MARSEILLE – LA CITÉ RADIEUSE OF LE CORBUSIER

An itinerary dedicated to one of Le Corbusier‘s flagship projects, to get to know it in depth, we will be guided by a specialised architect. After years of study and reflection on collective housing, the Unité d’Habitation project in Marseilles in 1952 gave the architect the opportunity to experiment and test his ideas in La Cité Radieuse, one of the emblematic works of 20th century architecture.

Le Cobusier‘s vertical city, much criticised and praised, later served as a model for other projects by the same architect, such as the winners of the Mies van der Rohe Awards 2022 which are based on the same concepts of community and cooperativism, concerned with the dignity of working class housing and its relational spaces by creating atmospheres conducive to ecological, economic and social sustainability.

The tour begins by picking up visitors from their hotel and transferring them to the Unité d’Habitation, which is located practically on the outskirts of the city of Marseille, either by private transport (VANS Vip) or public transport, always accompanied by our expert architect.

We will start the visit from the outside of the building to understand the North-South design with openings in the East-West façades and the structure on concrete pillars, which allows free space at street level, where we will be able to comment on the façade.

We will continue the visit with the local official guide who will show us a floor that is intact, without any conservation modifications or renovations, the hall and the corridor on the third floor. Finally, we can access the roof terrace, designed as a space for public use for all the inhabitants of the Unité d’Habitation. This is currently the site of the Centre d’Art de la Cité Radieuse (MAMO Marseille Modulor).

We will then have a coffee or a glass of cava in the restaurant Le Ventre de l’Architecte to enjoy the space and the furniture of the restaurant designed by Le Corbusier, as well as the marvellous views of the sea, which can be seen from inside the Cité d’Habitation.

After the break, from this unbeatable space, we will visit L’Hotel Le Corbusier, in which we will be shown exclusively and exceptionally 3 or 4 rooms of different sizes and characteristics, according to the availability of the guests, which have been refurbished according to the original criteria of the architect and are in perfect state of conservation.

Enjoy with us this unique tour of Le Corbusier’s Cité Radieuse in Marseille. Our tours around the world are focused on architecture and are perfect for architecture lovers, experts and professionals, guided by professional architects who will accompany us throughout the itinerary.

Tours in Marseille