Events offer fine food lovers unique venues

From scenic salt marshes to a historic limestone quarry, a series of gastronomic events offers food lovers the chance to dine in unique locations across Bouches-du-Rhône that are not typically open to the public. Connexion reader, Bob Spear, attended one of these special events with his wife, Vanessa, in Marseille (Bouches-du-Rhône).

“It was on this long quai called the Digue du Large that you see as the ferries leave the Vieux-Port – it is inaccessible to the public usually – and it was just lovely to eat there and look out over the boats in Marseille,” he said.

This particular experience was part of a series of 21 Dîners Insolites organised by the Department of Bouches-du-Rhône and Provence Tourisme throughout the month of July, with 2026 marking its eighth edition. 

“They set up this one long table where there were around 100 people seated. They do it ‘family style’ so you sit next to whoever happens to be there,” said Mr Spear. “People come from all over. The people next to us were from Lyon and another couple was from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, so they had driven for hours to get to Marseille just to come to this venue,” he added.

A guest chef is invited to each of the Dîners Insolites to prepare a meal with several courses and accompanying drinks.

“They use local food and different ingredients that you may not be accustomed to, which is fun,” said Mr Spear. “I thought it was okay considering what we spent [tickets from €90 per person]. They [Nîmes-based duo Marie Aumont et Timothée Squercioni] didn’t have an oven so everything was cold, which made it challenging, I imagine, for the chefs,” he said.

Mr Spear is American and previously lived in Connecticut with his wife. The couple retired to France three years ago. 

“We say that Marseille is like NYC back in the 80s or 90s, where it is a bit raw, chaotic, noisy, but it has a positive energy, it is very diverse, and has a good food scene. 

“My wife is from Marseille so we have been coming back here with our family on vacation every summer for 30 years or so,” said Mr Spear. 

“That is why the Digue du Large experience was so good because it allowed us to see a spot we had never been to before,” he said. 

The 2026 Dîners Insolites season has ended. However, those who are interested in attending next year can sign up to a newsletter on mpgastronomie.fr for the latest updates. It is possible to request a Dîners Insolites experience for events and business dinners for up to 144 people between May and June.