The story
At the foot of the Sainte-Baume massif, in the village of Gémenos, La Magdeleine is an 18th-century bastide that has been a family home for generations. Today, chef Mathias Dandine and his wife Christel welcome guests to this five-star hotel with a simple motto: "A beautiful place for beautiful moments around a beautiful table." The restaurant, which bears the chef's name, holds a Michelin star for its high-quality cooking—a recognition that feels both earned and natural in this setting.
Mathias Dandine's cuisine is Mediterranean in the truest sense: rooted in the seasons, guided by local producers, and inspired by the potager. The chef draws from the surrounding landscapes—the Garlaban rock, the Calanques, the vineyards of La Cadière-d'Azur—to create dishes that are sincere, elegant, and deeply connected to Provence. The dining room, whether in the historic salons or on the terrace under the plane trees, offers a setting that matches the refinement of the food.
Beyond the starred restaurant, La Magdeleine offers a more casual experience at Le Café Magdeleine, a "bistrot chic" open throughout the day. But it is at the chef's table that the full expression of his craft comes through. The restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday, with lunch service on Friday and Saturday. The atmosphere is warm and familial—the kind of place where guests return not just for the Michelin star, but for the genuine hospitality that defines this house.
The bastide itself has a storied past: it once served as a command post during the Liberation of Provence and welcomed figures like Marcel Pagnol and Yves Montand. Today, under the Dandines' stewardship, it remains a living home where history, gastronomy, and the art of Provençal living converge. Every plate tells a story of the land, and every meal is an invitation to slow down and savor the moment.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
History
Location
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