Villa Michel Simon

Villa Michel Simon is an 18th-century country house in La Ciotat overlooking the cliffs and sea. The building has thick stone walls, modest windows, and a tower added by the actor that rises above the structure, offering sweeping views across the coastline.

The house was built in the late 18th century as a simple country property. Michel Simon purchased it in 1946 and made it his retreat until his death in 1975, after which the town of La Ciotat acquired the property in 1990.

The house reflects Michel Simon's deep connection to the sea and nature, which drew him to spend his summers here away from his acting career. Visitors can sense today how this place represented a retreat where the actor lived simply, close to the coast and its rhythms.

The house is currently being restored and is expected to open to visitors starting September 2024. Wear sturdy footwear since access involves walking a path through the shrubland, and check local fire risk levels before visiting, as areas may close during periods of high wildfire danger.

Michel Simon had a passion for animals and kept cats, dogs, and even monkeys in his home. This affinity shaped how he lived at the property and remains part of the house's story as a place where the actor maintained a close bond with the living world around him.