the
Estaque quarter to Marseille’s cornice, via the Old Port.
The lobby of the hotel employs these different
themes. The minerality is expressed in alternating
black and white stones identical to historic hospital
floors and evokes the Sainte-Marie Majeur cathedral
and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, two of
the city’s most iconic buildings.
Reminiscent of the many creeks and inlets that
babble between the rocks and the ocean, the
mineral character of the lobby is somewhat
softened by the Mediterranean ambience: sculptures
of enameled fish, combed cotton carpets that recall
the sand, and the work of the Atelier Bernard Pictet
master craftsman that admirably conjures up the
sparkling illusion of the sea. Behind the reception,
angled towards the entrance, these sculpted glass
panels are, as it were, virtual windows onto the sea
and they serve to draw one’s gaze to the ceiling
which, in its turn, reveals, a view of the historical
façade of the Hotel Dieu.
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upstairs, the Bar and Restaurants are located in the
historical parts of the building and thus benefit from
superb high ceilings.
The Brasserie restaurant is decorated in typical
brasserie fashion: the novel use of banquette seating,
glasswork and mirrors give it a contemporary style.
The history of the place is evident in the ceiling
coving, but especially in the apparent historic wall
that so visibly contrasts with the glass wall.
The history is expressed by other means in the
Bar, chiefly by the reproduction of an 18th century
painting depicting the Bay of Marseille. The style
here is contemporary; the atmosphere is achieved
by the use of blue seats, blue being traditionally the
colour of Marseille.
The Bar and the Brasserie extend onto an outdoor
terrace and have the advantage of a unique balcony
view over the Vieux-Port and Notre-Dame de la
Garde.
In the rooms, the ceiling coving, the embroidered
throw on the bed or the retro bathtub all serve to
remind us that this is an old and venerable building.
Open directly off the bedroom, the bathroom has
Mediterranean-style shutters and its grey tones
remind one of sun faded driftwood.
The parquet flooring, in the same colour range,
extends out unto the terrace, which serves as a
second living-room.
Room with a view
The room’s setup features built-in equipment,
perfectly integrated into the wood surround
creating a «living wall». This setup gives a unique
character to the large space, but also a sense of
depth and solidity, like that offered by the thick walls
of old and venerable buildings.
The bathroom opens off the bedroom and benefits
from natural daylight, however, this space can be
closed completely to suit our guests. The ingenious
use of gilded mirrors that reflect the sun’s rays
bathe the four corners of the room in mellow light.
The white leather headboard is a new, contemporary
version of the classic, antique beds of times
gone by.
The fossil encrusted tiles in the bathroom once
again evoke the historic past so very present in this
place.
The work on historical traces is omnipresent in the
project: from the bathroom tiles to the historical
wall in the brasserie, not forgetting the carpet
pattern throughout the public areas of the hotel; this
latter draws its inspiration from traditional Provencal
embroidery.
The decoration project seeks to underline the
unique character of this place so inextricably woven
into the history of Marseille, avoiding clichés yet
subtly evoking in a myriad of details, all that gives it
its unique identity.
THE ARCHITECT
Further to this first achievement, there followed a
long line of «boutique hotels»: le Général, le Duo
in Paris, the Jiva Hill Park Hôtel near Geneva, the
Avenue Lodge in Val d’Isère in France, the Canberra
in Cannes and the Grand Balcon in Toulouse (this
latter received the Hôtel et Lodge special award in
2009). From then on the best luxury hotel chains
enlisted his talents.
JEAN-PHIlIPPE NuEl
Jean-Philippe Nuel was born into a family of architects
who were also design and contemporary creation
enthusiasts. He obtained his degree in architecture
at the Beaux-Arts in Paris and rapidly went on to
gain recognition by taking his place on award winning
lists in numerous idea and brainstorm contests,
including one chaired by Kenzo Tange, the well-known
contemporary Japanese architect. He went on to
execute work on a Parisian hotel as overall project
manager, creating and designing both the architecture
and the decoration.
He is currently working on several iconic projects
in France, all of which address a very topical theme:
the conversion of listed historical monuments into
luxury hotels. It is in this context that in 2012, the
former Palais de Justice in Nantes and in 2013, the
InterContinental Marseille will be delivered.
www.jeanphilippenuel.com
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THE HOTEL DIEU
Founded in 1166 by the Confraternity of the
Holy Spirit and called «The Holy Spirit Hospital»
the building was originally a long line of adjoining,
narrow houses, taking in abandoned children and
the sick.
In the thirteenth century the hospital administration
came under municipal control. In 1344, Bernard
Garnier, a rich merchant, founded the Women’s
Hospital of Saint-Jacques of Galicia. In 1593,
Charles de Cazaulx, first consul of Marseille joined
the Hospital of Saint Jacques de Galicia and the
Hospital of the Holy Spirit, making them into a single
institution: The Hotel Dieu.
Over time the Hotel Dieu Marseille expanded. In
1723, Jacques Daviel (famous for his innovative
treatment of cataracts) created a study of anatomy
ANECDOTES
• The Hotel Dieu in Marseille is one of the major
architectural achievements of XVIII th century
France, in the field of hospitals.
• Located as a rule adjacent to the cathedral and
subject to the authority of the local bishop, the
first Hotel Dieu establishments began emerging
in France in the seventh century. Although their
origins are uncertain it would appear that they
were used initially to house pilgrims and to
evangelize travellers. This function of hospitality
gradually changed. The building was divided,
becoming part hospice and part hospital caring
mainly for the elderly, the sick and the needy.
• The Hotel Dieu in Marseille was the theatre of the
first ever cataract operation in 1750.
on the hospital premises. under the Old Regime,
the Hotel Dieu differed totally from other French
hospitals in that it employed secular staff only to
take care of the patients.
Due to the steady increase in the population of
Marseille down through the years, and this despite
the terrible epidemics that ravaged the city, the
hospital was too small. From 15,000 inhabitants in
the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, the population
rose to 65,000 in the late seventeenth century and
was over 100,000 in the Revolution of 1789. Given
this demographic crisis, the hospital was regularly
the subject of expansion projects.
In 1993, the last patients left the Hotel Dieu. The
institution went on to provide education for student
nurses. It closed its doors definitively in 2006.
• Following the complete refurbishment that
was decided upon in 1860, the Hotel Dieu was
inaugurated by Napoleon III.
• The foundations of a XII th century chapel are
buried beneath the hotel lobby. A part of
the mosaic, which is now listed by the city’s
archaeological services, will be on show in the
hotel.
• The corridors of the passageways were situated to
the front of the building. These were open, at the
time, as the reigning medical opinion in the XVIII th
century was that fresh air was good for the sick.
These galleries have been transformed into private
balconies that overlook the Old Port area and
Notre-Dame de la Garde.
BAR & RESTAURANTS
THE BAR
It is all happening at the CuTTING EDGE Capian
bar in Marseille!
With its verve and style, The Capian is where the
local ‘in- crowd’ will mingle with international visitors
while sipping delicious, local cocktails in the lounge.
The atmosphere and the design are as intoxicating
as the delicious cocktails! Don’t miss this bar!
Resident and visiting DJs are sure to bring a unique
excitement and buzz to this new fashionable haunt!
The lounge bar will be the venue for all who wish
to see and to be seen in this vibrant city, especially
when enjoying the magnificent terrace that extends
along the imposing 750 m2 that fronts the bar and
the brasserie. The outdoor brasserie serves up to
160 guests. A modern, contemporary design in blue
tones reflects the omnipresent sea here.Eighteenth
Century Maritime seascapes contribute to the
historical theme to be found throughout the hotel.
RESTAuRANTS
Guests will have a choice of two restaurants.
The brasserie «Les Fenêtres» and «Alcyone» the
gastronomic restaurant.
Les Fenêtres is decorated in a traditional brasserie
style with banquettes and tables offering an intimate
atmosphere. It will cater for up to 80 guests.
The imaginative design using glass and mirrors
underlines the stylish, harmonious overall aspect
The Mediterranean cuisine is, of course, de rigueur!
However, all visitors, both local and international are
catered for, with a well-designed menu providing a
large range of choices.
Alcyone, the gastronomic restaurant is located in
the Hotel Dieu’s East wing and caters for as many as
80 guests.
The decor is enhanced by warm intimate tones of
beige and brown.
The exquisite cuisine takes its inspiration from the
sea. Fresh,local in season produce is the requisite
and is sure to gratify even the most discerning
palates.
AWARD WINNING Chef, Lionel LEVy, is a Michelin
star Chef since 2005. Lionel learned his trade from
chefs whose fame is worldwide, chefs such as Loïc
FRECHON and Alain DuCASSE. Lionel is proud to
continue the tradition of these renowned chefs.
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THE MICHELIN CHEF AND ALCYONE
LIONEL LÉVy: THE DuCASSE
SCHOOL!
Lionel Lévy is no stranger to abnegnation and
is committed to excellence. Best characterized
by his curiosity, a dose of risk, an adventurous
temperament, a steady hand, Lionel is always ready
to try new gourmet creations… a heritage from the
Ducasse School where he spent 6 years. As assistant
chef at Spoon, Food and Wine (1998/99),he learned
the fine art of authentic Mediterranean cookery
with its incomparable vegetables. Lionel appreciates
the value of tradition and of passing it on.
He has the mindset and the ethics of a team leader.
Even today his links with The Chef are close and
Lionel Lévy has adopted Alain Ducasse’s motto:
«savoir-faire, faire faire et faire savoir» (know how
and know how to share the know how!).
HIS CuLINARy STyLE
His cuisine constantly evolves, drawing the
inspiration for his creative menus from the region’s
natural resources, spiced and colourful like the
South, renewed throughout the year with fresh,
in season produce. It tastes of the Mistral, fishing
villages and the sun, with savours and flavours that
must be tasted to be believed!
An acknowledged authority in creative gastronomy
in modern-day Marseille, Lionel Lévy has been a
lIONEl lEVY
Despite a slight Toulouse accent, Lionel Lévy is
at heart a citizen of Marseille. Hailing as he does
from the South of France, Lionel is a lover of all
things Mediterranean since the creation of his own
restaurant in Marseille almost 15 years ago.
une Table au Sud opened in November 1999
just around the corner from the Hotel Dieu. This
restaurant, overlooking the Vieux-Port, enjoys a
wonderful view of Marseille and the «Bonne Mère».
Alcyone, the Hotel Dieu’s gastronomic restaurant will
be Lionel’s next creation and new playground.
Michelin star chef for the past 7 years. While texture
and full flavour are his top priorities, he greatly
enjoys creating contrasting combinations of the
smooth and the crisp, suprisingly pleasing to the
palate.
With his attention to detail and his unending
search for perfection, Lionel chooses his fish from
the port’s fresh catch. Vegetables come from local
producers known for their quality and meat is
bought from only the very most reliable breeders.
The servings are generous, attractive, with great
attention to elegance.
MARSEILLE HAS TALENT/
MARSEILLE HAS PASSION
It took years of patient observation and research
before Lionel Lévy launched his flagship dish:
«Bouille-Abaisse». This Marseille speciality that has
been revisited, modernised and reinvented, half
poached - half roasted, is a delight to both the eye
and the palate and a tribute to the primary flavour
of the fish and to the spices and aromas of saffron,
garlic and orange.
While, on his own admission, he is 100% Marseillais,
Lionel benefits from his perception as a non-native.
His 12 years in Marseille have provided him with
considerable knowledge of the city, its habits and its
culture. Over the years, the Chef has gained a group
of loyal fans who love his cuisine.
Always willing to cater for special requests he seems
to infallibly know how to cater for all tastes.
Local traditions have always been important to
Lionel Lévy, who has great ambitions for his future
in this city. His professional projects are driven by
his desire for local development and investment.
He never misses a chance to reveal the different
facets of Marseille, regularly inviting starred chefs
to work with him in order to discover regional
products and provide a fresh look at Mediterranean
cuisine.
MARSEILLE: VISION FOR 2013
Lionel Lévy, with his passion for sharing and working
with others, was the mastermind behind the
creation of a new group «Gourmediterranée»,
that has succeeded in bringing together and
energizing over 30 young and committed Marseille
chefs, a huge plus for regional gastronomy.
Objectives for 2013 and indeed for the long term
are to reinvent and promote Provencal cuisine by
using regional savoir faire, products and gastronomy.
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THE SPA
The Spa is the first ever Spa by Clarins to be
created in Marseille and also inaugurates the first
partnership between the famous brand of cosmetics
and an InterContinental Hotel. With its 1,000 m2 it
will feature six treatment rooms, a relaxation room,
a pool, gym, sauna and two hammams.
under the management of Deep Nature, the
Spa Clarins will offer a range of beauty care and
treatment that remain true to the fundamental
principles of Clarins: treat the skin very gently using
fluid movements, with regular pressure ensuring
that there is no displacement of tissue. Beauty care
is specifically oriented to rejuvenate and enhance
youth, radiance, skin balance and purity. Body care
will focus on slim and trim bodies and will include
firming or toning.
THE POOL
Away from the public gaze and protected from the
sun’s rays by the outdoor walkways, the swimming
pool is a sanctuary, created to emulate what is
typical of Marseille, through the contemporary use
of traditional Provencal type pools and lavoirs, so
characteristic of the history and culture of water
in this region. The pool surround is made of local
light-coloured stone, another reminder of the area’s
mineral content; it mirrors the construction of the
very building; solid and without ostentation.
The second concept is a reference to the city’s
history and spotlights water and how it is channeled.
Inspiration for this is derived from the construction
of the Palais Longchamp celebrating the arrival
of water to Marseille. The main wall becomes a
waterfall in perpetual motion that feeds the pool.
Finally, the third element of this delightful
composition is the light, diffuse and indirect giving
the impression of both warm and cold, illustrates
magnificently the city’s constantly changing light and
adding greatly to the atmosphere here.
BEAuTy TREATMENTS
Four single booths, a double VIP booth with jacuzzi
and privatized indoor and outdoor relaxing area
and a booth specially designed for Thai massages
performed on floor level.
The Spa also boasts a spacious relaxation room and
an indoor and outdoor herbal tea bar in a private
garden.
With its modern, up-to-date equipment the Spa
offers a range of beauty care treatment for the face
and body provided by a staff of professionals who
are experts in the field of wellbeing.
WATER
The special shower is in itself a sensory experience
that takes you on a journey across the world that
stimulates all the senses.
Its airy, gracious forms, original décor, set-up, theme
programs, curtains of mist, alternating hot and cold
water jets, subtle lighting, perfume diffusion and
background music…
Two saunas, one of which is infrared and
recommended by the medical profession being, as
it is perfectly adaptable to all ages thanks to its mild
warmth that has neither humidity or steam. The
temperature normally varies between 40 et 60°C.
HAMMAM
A veritable purification ritual using steam baths
helps induce sleep, eliminates toxins, tones muscles
and also purifies the body and
the respiratory tract. Faithful to
tradition, a second hammam has
been installed, complete with
an exfoliation scrub table to
remove dead cells and rejuvenate
and enhance the skin’s radiance,
softness and elasticity.
THE FITNESS CENTRE
With its bow-shaped space whose three facades
are bathed in natural light, the fitness centre is quite
simply elegant.
The atmosphere is one of comfort that is in
contrast with the technical elements of the sports
equipment.
The concept is based on three elements:
- The double-skin facade curving into the ceiling
creates a backdrop that softens the lines of the
building.
- The ample snow-white drapes adorn the walls
and gently filter the light.
- The giant mirror, stunning in its disproportions,
sits on the floor leaning against the main
structural element, mirroring the reflection
Notre-Dame de la Garde.
The ambience is one of soft shades, a medley of
greys ranging from the warm to the pale that bring
together in harmony the various elements that
compose this space.
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MARSEILLE
Founded around 600 B.C. by Greek sailors
from the city of Phocaea in Asia Minor, named
Massalia, the «Phocean City» is the main French
and Mediterranean port (even more important
than Genoa) and the fourth European one.
Internationally, Marseille has the second most
important consular representation in France with
over seventy consulates. The Euroméditerranée
business district and the nomination of the city
as the European Capital of Culture for 2013 are
important assets that support Marseille’s role in the
Mediterranean.
In 2009, the population of Marseille was 850,602
inhabitants, making it the second most populated
area in France.
Its overall 1,560,343 inhabitants, in the city centre
+ suburbs, make it the second largest city in France.
EuROPEAN CAPITAL OF
CuLTuRE 2013
Marseille was nominated European Capital of
Culture for 2013.
The European Capital of Culture programme was
launched in 1985. It aims to foster unity among
Europeans, by annually nominating 2 cities that
become for the space of a year, a stage for artistic
events to honor their historical and cultural heritage.
In 2013, Marseille will share this honour with the
Slovak city of Kosice.
Fireworks, concerts, parades... Marseille-Provence
2013 will be not merely festive, as it also has
50 major architectural projects, to the tune of
600 million euros, partly financed by the European
union. In all, more than 1 billion euros will be spent
on the project.
Among the more ambitious projects worthy of a
mention: the construction of MuCEM, the Museum
of European and Mediterranean Civilization, the
Regional Mediterranean Centre (a space dedicated
to exhibitions and cultural events), the Euromed
Centre, an international platform for cultural
exchange and the Belle de Mai Media Pole, one of
the largest sound and image centres in France, with
its 26,000 m2 allotted to the cinema, audiovisual and
multimedia. All of these projects benefit from the
cooperation of Euroméditerranée.
EuROMÉDITERRANÉE
Set up in 1995, Euroméditerranée is an initiative of
the State and local authorities and an operation of
national importance; its aim being to place Marseille
on a par with major European cities. A creator
of economic, social and cultural development,
Euroméditerranée is considered to be the greatest
urban renovation operation in Europe.
It is building a new «city within a city», in compliance
with the principles of sustainable development.
Infrastructure, public spaces, but also offices,
housing, shops and hotel outlets, hotels and leisure
and cultural facilities are under construction or
renovation.
Area : 480 acres
Accommodation: +18,000
Offices and business: +1,000,000 m2 Shops and retail outlets: +200,000 m2 Public facilities: +200,000 m2 Public parks and green spaces: 60 acres
Jobs: +35,000
Population: +38,000
Investment: 7,000,000,000 €
By entrusting its most important projects to
designers of international fame, Euroméditerranée
has enabled Marseille to take its rightful place
among the most creative European cities and help
reinforce its international status. Among the iconic
architectural landmarks is the CMA CGM tower
designed by Zaha Hadid; the Arenc Quay that is the
brainchild of Jean Nouvel, yves Lion, Jean-Baptiste
Pietri and Roland Carta; the MuCEM developed
by Rudy Ricciotti and Roland Carta; the Regional
Mediterranean Centre created by Stefano Boeri
and the Euromed Center, created by Massimiliano
Fuksas.
By the year 2013, these finished projects will be
sending a strong message and may well become a
new landmark for the city, like Manhattan in New
york, the CN Tower in Toronto or the Opera House
in Sydney. The towers will complement Notre-
Dame de la Garde and the Marseille Cathedral of
the Major, changing the city skyline view as seen
from the sea.
The arrival of great architects is proof of the
region’s appeal and of the success of the strategy
implemented by Euroméditerranée over the
last decade. Marseille can now take part in the
competition being waged by major European
capitals.
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SOmE NOTABlE PROJECTS:
The museum of European and mediterranean
Civilization (muCEm) was entrusted to Roland
Carta and Rudy Ricciotti, the first state creation
of a major national museum outside of Paris. The
building has the appearance of a 19-foot high
cube draped in a lacy concrete mesh, designed to
protect the exhibitions from the sun’s rays with its
“moucharabieh” latticework (a type of wooden
Moroccan architecture).
The Euromed Center : Evoking the outlines of
dolphins, this 70,000 m2 complex will house a
convention centre and a 3,000-seat multiplex. It was
designed by Massimiliano Fuksas and is run by the
film director and producer Luc Besson.
The Silo d’Arenc : A veritable rebirth for the former
Arenc grain silo, a pillar of the industrial heritage of
Marseille, now transformed into a 2,000-seat theatre
inspired by the Olympia in Paris, and office space.
Designed by Eric Castaldi and Roland Carta.
The CmA CGm headquarters tower: Designed
by Zaha Hadid, winner of the 2004 Pritzker
Architecture Prize.
The 33-storey building in glass, concrete and steel,
is 148m high.
A BOOMING INDuSTRy FOR
PROFESSIONAL MEETINGS AND
REuNIONS
In the past 10 years, Marseille has successfully
become a genuine challenger among traditional
French and European business destinations. 150th in the International Congress and Convention
Association (ICCA) in 2007, the city has made a
dramatic rise in recent years, moving up to 87th position in 2009.
A total of 366 events and 911 conference days with
some 83,500 participants, were held in 2010.
The economic benefits from congresses and
conferences held in Marseille in 2009 totalled 150
million euros. Along with the development of the
hotel industry, meeting rooms are being renovated
and expanded to cater for a growing demand for
the hosting of even greater events.
Among the privileged locations, for those taking
part in conferences, is the historical Palais du
Pharo, built for Napoleon III. It offers a 900-seat
amphitheatre and numerous superb meeting rooms,
all overlooking the Old Port.
The Chanot Park, another strategic location, has
launched a programme to renovate its convention
centre and boasts a splendid plenary meeting room
with 2,500 stadium style seats and a brand new
5,000 m2 lobby.
As a result, the city is fast becoming the
Mediterranean reference in matters concerning
professional conferences and meetings and clearly
intends to occupy a leading position in this field
henceforth.
TRANSPORT : A DESTINATION
PROVIDING BETTER AND BETTER
SERVICE AT AN INTERNATIONAL
LEVEL
AIR TRANSPORT
With more than 7.5 million passengers in 2010
(a record), the Marseille-Provence airport has
registered, for the seventh year running, an increase
in its passenger traffic (+3.2% compared to 2009).
The destinations (London, Amsterdam, Brussels,
Frankfurt, Munich, Prague, Rome, Algiers, Barcelona,
Madrid, Lisbon…) are hub airports, generating more
and more passengers from all around the world.
RAIl TRANSPORT
In terms of passenger transport Marseille is the
second main train station in France, the Saint
Charles station has about 50 departures per day to
Paris and Lyon.
Among the main TGV destinations are: Marseille/
Lyon (29 TGV/day); Marseille/Paris (17 TGV/day) ;
Marseille/Lille (11 TGV/day) ; Marseille Roissy-CDG
(9 TGV/day) ; Marseille Bruxelles (7 TGV/day).
AN INTERNATIONAL TOuRIST
MARKET ON THE INCREASE AS A
RESuLT OF THE CRuISE BOOM
In 2010, Marseille welcomed more than 710,000
cruise passengers, an increase of 11% on the figures
for 2009, which already show an increase of more
than 17% on those of 2008. These results more than
illustrate the growth of the cruise industry in this
Mediterranean city, more and more companies are
choosing to make it one of their main ports of call.
In actual fact, it is cruises from the port of Marseille
that show the most important increase: 54% in
2010 compared to the previous year.
The one million cruise-passenger mark was reached
in 2011.
MARSEILLE, GATEWAy TO
PROVENCE
Marseille boasts an exceptional coastline and more
than 300 days of sunshine per year!
The natural heritage here is quite simply
extraordinary. Numerous parks, that constitute a
green lung, are located in the very heart of the city
and offer refreshing havens when the sun shines too
strongly. The «Calanques», rocky inlets also known as
the fjords of Provence; classified as a National Park,
merely a few kilometres from the Old Port area
of Marseille. All the year round, they offer a perfect
terrain for a host of outdoor sports. Over a distance
of 20 kilometres stretch fabled creeks and coves,
some private, but most are naturally wild, where
turquoise waters beckon, an invitation to relax.
Marseille is also the gateway to Provence, the
French region that is a dream destination for people
from all parts of the globe. Ah! The Provence of
lavender fields and picturesque villages,that attracted
famous painters like Van Gogh and Cezanne. Aix-en-
Provence, Arles, Avignon, Oragne and Saint-Remy
de Provence are other wonderful places to visit in
Provence.
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6 PLACE DAvIEL • MArSEILLE, 13002 • FrANCE
TEL: +33 (0)4 91 04 39 74 • FAX: +33 (0)4 93 38 20 91
Key to the InterContinental
Marseille Hotel Dieu

www.intercontinental.com/marseille