On a terrace, at the beach, or even at a seaside restaurant…In Marseille, there are a thousand ways to enjoy the summer. Perched on the hill leading up to the Bonne Mère, Le Répit de Notre-Dame offers a welcome and unique respite. With its panoramic views, local flavors, and socially conscious initiative, its shaded garden invites you to relax and share a moment with others. Welcomed and served by smiling staff members with disabilities, you’ll enjoy much more than just a coffee overlooking the sea.
A secret garden with a postcard-perfect view
Located in the gardens of Villa Saint-Louis, Le Répit de Notre-Dame lives up to its name. After the climb up to the Basilica, it’s hard to resist the urge to take a break under the trees, facing the panoramic view that stretches across Marseille, the sea, and the Frioul Islands. People gather here for coffee, ice cream, lunch, or simply to enjoy the tranquility and the view. With a menu that highlights seasonal ingredients and its small local grocery shop, your break is sure to be a culinary delight.
But what makes this spot truly unique is its team. Visitors are welcomed and served by employees with disabilities, who are fully involved in the restaurant’s daily life. Because at the heart of this project lies, above all, inclusion. You’ll leave with memories of a beautiful panorama, but also of a place where warmth and good food naturally go hand in hand.
A “third place” born from a historic community project
Behind this charming retreat lies a project rooted in a history spanning more than 160 years. Le Répit de Notre-Dame is run bythe IRSAM association, a long-standing organization dedicated to supporting people with disabilities.
It all began in 1858 in Marseille when Father Louis-Toussaint Dassy and Sister Marie Bouffier founded the first facility for blind youth and later for deaf children. This initiative gained momentum with the opening of new facilities nationwide. Now recognized as a public benefit organization, IRSAM continues its mission to welcome and support people with sensory disabilities. Le Répit de Notre-Dame is a fresh example of this. This commitment is lived out naturally here, in every interaction and every smile.
