This Kedger transforms old boats into hotels in Marseille.

A 2015 graduate of KEDGE BS, Nicolas Lanteaume is now part of a business incubator in Marseille. At 26, he worked independently as a seller of churros from “an unusual and cool food stand”: Mister Churros.

Since he had wanted to open a youth hostel since the end of high school, Nicolas decided to open an outdoor inn surrounded by caravans. But the caravans were quickly replaced by boats that were facing destruction. For only one symbolic euro, he got five boats from the Port-Saint-Louis and brought them to Parc Foresta. “In certain cases where the owners no longer pay the port fees, the boats are put up for auction. However, sometimes there are no bidders. In that case, the boats are destroyed or surrendered. This was the case for our boats,” he explained.

A collaboration with Yes we camp

Yes we camp is an association that transforms spaces that are defined as open, generous, and creative micro-territories. The association has welcomed his project as part of the management of Parc Foresta. 

Nicolas’ project is aimed at travellers ("backpackers") who would like to experience a different way of travelling. The rate for renting a boat that sleeps six starts at 70 euros a night and dormitory bunks are also available for 20 euros.

Reservations can be made through the Hôtel du Nord website and on Airbnb. The kitchen and restrooms will be located a hundred meters from the Yes We Camp in the "Hameau”, a site that is being built gradually. "We are part of the Slow Travel initiative, and offer a participatory experience that fits into the Parc Foresta philosophy, which aims to create a social bond with those who live in the area," says Nicolas.

This is a truly unusual sharing experience located in the heart of the hills of Marseille! Come discover "the Cité phocéenne” (Marseille) differently!

Association Contractor Entrepreneurship Marseille PGE Real estate