La Girelle: Marseille’s eco-hostel powered by sunshine and community
La Girelle: Marseille’s eco-hostel powered by sunshine and community
⏱️ Reading time: 5 minutes
A green hostel nestled between sea and hills
Tucked away in the quiet Mazargues district, just minutes from the Calanques National Park, La Girelle Small Hostel is not your average place to stay. Solar-powered, community-driven, and proudly listed on GreenGo, this welcoming guesthouse offers something rare: a meaningful travel experience rooted in simplicity and sustainability.
Whether you’re hiking the calanques, studying in Marseille, or just soaking up southern sun, La Girelle is a gentle place to land. Calanques like Sormiou and Morgiou are within walking distance, no car needed — a true gift in Marseille.
Solar-powered and low-impact by design
Marseille’s sun does more than shine — it powers this hostel’s daily life. La Girelle is equipped with solar panels that provide hot water and electricity. Cooling is natural, thanks to smart ventilation and traditional building methods. In winter, guests gather by the fireplace, enjoying a quiet, low-tech atmosphere.
From the cozy living room to the shared kitchen, everything is designed for conscious comfort. Julie, one of the hosts, puts it best: “We live with the climate, not against it.”
Eco-gestures that make a difference
- ♻️ Waste sorting, compost and reuse in every common area
- 🌿 Eco-friendly cleaning products and plastic reduction
- 🚲 Public transport & bike-friendly access
- 🥕 Shared kitchen stocked with local, seasonal food
- 📚 Book exchange, second-hand items and zero-waste philosophy
Every traveler is invited to join in, from composting their coffee grounds to sharing a market-fresh meal with other guests. Sustainability here isn’t rigid or moralizing — it’s part of the hostel’s soul.
Nature just steps away, no car required
La Girelle’s location makes it a perfect base for hiking, sea kayaking, or just wandering. You can even walk to Morgiou calanque in under an hour. Need to get downtown? Buses and metro lines connect you easily — no need to rent a car.
For the eco-conscious traveler, this means fewer emissions, more freedom, and an immersive way to discover the real Marseille.
A place that feels like home
At La Girelle, everything encourages connection: the long communal table, the fireplace chats, the rooftop stargazing. Travelers of all ages and origins share stories and snacks, forming bonds that last longer than their stay.
Like Lucie, one of our guests, said: “I found a slower, more human Marseille — and I’ll never forget it.”
Recommended by ethical travel platforms
Recognized by GreenGo and highlighted on Hostelworld, La Girelle stands out among eco-friendly hostels in France. Whether you’re a solo backpacker, digital nomad or curious explorer, this place offers more than a bed — it offers meaning.
If you’re ready to travel differently, to support local living and low-impact stays, this might be your home away from home.
👉 Book your eco-stay at La Girelle today
Come live the sunshine, the silence of pine trees, and the stories told around the table. Marseille has a green heart — and it beats at La Girelle 🌍
