Where Marseille meets the sea, the Tuba Club sits low and quiet on the rocks, in the small fishing village of Les Goudes. A symbol of creativity, art and style, this seaside hotel and restaurant feels like part of the landscape, with the Mediterranean stretching in front and the cliffs of the Calanques National Park rising behind. Life moves slowly here. Locals come for long, lazy lunches or a swim off the rocks, while a few lucky guests stay in one of the five rooms or new rock-carved suites. Inside, the style is simple and thoughtful – natural textures, playful nautical touches, and vintage glam that feel just right. It’s relaxed, sun-soaked, and quietly beautiful, in tune with the wild coast around it. Let us explore this beautiful hotel together!
(All pictures are courtesy of Tuba Club)
١.History
Tuba Club was born from a group of Marseille friends with a shared love for the sea and a desire to bring new energy to their city. Set in a 100-year-old building that once housed a diving school, the space carries echoes of its past – stories of legendary divers, old scuba gear, and the simple charm of a fisherman’s cabin. Founders Grégory Gassa and Fabrice Denizot, both with backgrounds in hospitality and film, wanted to keep that spirit alive while creating something fresh and inviting. They brought on architect Marion Mailaender, a childhood friend, to shape the space with a vision inspired by the rugged beauty of Les Goudes, classic coastal cabins, and modernist touches from Le Corbusier. Since opening in 2020, Tuba has become a creative and social hub – a relaxed, sea-facing hideaway that feels both nostalgic and new.
٢. Tuba Club’s artistic expression
Tuba’s artistic spirit comes through in the details, not the size. The five rooms, or “cabanons,” are compact but thoughtfully designed – part seaside cabin, part modernist retreat. Paris-based architect Marion Mailaender, who grew up in Marseille’s Cité Radieuse, filled the space with nods to 1970s coastal style: deep ochres, ocean blues, sunny yellows, and shell-shaped lamps. Vintage ceramics and flea market finds add charm, while books on diving and Marseille icons hint at the local culture. Bathrooms are no-frills and beachy, with exposed fixtures, walk-in showers, and handmade soaps from a nearby artisan. White linens and pale wood give the rooms a clean, breezy feel, softened by rattan blinds and sea views just beyond the window.
٣.Culinary Experience
Tuba’s food scene is all about simplicity, seasonality, and a strong sense of place. The sea-facing restaurant offers a laid-back menu rooted in Mediterranean flavours -think grilled meats, Provençal marinades, Sicilian sweets, Niçoise and Roman-style salads, and plenty of fresh seafood. The signature Linguini Tuba, tossed with clams, fish roe, and crispy breadcrumbs, is a standout.
Chef Antoine Techene keeps things sustainable and local, adding a Japanese BBQ for smoking fish and meats. Cocktails are playful and herb-infused, perfect for sunset apéro on the rocks. And for overnight guests, the French breakfast is a warm, flaky spread of fresh croissants and soft-boiled eggs. Whether you’re here for lunch, dinner, or drinks, Tuba invites the sharing of food, stories, and the view.
٤.Best time to visit
The best time to visit Tuba Club—thanks to its stunning seaside setting within the Calanques National Park—is during late spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October). During these months:
- Temperatures are comfortably warm (around 17–22 °C), making it ideal for sun, sea, and strolls along cliffside paths without the intense summer heat.
- Visitor numbers are lower before and after the peak summer rush, offering a more relaxed experience at Tuba and along the coast.
- Late spring and early autumn combine pleasant weather, open hiking trails, and fewer crowds—perfect for enjoying sunrise swims, seaside lunches, cliffside exploration, and peaceful evenings at Tuba Club.
If you’re planning a stay, April to June and September to October are ideal—balmy, scenic, and serene.
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