The Mas de Garguier hosts residential seminars, management meetings, training, product launches, company evenings, incentives, weddings and family celebrations for up to 200 guests seated and 290 for a cocktail. It has three modular reception rooms, a guinguette and a park with an old water mill, and the estate is privatized for each event. The mas stands at 2118 route de Saint-Jean de Garguier in Gémenos, at the foot of the Sainte-Baume massif, close to Marseille, Aix-en-Provence and La Ciotat.
Seminars and company events
For business events, the modular rooms take a plenary, workshops or a gala dinner, and the park and guinguette give space for networking, team building and outdoor activities between sessions. The estate is privatized for the company, which keeps the group away from the office and its interruptions. Equipment such as a projector, screen, sound and wifi should be confirmed with Sophie, who manages the venue and helps build the program. Catering works the same way as for weddings: the company brings its caterer or uses the estate's partner network, from breakfasts to working lunches and gala dinners.
Weddings and receptions
Weddings are at the heart of the venue. Secular ceremonies take place outdoors with ceremony furniture provided, the drinks reception in the park among olive and cypress trees, and dinner in the stone-walled rooms. The guinguette can host the late evening or the next-day gathering. The estate is privatized for the day, and hire can extend to the day before for setup and the day after. Spring and summer weekends are often booked more than a year ahead. Accommodation is available on site for part of the party. Beyond weddings, the mas hosts engagements, birthdays, christenings, communions, family meals and wellness workshops. Dates can be booked months ahead, and last-minute events are accepted when the calendar allows. A visit before booking is strongly advised.
Rooms and capacities
The three rooms have exposed stone and beams and are comfortable in every season; together they seat 200 or take 290 for a cocktail. The guinguette, shaded by trees in a style that recalls Marcel Pagnol's Provence, seats 50 or takes 80 standing, with shaded pétanque courts. The park covers about a hectare of greenery. Microphones are not allowed outdoors and only background lounge music is tolerated there; amplified sound must stay indoors. A secure car park holds 80 vehicles.
Accommodation
The estate mentions accommodation on site so guests can stay until the next day. The number of bedrooms is not published.
Catering
Clients choose their own caterer, DJ, photographer and florist. Sophie can recommend partners she works with.
History and setting
The mas is an old Provençal property with stone buildings, olive trees, cypresses and a water mill in the park, set in hills at the foot of the Sainte-Baume. A new management team has recently taken over the venue.
Getting there
Gémenos is about 20 minutes from Marseille by road and close to Aix-en-Provence and La Ciotat. Visits are arranged by phone with Sophie before booking.
