Marseille | 3-Michelin-Starred | Purity and Serenity by the Blue Sea

【La Villa Madie】 About 30-40 minutes’ drive from bustling Marseille lies Cassis, a quiet, picturesque fishing village—and here, along the coast, sits La Villa Madie. Having earned its 3rd Michelin star , this restaurant is riding high, brimming with the vitality of a rising sun. Compared to Paris’s established 3-star spots, this new gem in a southern French fishing village left me with deeper impressions. It’s easily one of my favorite restaurants from this European trip ✨. 🌊 The Setting: Coastal Bliss First, the ambiance is unforgettable. Perched between mountains and sea, the restaurant boasts a postcard-perfect location. Interiors lean into minimalist elegance with a creamy white palette, echoing Japanese-inspired cleanliness and simplicity. Floor-to-ceiling windows open to a spacious outdoor terrace; sunlight floods the space, creating an airy, luminous vibe. Whether dining indoors or out, the sea is always in sight—every moment feels steeped in that laid-back, southern French ease 😌. (P.S. Beyond daytime sun and sea views, save time after your meal to sip tea on the terrace and watch the sunset. Lunch is highly recommended for this!) 👨🍳 The Chef: A Fusion of Traditions Chef Dimitri Droisneau’s resume reads like a who’s-who of French fine dining: he cut his teeth at the iconic La Tour d’Argent, then honed his skills at two legendary 3-star restaurants, Epicure and L’Ambroisie. After meeting his wife Marielle, the pair joined forces to run La Villa Madie—and magic followed. Dimitri’s classical training gives him a rock-solid foundation, but he refuses to be confined by tradition. His style leans modern, weaving in Japanese influences and subtle southern French touches. Seafood takes center stage, with impeccable quality and cooking; even meat dishes shine—his sweetbreads are the best I’ve ever tasted, cooked to absolute perfection 👌. The sauces? Anything but textbook. Light, personal, and precise, they complement rather than overpower, letting ingredients shine—a masterclass in balance. 🍷 The Wine: A Hidden Trove A standalone villa like this comes with a huge perk: an extensive wine list. Each region gets its own thick volume—wine lovers, prepare to uncover treasures here 🍇. La Villa Madie isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience where sea, sun, and culinary art collide. For a taste of pure, serene luxury by the Mediterranean, this 3-star gem is unmissable.😊 #Marseille #3MichelinStars #FrenchRivieraDining #SeasideGourmet #CassisVillage