In his song Genova per noi, Paolo Conte sings, “and the sun is a yellow flash on the parabrise.” Once past Genoa, this feeling takes over: a ray of sunlight floods my car’s interior, and the French Riviera chapter begins.
The deep blue sea and the clear azure sky set the stage for my Marseillaise weekend. First stop: Le Corbusier’s Cité Radieuse. After a visit to this iconic building—now transformed into a hotel-museum dedicated to the legendary architect and designer—we make our way to Tuba Club, a place that marks the end of the French Riviera and opens up the view to Marseille’s Calanques, leading us straight to the Spanish border.
Le Tuba is nestled in a small fishing village called Les Goudes, a favorite weekend escape for Marseillais looking to enjoy a fish lunch by the sea. The setting is nothing short of enchanting, though finding parking turns out to be a stressful venture—the only downside to an otherwise incredible stay.
Once the car is parked, we leave behind the city traffic and fully embrace the tranquility of this hidden gem. By Sunday, we are completely immersed in the sublime beauty of the Calanques.
Arriving at Tuba Club feels like stepping into a Parisian friend’s beach house. The staff, warm, youthful, and effortlessly charming, welcomes us with an elegant yet relaxed approach—the epitome of French hospitality. The lively atmosphere is immediately apparent, and we kick off the weekend with champagne and a plate of anchovies, bread, and butter.
With only a handful of rooms perched above the sea, sleeping here feels like spending the night anchored offshore on a boat—except this boat comes with all the comforts of a boutique hotel. As the sun sets, its golden light filters through a window frame reminiscent of Le Corbusier’s Southern French style, casting a glow over the shower space. It almost feels like showering in the middle of the sea. The sunset here defies description—it must be lived. Whether sipping a gin martini or a glass of champagne, the experience is magical. Every detail of this boutique hotel is meticulously curated, leaving nothing to chance. Guests truly feel at home, a sentiment reinforced by the communal breakfast, served in the loft-like living area overlooking the sea. The open-space kitchen and lounge create a shared experience among the few privileged visitors staying at Tuba Club.
Tuba Club is the perfect place to celebrate with friends, indulge in a romantic escape, or disconnect from the chaos of daily life. It evokes the dreamlike atmosphere of Tender Is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald. A sublime location, a service that transports you straight to the heart of Paris, yet with the blissful charm of the South of France.
Incroyable!
