In Marseille, at the quaint harbor of Malmousque, Villa Mosca stands proudly against the deep blue of the Mediterranean. A beautifully renovated building, meticulously decorated, designed for ten guests, just a stone's throw from the beach.
Marseille, Provence
Casa Niolon
Weeks Off Club property
Marseille, Provence
Casa Niolon
Weeks Off Club property
Let us accompany you from A to Z in your search for a house to rent :
Information gathering (rates, availability)
Personalized recommendations
Direct connection with the property owner
Booking at the best rate
Just steps from the sea and far from the stress of everyday life, this holiday home sits high above a secluded cove near Marseille. What’s on the menu? Turquoise waters, sunset drinks, and a morning swim to start the day.
Weeks Off Club property
Marseille, Provence
Casa Niolon
Weeks Off Club property
Let us accompany you from A to Z in your search for a house to rent :
Information gathering (rates, availability)
Personalized recommendations
Direct connection with the property owner
Booking at the best rate
House specs
Country
City
Price range
Outdoor facilities
Services
Categories
stay types
Hidden holidays in the calanques
"All three bedrooms offer sea views, giving you that dreamy feeling of being on a boat."
Perched on the cliffs of a calanque, Casa Niolon is the quintessential Mediterranean holiday home — just above the small port of Niolon and only a two-minute walk from the sea. From the terrace, the view is breathtaking: endless blue waters stretching out, with beautiful Marseille in the distance. You reach it by a footpath that winds through pine trees, white stones, and the sun-warmed scent of thyme.
The house isn’t new — though its current look is right on trend. Its exact birthdate is unknown, but it was originally built by the director of the Niolon railway. That heritage runs deep: the entire upper floor rests on old train rails.
“We left them exposed in the living room, kitchen, and dining area... it’s a charming nod to the past that we absolutely love,” explains Charlotte. As for the living room, it’s carved out of an old water retention tank, giving it a cool, lounge-like vibe — perfect for escaping the heat on even the hottest summer days.
Casa Niolon
team
At the helm of the casa are Charlotte, a local photographer with a sharp eye, and Sébastien, an entrepreneur born and raised in the area.
“Sébastien grew up here, in the calanque. Every summer, he’d come back with his cousins.”
Today, they return as a little tribe — Charlotte, Sébastien, a baby on the way, and their dog Jil — but this time, to welcome others. The house just needed a fresh start. “It was stuck in the 1980s… It was time to bring it back to life.” Mission accomplished in January 2025, with plenty of respect for the place — and a personal touch.
Everywhere from Casa Niolon, you can admire the Mediterranean. © Charlotte Lapalus
From the calanque, admire the view of Marseille. © Charlotte Lapalus
Sun
everywhere
A lovely living-dining room in pure, natural tones. © Charlotte Lapalus
There was never any question of turning the house into a soulless showroom. Casa Niolon has kept its thick walls and original malons — perfect for keeping things cool in summer. The décor? Authentic, vintage, and sun-kissed. “We hunted for pieces, mixed styles, and fully embraced the retro tiles in the kitchen and bathrooms.”
Far from clichés, the whole look is elegant, Mediterranean, and effortlessly laid-back. Among their favorites? A Maar Living centerpiece, always piled high with juicy, colorful fruit; a vintage lamp with old-school charm; and above all, the sea view from all three bedrooms — a design feature in itself.
Hiking and the little train
the calanque version of la dolce vita
The house is much more than just a pretty backdrop — it’s the perfect starting point for an active holiday lifestyle (or not). Between naps to the sound of cicadas, you can dive into clear waters (the beach is only a two-minute walk away), explore hidden coves while snorkeling, hike along the Côte Bleue, or set off by boat from the port.
Those feeling competitive gather for a game of pétanque on the court overlooking the sea, while the more curious hop on the little train from Niolon station to explore other calanques
After exploring the area, we take refuge in Casa Niolon for a cool siesta. © Charlotte Lapalus
The 3 things
we love the most
The sea view from the rooms
The beach just two minutes away
The half-Provençal, half-design décor
Gallery
Destination Le Rove
Casa Niolon
1 Imp. des Sardaches, 13740, Le Rove, France
Transports
Niolon train station
2 min
Restaurants
La Pergola (Provençal dishes)
1 min
La Gare des Étoiles (lunch)
2 min
Shops and Craft workshops
L'Ancre (icecream)
1 min
Fournil Du Rove (bakery)
10 min
Nature, Culture and Heritage
Sentier des douaniers (hiking)
2 min
Calanque De Grand Méjean
20 min
Casa Niolon
1 Imp. des Sardaches, 13740, Le Rove, France
Turn it up!
