Alice — the journey of a craftswoman
Alice Courcoux is the founder of Atelier Calix. She initially studied business — she has a master's degree from a business school, and worked as a Business Developer at a watch brand.
But after four years in the industry, she felt a deep desire to "create with her hands," to touch, transform, and give life to tangible objects. Seduced by woodworking—its smells, its textures—she decided to radically change course.
She then trained through apprenticeships: first in a traditional carpentry workshop in Marseille, then with a cabinetmaker, in order to acquire solid skills. In 2021, drawing on this training and driven by a desire for independence, she founded Atelier Calix, a small business specializing in carpentry and the manufacture of custom-made furniture.
Thus, Alice embodies an atypical path: from the world of commerce to that of artisanal creation, via a real manual and technical commitment, almost a “rebirth of know-how”. Her story also illustrates the growing appeal of artisanal trades: a return to materials, to slowness, to uniqueness.
Atelier Calix — philosophy, know-how, project typology
Atelier Calix presents itself as a woodworking workshop in Marseille, located at 145 rue Sainte, 13007 Marseille.
The heart of the workshop's work: designing, manufacturing and delivering custom-made furniture — headboards, storage, furnishings, interior joinery — often in oak or other noble woods, depending on inspiration and demand.
The Atelier Calix website highlights artisanal quality, handcrafting, attention to materials and finishes — an approach that prioritizes uniqueness over industrial production.
Moreover, Alice's presentation also evokes a symbolic commitment: she "breaks free from preconceived notions about a traditionally very masculine profession" and demonstrates that a trained and passionate woman can excel in this field, launch herself as an independent and offer high-quality pieces.
Beyond simple manufacturing, Atelier Calix seems to aim for sustainability: the design of durable furniture, potentially long-lasting collections of everyday objects, and the possibility of working on varied projects (hospitality, individuals, renovation, custom design).
The collaboration with the Hotel Belle-Vue in Marseille — a marriage of values and aesthetics
The Hotel Belle-Vue — located on the Old Port of Marseille, at 34 quai du port — is an establishment that presents itself as committed, with a “cosy”, “authentic” spirit, and deeply rooted in the identity of Marseille.
Its website describes a hotel with sea views, rooms decorated "according to the whims of the owner", combining charm, comfort and simplicity.
Now, this approach — personalisation, authenticity, comfort, respect for a certain local charm — corresponds perfectly to what Atelier Calix offers: custom-made furniture, handcrafted, with natural materials.
Thus, the fact that Atelier Calix is among the hotel's service providers — by making "all the oak headboard woodwork" — illustrates a coherent approach: a hotel that values local products, ecology, authenticity, calls upon a committed, passionate, competent craftsman from Marseille.
Furthermore, the Belle-Vue hotel promotes responsible tourism (environmental label(organic products, ethical management, etc.). Using locally made solid wood furniture corresponds to these principles — a sustainable, reasoned, quality choice.
