When you go to Marseille, a must-see is Maison Empereur, the oldest hardware store in France (1827) and an unmissable address where you can find home care products. On the back of the shop, on the second floor, there is a 120 m2 museum-apartment that tells the story of the family and of the company.

A romantic escape in the nineteenth century. The shades of brown, the iconic color of the Maison Empereur, are the masters. Natural materials such as wood and iron are mixed with the scent of wax and of Marseille soap. And then raw concrete floors, forgotten trunks, family albums, dusters like curtains and the eighteenth-century tub made of zinc and wood. The result? A timeless place with an austere atmosphere.

The idea of opening the Maison Empereur chambre d'hôtes was by Laurence Renaux-Guez, sixth generation. There is always been a real interest in the history of the Maison Empereur, and so she thought of creating a place that could tell it through objects, furniture, archives and souvenirs. The Maison Empereur apartment-museum interprets the era of François Empereur, the founder of the hardware store.

Favorite addresses around the chambre d’hôtes Maison Empereur? The Epicerie Idéale for local products. The terrace of La Caravelle for a glass of wine watching the sunset. For dinner you can go to La Mercerie, a neighborhood restaurant with a set menu and creative cuisine. The motto? Valuing fresh food!

PLACE TO SLEEP

• Maison Empereur Une Nuit

PLACE TO EAT

• La Mercerie

PLACE TO SHOP

• Maison Empereur
• La Maison Marseillaise (Home)
• For Atao (La Nouvelle Maillot de Bain)
• Cozete (Fashion)
• La Boutique éphémère (Fashion)
• Greg & Co (Antiques)
• Plûm (Kids)
• Maison Celeste (Home & Accessories Look at @AnnabelKern)
• L’Epicerie Idéale (Food)

Follow my travel tips:
INSTAGRAM @tweetandtravel

Follow my travel tips:
INSTAGRAM @slowlivinghideaway