1 Pl. Daviel

The Hôtel-Dieu of Marseille is an emblematic monument located in the Panier district, reflecting the city’s hospital, architectural, and urban history. Long the beating heart of Marseille’s medical care, it is today one of the finest luxury hotels in southern France: the InterContinental Marseille – Hôtel Dieu.

A medieval origin
The Hotel-Dieu dates back to 1166, with the creation of an early hospital, before a more formal merger in 1593 between the Saint-Jacques-de-Galice hospital and that of the Holy Spirit. From then on, it became the city’s principal healthcare institution.

A monumental 18th-century reconstruction
In 1753, a vast reconstruction project began, based on the plans of Jacques Hardouin-Mansart de Sagonne, great-nephew of the famous Versailles architect, and carried out by Marseille architect Claude-Henri-Jacques d’Ageville. The aim was clear: to modernize hospital infrastructure, meet the city’s growing population needs, and give Marseille a building worthy of its ambitions.

The structure stands out for its monumental classical façades, arcaded galleries, immense terrace overlooking the Old Port, and above all its two ceremonial staircases, built in 1781 by Esprit-Joseph Brun. These masterpieces of interior architecture, along with most of the building, are now classified as historic monuments.

Medical center and training ground
Beyond its role as a hospital, the Hotel-Dieu hosted a school of surgery in the second half of the 18th century, followed by a medical school from 1818 onward. It became a key center for medical and paramedical training, particularly for midwives, anesthetic nurses, pediatric nurses, and radiology technicians. This role continued until 2006, when it was definitively closed as a hospital. The last patients had already left in 1993.

A heritage metamorphosis
In 2006, the City of Marseille sold the site for an ambitious conversion: to transform the former hospital into a 5-star hotel. After several years of work, the building reopened on April 29, 2013, under the InterContinental brand. The renovation carefully respected the original architecture while integrating modern elements: a central glass roof, cultural spaces, a patio, and refined interior design that pays homage to the past while offering modern comfort.

The hotel’s cultural space presents archaeological fragments unearthed during excavations: Roman mosaics, remains of a 12th-century medieval chapel, and other precious traces of ancient and Christian presence on the site—confirming its importance since Antiquity.

An architectural masterpiece still visible
Today, even as a luxury hotel, the Hotel-Dieu preserves the essence of its historic structures:

• Monumental 18th-century classical façades with their majestic symmetry
• Grand interior stone staircases
• Arcaded galleries typical of old hospitals
• A panoramic terrace offering one of the finest views over the Old Port
• A bright, peaceful interior patio
• Corner pavilions and lateral wings, remodeled in the 19th century

All these features give the establishment a unique identity, blending contemporary luxury with hospital heritage.

A Marseille symbol between memory and modernity
Located in the heart of the Panier, right by the Old Port, it attracts both lovers of grand hotels and enthusiasts of historical heritage. Even for those who do not stay there, its façade, terrace, and cultural space are worth a visit, showing how history and luxury can coexist gracefully within the same place.

The Hôtel-Dieu in Marseille is situated near the City Hall and the Old Port, within easy walking distance of both.

Part of what to see around the City Hall.