Journey with Le Creuset’s creative team to the source of the inspiration for the brand’s classic Marseille Blue colour.
Since choosing Marseille as inspiration for one of its blue shades, Le Creuset’s love affair with this sunny corner of southern France has continued to blossom. The Le Creuset creative team return to the pulsating Mediterranean port city to reinvigorate their passion, taking in the sights, sounds and tastes of the place.
FIRST STOP: Le Petit Nice Passédat
Born and bred on the shores of Marseille, Chef Gerald Passédat realised inspiration was right under his nose. Like the Le Creuset team, he looked to the sea as a source of culinary inspiration. Since this light-bulb moment, his refined seafood-inspired cuisine has earned him no fewer than three Michelin stars. The team is treated to a modern take on the classic paella, made with fish pulled from the water just hours ago.
SECOND STOP: The Harbour
From the restaurant the team wander down to the harbour, where fishing boats trimmed in blue are a common sight. A kindly fisherman who’s been fishing the azure waters for more than 20 years takes them out for a cruise to admire the myriad of shades.
THIRD STOP: The Market
Ranging from royal blue to cerulean, the city’s palette captures the relaxed joy, classic style and authentic warmth of the people who call Marseille home. The market teems with fresh fish pulled from the local waters and flavours from across the globe. Seafood this fresh calls for a quick bouillabaisse. Then the team bump into another chef, Georgiana, who invites them to dinner.
FINAL STOP: Georgiana’s home
The people of Marseille need no excuse to celebrate; good food and good wine are reason enough. With spices from the market, Georgiana conjurs up a delicious one-pot Moroccan lamb. As late afternoon turns golden and eases into evening, the new friends gather in the kitchen, sharing bottles of wine as they cook and laugh together, rounding off another inspiring trip to the source of their true blue.
Le Creuset’s Marseille Blue range mimics the gradation as the sea and sky merge on the horizon, combining three shades of blue.
You, too, can serve up a taste of Marseille with a recipe for modern paella, courtesy of Le Creuset. Find the recipe here.
