Martigues is sometimes called the “Venise de Provence” because of its canals and the wonderful colorful houses that line them. It is also known for its unique combination of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and vibrant climate.
The old town, nestled between the Étang de Berre lagoon and the Mediterranean Sea, is home to many architectural gems as you stroll through it, including the stunning Saint-Louis church and the beautiful town hall. The city’s bustling squares, such as Place Mirabeau and Place des Aires, are great places to soak up the local atmosphere.
The Étang de Berre lagoon, with its crystal clear waters and diverse marine life, offers a range of water activities such as swimming, sailing and kayaking. And parks such as the Parc de Figuerolles and the Parc de la Couronne are great for hiking and relaxing in the greenery, and offer wonderful views of the coast and surrounding countryside.
Art and culture lovers should check out the Museum of the Lands, housed in a beautiful 17th-century palace, which showcases the work of local artist Félix Ziem and other contemporary artists. The city hosts a variety of events each year including the Martigues Festival, a celebration of music, dance and theatre that attracts artists from all over the world.
Location
Martigues is a town and commune in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of France. The town is at the eastern end of the Canal de Caronte, which connects the Étang de Berre, a salt lagoon, to the Mediterranean Sea.
Canal de Caronte in Martigues
Martigues has seven seaports spread over the three districts and two dry ports on the banks of the Caronte canal.
The canal crosses the town of Martigues, cutting out an island lined with quays that give the town an air of “Venice of Provence”. On one of the arms of the canal, in the middle of the town of Martigues, a lift bridge was built to allow the passage of boats over one metre high, and in particular the oil tankers that serve the refineries of La Mède and Berre.
Plage du Verdon
Verdon Beach is a beautiful, 300-meter-long sandy beach, very popular with the inhabitants of Martigues. It has all the necessary facilities for families with children. A guarded beach, equipped toilets, bars and restaurants nearby. A small attraction of Verdon Beach are the pedalos, thanks to which you can go on sea trips and admire the landscapes from the sea.
Beach of La Saulce
A lovely sandy beach with fine golden sand, guarded in summer and equipped with all amenities, toilets, bars, restaurants. Clear, turquoise waters and a calm, captivating view in the background are the perfect place for summer relaxation. The name “La Saulce” comes from the Provençal word “Sau”, meaning salt, which is a reference to the old salt water source that once came from this area.
Plage de Saint croix
The village of Sainte Croix du Verdon offers an equipped beach, where swimming is supervised in summer. To enjoy the lake, it is also possible to rent electric boats, pedal boats, canoes, etc. The Sailing and Boating Association offers sailing, rowing and paddle lessons.
Church of Saint-Madeleine-de-l’Île (Église Sainte-Madeleine-de-l’Île)
Located on the island of Martigues, this 17th-century church has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1947. Renovated in 1997 after approximately fifteen years of work, it was awarded the Heritage Ribbon in 20001.
Musée Ziem (Ziem Museum)
Opened at the start of the 20th century, the Ziem museum in Martigues, in the Bouches-du-Rhône, is devoted to paintings from the 19th century. This art museum created following a gift from Félix Ziem to the city has been located since the 1980s in a rehabilitated former customs barracks.
Over the years, the Ziem Museum has added several other collections in archaeology, contemporary art and ethnography. Visitors can notably admire objects from the archaeological digs on Martigues, ex-voto or even works by Georges Autard, Raoul Dufy or André Derain.
Louis Aragon Media Library (Médiathèque Louis Aragon)
Located in the Louis-Aragon Center, the Louis-Aragon Municipal Media Library offers books: novels, albums, comics, documentaries, as well as CDs (new releases purchased quarterly) and magazines for children and adults. The library also offers a games library, an internet area, and English classes.
Magic Park Land
The park offers 42 different attractions spread across themed areas, including Formula 1 circuits and a western entertainment area. The park opened as the largest entertainment center in the Bouches-du-Rhône region, located between Carry-le-Rouet and Ensuès-la-Redonne.
During the season, artists present daily shows at the saloon and the Cirque Eldorado, showcasing traditional elements of western entertainment.
