48 rue Roux de Brignoles , 13006 Marseille

Hotel C2

Name: Hotel C2
Address: 48 rue Roux de Brignoles, Marseille, 13006, fr
Price range: 248 EUR - 453 EUR

Presentation

The C2 Hotel occupies a 19th-century private mansion located two hundred meters above the Old Port of Marseille, in a central and historic district undergoing a renaissance. This characterful residence is situated on Cours Pierre Puget, within the Prefecture area, offering a setting that is both prestigious and easily accessible from the main tourist sites of the Phocaean city. You can reach the Old Port in a few minutes on foot, while Notre-Dame de la Garde watches over the establishment from its iconic promontory.

Architects Claire Fatosme and Christian Lefèvre, whose initials gave the hotel its name, undertook a renovation that respects the soul of the building while infusing it with a bold modernity. Their architectural approach is based on sincerity: allowing the passage of time to remain visible without attempting to artificially recreate the past. Preserved elements were delicately restored, notably the reception rooms on the ground floor and the grand staircase with their original moldings and frescoes. Damaged parts remain exposed, bearing witness to the building's history, while new volumes display a decidedly contemporary aesthetic using concrete, corten steel, glass, and Corian.

As soon as you step across the threshold, you discover dizzying volumes where period marble, solid wood parquet flooring, columns, bas-reliefs, and bronze railings coexist with designer furniture and bold artistic interventions. The grand lounge on the ground floor is striking for its dramatic contrast between meticulously restored classical ornaments and modern installations that engage in dialogue with them. The monumental staircase made of marble and wrought iron, illuminated by imposing chandeliers designed by Paolo Rizzato, serves the four floors where the hotel's twenty rooms are distributed.

This intimate dimension is one of the major assets of the C2 Hotel. With only twenty rooms, the establishment offers a confidential atmosphere and personalized service that contrasts with large impersonal hotels. Each landing features a selection of iconic pieces of modern design: armchairs by Rietveld, seating by Le Corbusier, Marcel Breuer, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Charles Rennie Mackintosh. These references to pioneering architects of the modern movement recall that this trend was born in the early 20th century, just a few decades after the building's construction.

The rooms, almost all different, are divided into several categories. The classic room, located on the ground floor, occupies the large volume of a former lounge with molded paneling, old parquet flooring, coffered ceilings, and frescoes depicting a circle of birds. The superior rooms, distributed from the first to third floors on the courtyard side, overlook the interior garden and benefit from a calming atmosphere, shielded from city noise. The deluxe and prestige rooms, located on the Cours Pierre Puget side, offer views of urban life while maintaining the comfort and brightness characteristic of the establishment.

On the fourth and top floor, two exclusive rooms stand out with their thirty-eight square meters and sunny balconies offering an unobstructed view of Notre-Dame de la Garde. These rooms feature both a bathtub and a hammam shower, providing multiple relaxation options. In all categories, the decoration favors simplicity and minimalism, with deliberately low wooden and white Corian elements that highlight the height of the open volumes. Designer furniture by Antonio Citterio, Patricia Urquiola, Arne Jacobsen, or Ron Arad adds a touch of functional elegance.

Room amenities meet the expectations of a demanding clientele: reversible air conditioning, flat-screen TV, kettle with Mariage Frères tea, Nespresso coffee machine, mini-bar, and free Wi-Fi connection. Bathrooms feature walk-in showers with hammam function, and high-quality bedding ensures restful nights. Room service is available 24/7, and you can rely on a multilingual staff attentive to your needs.

The small lounge on the ground floor, facing the patio, houses the hotel bar. The vertical space is adorned with three Ingo Maurer pendants made of steel, paper, and gold leaf, casting a warm light. The white Corian bar, luminous, contrasts with the original molded panels, while a mirror simply placed on the white marble fireplace echoes the mirror in the lounge opposite. Here you can enjoy signature cocktails, local wines, and a snack menu throughout the day. The cozy atmosphere invites relaxation before heading out to explore the city or after a day of sightseeing.

The bar extends to a patio enhanced by a vertical garden, creating a harmonious transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. This green area provides a peaceful haven in the heart of the city, where you can enjoy the Mediterranean climate in a protected setting. The breakfast buffet is served in the grand lounge, with the option of room service. Every first Sunday of the month, the hotel hosts a brunch that attracts a local clientele and helps make C2 a genuine hub of Marseille life.

The C2 Hotel is not just a place to stay; it asserts itself as a cultural center open to the city. Concerts are organized every Wednesday evening, showcasing jazz and classical music. The establishment also participates in the "Jazz sur la Ville" festival every November. Exhibitions of paintings and photographs are regularly held in the common areas, renewing the ambiance and creating opportunities for encounters between guests and locals. This cultural dimension reflects Marseille’s creative energy and allows visitors to immerse themselves in the local artistic scene.

The hotel’s spa, developed under the FillMed brand, is a rare gem in the city center. The indoor pool, built between the walls and elongated in shape, evokes the dark and unique atmosphere of ancient thermal baths. Three showers offering different sensory experiences—chromatic, powerful jet, and water blade—complement a hammam and a jacuzzi. Two treatment rooms allow guests to enjoy the benefits of FillMed by Filorga products during facial or body treatments. The relaxation room, open to a calm and bright terrace, invites you to extend your moment of serenity on relaxation beds or lounge chairs. The spa also welcomes external guests, reflecting the high quality of the services offered.

The hotel has a meeting room overlooking Cours Puget, equipped with all the necessary facilities for your professional events. A concierge service is available to organize your travel and book your activities. The reception operates 24/7, and you benefit from luggage storage, valet parking, and a safe. A public parking lot is located nearby, and the hotel provides a garage for bicycles.

The most surprising feature of the C2 Hotel lies in its exclusive access to Degaby Island, located in the Marseille harbor two hundred meters from the small port of Malmousque. During July and August, weather permitting, a boat specially chartered by the establishment takes you from the Old Port to this private beach. The island retains the fortifications ordered by Louis XIV to defend the Marseille harbor, housing a small military fort named in honor of Admiral Costentin de Tourville.

Long closed to the public despite its renown among Marseillais, Degaby Island had several owners before opening its pop-up bar and restaurant in May 2024. C2 Hotel guests can now cross the ramparts and enjoy this preserved space, inaccessible to the general public. Comfortable mattresses, refreshments, masks, and snorkels await on-site, along with a ladder for sea access. This seaside escape transforms your urban stay into a complete experience, combining city culture and island getaway.

The neighborhood where the hotel is located is undergoing a dynamic revival, driven in part by the Euroméditerranée project that has transformed Marseille's landscape in recent years. You are in immediate proximity to the Prefecture, in an area long reserved for Marseille’s bourgeoisie and now revealing its remarkable architectural heritage. The Old Port, the starting point for any exploration of Marseille, is within walking distance, as is the Panier district with its colorful alleys and artist workshops.

Marseille offers a wide range of exceptional cultural and tourist activities. The Mucem, Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations, is a must-see with its spectacular contemporary architecture and regularly updated exhibitions. A visit to Fort Saint-Jean, connected to the Mucem, immerses you in the city’s military history while offering stunning views of the Old Port and the sea. The Cantini Museum presents a remarkable collection of modern and contemporary art, while the Marseille History Museum traces twenty-six centuries of urban evolution through fascinating archaeological remains.

The iconic Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde dominates the city and is well worth the climb, whether on foot or by taking the tourist train. The 360-degree panoramic view of Marseille, its calanques, and the Frioul Islands is a well-earned reward. The Château d’If, made famous by Alexandre Dumas and his Count of Monte Cristo, is a twenty-minute boat ride from the Old Port and offers a pleasant maritime excursion combined with a captivating historical visit. The Frioul Islands extend this marine getaway in a preserved natural environment.

The Corniche Kennedy allows you to follow the coastline on foot, by bike, or electric scooter, discovering the many faces of Marseille's coast from the Old Port to the Prado beaches. The Calanques, designated as a national park, are a natural jewel accessible by boat for a day of exploring turquoise coves and spectacular limestone cliffs. The Malmousque district, just a stone’s throw from Degaby Island, retains its small fishing village charm and invites you to stroll along its secluded coves.

The Orange Vélodrome stadium, temple of Marseille football, offers guided tours that will delight sports fans and also hosts temporary exhibitions in its spaces. La Friche la Belle de Mai illustrates Marseille’s cultural vitality with areas dedicated to visual arts, live performances, and music. The Docks district, now home to the Pernod-Ricard museum, reflects the successful transformation of former port areas into cultural and leisure spaces. To facilitate your movements and optimize your visits, the Marseille CityPass provides access to the main sites and public transport at a preferential rate.

The C2 Hotel successfully achieves the rare synthesis between the refinement of a historic private mansion and the comfort of a contemporary establishment, while also asserting itself as a cultural player in Marseille life. The twenty rooms ensure an intimate atmosphere and attentive service, while the spa, green patio, and exclusive access to Degaby Island multiply relaxation opportunities. The central location makes urban exploration easy without sacrificing the tranquility necessary for rest. The establishment’s cultural commitment, through its concerts and exhibitions, connects you authentically to Marseille’s creative energy. Whether you come for business or to discover the Phocaean city, this five-star establishment welcomes you with the sincere simplicity and discreet elegance that characterize the finest addresses.

Some activities and discoveries near this hotel

Head early in the morning to the fish market on Quai des Belges at the Old Port, where local fishermen sell their fresh catch between 7:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., in an authentic auction-style atmosphere that has been part of Marseille tradition for over a hundred years
Climb on foot or by public transport to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde to enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Marseille, the sea, and the islands, while also discovering the interior of this iconic cathedral that overlooks the city
Explore the Panier district, the oldest in Marseille, with its colorful sloping alleys, artisan workshops, the Vieille Charité and its museums, Place de Lenche offering a view of the "Bonne Mère," and its many shaded terraces perfect for a break
Embark from the Old Port for a boat excursion to the Calanques with their cliffs plunging into turquoise waters, or to the Frioul archipelago and the famous Château d’If made legendary by Alexandre Dumas
Cross the Old Port aboard the electro-solar Ferry-Boat, a Marseille institution since 1880 that connects the City Hall to Place aux Huiles in just a few minutes, offering a unique view of the boats and the harbor
Visit Fort Saint-Jean and the Mucem connected by a footbridge, to discover the museum’s spectacular contemporary architecture and its exhibitions on Mediterranean civilizations, while enjoying breathtaking views of the coastline

Summary of some positive reviews read on the Web

The location is ideal for discovering Marseille on foot, with the Old Port accessible in just a few minutes and all the main tourist sites easily reachable from this central and privileged location
The staff stands out for their genuine attentiveness and availability, always ready to give good advice for organizing visits, resolving issues quickly, and making each stay a memorable experience
The spacious, bright rooms with refined contemporary design offer absolute comfort with exceptional bedding that makes you want to stay in bed, while the calm of the interior garden effectively shields from city noise
The breakfast buffet offers a generous selection of fresh, local products served in an elegant setting, providing a perfect start to the day before exploring the Phocaean city
The spa is a true haven of peace with its pool carved between the walls evoking ancient thermal baths, perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing in a uniquely dark and soothing downtown atmosphere
The interior patio with its vertical garden and terraces creates a remarkable space of tranquility where it’s pleasant to enjoy a drink at the end of the day, enhanced by nighttime lighting that highlights the historic façade