18/12/23

La Colombe d'Or

Merging a provencal way of life with an astonishing private collection of modern art...

La Colombe d'Or had been on our bucket list for many years, so when we made plans to visit our makers in Marseille, we thought we're just too close to not visit...

Translated to 'The Golden Dove', the hotel is known all over the world for bringing together a Provencal way of life and an astonishing private collection of modern art. Frequented by exceptional figures, such as Pablo Picasso, Matisse, Calder, and Cesar, leaving behind them magnificent works, which now form part of the hotel's unique setting.

Each room has its own feel, with original artwork and outlook. (We slept underneath a Matisse and a rising moon.) Laden in established trees and flowers, you can feel where the greatest artists of our time have drawn, and experienced moments of happiness.

With its hand painted menus, the restaurant on-site means you don't have to leave. We sat each evening in the courtyard surrounded by Picasso and Calder works. The food was traditionally French Provincial, plates that allowed the local produce to shine. Inside, the bar, that frequents as the location for many discussions between painters and writers, looks to be hand sculpted. The indoor dining room features a giant red calder, fireplaces, more artworks, iron shell sconces, and glass beaded lamps. Giant vases on the circular tables host sunflowers, every detail is very French: making the functional beautiful.

Paintings on the lime wash walls at La Colombe d'Or

The green mosaic tiled pool was a great place to check emails, cool off, and enjoy an afternoon champagne. You will not find a gym at this hotel, La Colombe d'Or is not a regular hotel, it is more like staying with extended family, but they did have a sauna.

Just outside the hotel's wooden door, is a quaint little petanque court, surrounded by restaurants, and a stone-paved no-car-access village that winds its way to the Provencal church. Dotted with bakeries, gelato, galleries and perfumeries, the village was bustling with tourists. On Wednesday, a small produce market appeared, offering fried zucchini flowers, fresh and dried fruit, and local olive oil.