It is in Marseille that one can discover the oldest hardware store in France and one of my very favorite sources of inspiration. originally created in 1827, and now a beautiful concept store maison empereur remains today an essential place to visit when in Marseille. it’s got many personalities — hardware and gadget store, gourmand cooking go-to, homewares extraordinaire and even the cutest children’s toy store (i picked up a pair of those colorful bicycle handlebar streamers!). but what is not quite obvious, is that it’s also an inn. this darling shop also houses a secret apartment where you can spend the night. up two flights of stairs and there you are: maison empereur opens the doors to a french apartment of a bygone era. This place is not necessarily adapted to all — up a winding staircase to the second floor without elevator and no tv or wifi access, but a magical travel experience to be certain. to my surprise, it’s even listed on airbnb. we asked the maison empereur shop proprietors if we might have a look and they graciously gave us a private tour, where i snapped as many pics as i could. next time i’m in marseille, i’ll definitely spend a night here.
a secret stay in marseille.
3/27/17
Oh my god ! i read your blog everyday , and what a surprise ! you came in Marseille, in my district ! Maison Empereur is just around the corner ! your photos are such wonderful, a real fairytale ! welcome to Marseille sfgirl !
thank you!! we loved our stay. such a beautiful place to live!! :)
my home in Marseille many years ago, very different today : the next time come at home ! http://www.desiretoinspire.net/blog/2010/11/12/a-home-in-marseille.html
Wow this is so gorgeous! I need to make sure to check out Marseille, it looks like such a gorgeous place! Thank-you so much for this wonderful post, your photos are beautiful!
I hope you had a wonderful Monday,
Michael
https://www.mileinmyglasses.co.uk
We love hardware stores and when we were in Marseille two years ago, we went to Emperer, which is like a “museum” of hardware while being filled with updodate necessary and unusual stuff.
It is wonderful to think that you could stay in an apartment that reflects that style. Love the wall of tools!
What a beautiful space!
kari
http://sweetteasweetie.com/organic-roasted-cauliflower-grocery-outlet/
We have been to Marseille….wondering what this area was like at night to walk to dinner and back again. Also the Pension Eidelwess what is the area like at night. We really want to check them out for next November. Thanks…
Ali
we walked all over and felt quite safe. i would say that it does feel a bit rough around the edges in parts of the city, but we were not bothered by anyone. we walked all the way to the marina to a lovely spot for dinner and walked home around 9:30/10 and all was quiet.