{"id":5728,"date":"2025-10-09T12:09:58","date_gmt":"2025-10-09T10:09:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/les-tamaris.pausado.com\/unclassified\/les-meilleures-activites-sur-la-cote-bleue-votre-guide-pour-des-vacances-inoubliables-en-provence"},"modified":"2026-01-22T13:13:15","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T12:13:15","slug":"les-meilleures-activites-sur-la-cote-bleue-votre-guide-pour-des-vacances-inoubliables-en-provence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/les-tamaris.pausado.com\/en\/outside-the-campsite\/les-meilleures-activites-sur-la-cote-bleue-votre-guide-pour-des-vacances-inoubliables-en-provence","title":{"rendered":"The best activities on the C\u00f4te Bleue: Your guide to an unforgettable holiday in Provence"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It’s decided: this summer, you’ll be spending your holidays on the magnificent C\u00f4te Bleue, a real treasure on the Mediterranean coastline of the Bouches-du-Rh\u00f4ne. An excellent choice, given that these 22 kilometres of coastline, nestled between Marseille and Martigues, offer breathtaking scenery. Starting with the colour of the water, a deep, luminous blue, which gives the coast its name. That said, you may be wondering what to do on the C\u00f4te Bleue. Look no further! In this article, we’ve compiled the best activities in Martigues and the charming surrounding villages. And because we cater to all types of holidaymakers, in addition to the must-see sights, we have selected things to do for sports enthusiasts, families and couples. So take your pick from our list of the best activities on the C\u00f4te Bleue<\/strong> for a memorable holiday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"panorama<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Discover the C\u00f4te Bleue: Must-see sites and picturesque villages<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The C\u00f4te Bleue may only be about 20 kilometres long, but it is home to an incredible number of places to visit. From sprawling lakes to unusual towns, not to mention impressive historical and cultural landmarks, you’ll be spoilt for choice among its quaint villages, rocky inlets and secret coves. Follow the guide!The C\u00f4te Bleue may only be about 20 kilometres long, but it is home to an incredible number of places to visit. From sprawling lakes to unusual towns, not to mention impressive historical and cultural landmarks, you’ll be spoilt for choice among its quaint villages, rocky inlets and secret coves. Follow the guide!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Martigues, the Venice of Provence: A jewel of the Bouches-du-Rh\u00f4ne region<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Martigues, affectionately known as the Venice of Provence, is a city of incredible cultural richness. It is made up of three distinct neighbourhoods, remnants of the three autonomous villages that merged to form the city we know today. There is L’\u00cele in the centre, Ferri\u00e8res in the north and Jonqui\u00e8res in the south. Three districts, three atmospheres, which can be visited on your own or accompanied by an expert guide from the Martigues Tourist Office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Fa\u00e7ades<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The \u00cele district: The historic and picturesque heart of Martigues<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

L’\u00cele is Martigues’ picture-postcard neighbourhood. With its colourful fa\u00e7ades, cobbled streets and canals, it has earned its nickname as the Venice of Provence. During your visit to Martigues, you should enjoy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 The Miroir aux Oiseaux<\/strong>, the inner harbour listed as a national heritage site since 1942, a charming place where artists love to set up their easels.
\u2022 The Church of Sainte Marie-Madeleine<\/strong>, a masterpiece of 17th-century Marseille Baroque architecture and a listed historic monument. \u2022 The Canal Saint-S\u00e9bastien, also a listed site, offering beautiful views. \u2022 The statue of Fernandel and Bourvil, as well as the gendarme’s hat house, tributes to the cult film La Cuisine au Beurre, which was shot in Martigues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ferri\u00e8res and Jonqui\u00e8res: Between history, beaches and strolls around Martigues<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The tranquillity of L’\u00cele contrasts with the dynamism of Ferri\u00e8res. Within its walls, you can discover the history of the town thanks to the many museums dotted around the neighbourhood. You can also take a detour to the beach along the \u00c9tang de Berre lagoon for a dip or a gourmet break at the beach huts, which are open on summer evenings. In Ferri\u00e8res, don’t miss:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

The Martigues History Gallery, where you can delve into the town’s past.\u2022 The Gnidzaz Film Library, which covers the history of cinema in the region. \u2022 The Saint-Louis d’Anjou Church, where the act of union between the three districts was signed in 1581.\u2022 The Martigues History Gallery, where you can delve into the town’s past.\u2022 The Gnidzaz Film Library, which covers the history of cinema in the region. \u2022 The Saint-Louis d’Anjou Church, where the act of union between the three districts was signed in 1581.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Jonqui\u00e8res is the ideal neighbourhood for a leisurely stroll in the shade of its tree-lined avenues. Between shopping and sampling delicacies on the terrace, you will enjoy the languid atmosphere that this place inspires. Here you will find:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>
\n

\u2022 The lift bridge<\/strong>, an iconic feature of the Martigues landscape.
\u2022 The Cours du 4 Septembre<\/strong>, a shaded shopping promenade. \u2022 The Annonciade Chapel, a listed historical monument typical of 17th-century Proven\u00e7al Baroque architecture.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

For an unforgettable visit to Martigues, we recommend a boat trip along the canals. One thing is certain, it will be lively! The captain will share many historical anecdotes with you\u2026 and perhaps a few secrets about the Venice of Provence. One of the best activities on the C\u00f4te Bleue, needless to say.

For an unforgettable visit to Martigues, we recommend a boat trip along the canals. One thing is certain, it will be lively! The captain will share many historical anecdotes with you… and perhaps a few secrets about the Venice of Provence. One of the best activities on the C\u00f4te Bleue, needless to say.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

Explore the Calanques and authentic villages of the C\u00f4te Bleue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Martigues is the iconic town of the C\u00f4te Bleue. However, it would be a shame to overlook the surrounding area and the other treasures hidden along this Proven\u00e7al coastline. Among the places to visit near Martigues, discover the calanques (rocky inlets) of the C\u00f4te Bleue, often less well known than those of Marseille-Cassis but just as charming and more accessible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Carry-le-Rouet<\/a>:<\/strong> Nicknamed the “Pearl of the Blue Coast”, this seaside resort is famous for its picturesque harbour, pebble beaches and coves. Don’t miss the “Octopus Festival” in February, a must-see event for food lovers.
\u2022 Sausset-les-Pins<\/a>:<\/strong> Another fishing and yachting village, Sausset offers a family-friendly setting with its supervised beaches and lively Proven\u00e7al market.
\u2022 Le Rove<\/a>, Niolon<\/a>, Ensu\u00e8s-la-Redonne <\/a>:<\/strong> These more discreet villages are home to wild coves and are ideal starting points for magnificent hikes along the customs officers’ path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Vue<\/figure>
\n

The C\u00f4te Bleue is also home to the C\u00f4te Bleue Marine Nature Reserve, classified since 1983, which protects exceptional underwater biodiversity, particularly Posidonia seagrass beds. This reserve is a major attraction for nature lovers and those interested in the marine environment.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Gastronomic discovery: The terroir of the C\u00f4te Bleue and Provence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your holiday on the C\u00f4te Bleue would not be complete without immersing yourself in Proven\u00e7al cuisine! The local terroir offers unique flavours that will delight your taste buds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Martigues bottarga: Don’t leave Martigues without trying this local speciality, also known as “Mediterranean caviar”, made from salted and dried mullet roe.
\u2022 Seafood:<\/strong> Fresh fish, sea urchins (in season) and other seafood are the stars of the show in the restaurants of the ports of Carry-le-Rouet and Sausset-les-Pins.
\u2022 Provence olive oil:<\/strong> An essential ingredient in local cuisine, it is the perfect accompaniment to Mediterranean dishes.
\u2022 La Brousse du Rove<\/a>:<\/strong> This fresh goat’s cheese, with Appellation d’Origine Contr\u00f4l\u00e9e (AOC) status, is a speciality of Le Rove, a village on the C\u00f4te Bleue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\u00c9tal<\/figure>
\n

Stroll through the Proven\u00e7al village markets to discover local products: sun-ripened fruit and vegetables, aromatic herbs, honey\u2026 A veritable explosion of flavours and colours!Stroll through the Proven\u00e7al village markets to discover local products: sun-ripened fruit and vegetables, aromatic herbs, honey… A veritable explosion of flavours and colours!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

The most beautiful beaches and coves on the C\u00f4te Bleue for swimming<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fancy relaxing or going for a swim? The C\u00f4te Bleue is full of beaches and coves where you can lay down your towel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Verdon Beach (Martigues):<\/strong> This vast sandy beach is ideal for families thanks to its accessibility and facilities. It is one of the most popular beaches in Martigues.
\u2022 Sainte-Croix Beach (Martigues): Nestled in a magnificent setting, this beach is famous for its turquoise waters and family-friendly atmosphere. It also offers privileged access to picture-postcard landscapes.
\u2022 Cap Rousset Beach (Carry-le-Rouet):<\/strong> Renowned for its calm, clear waters, this is an excellent spot for snorkelling, thanks in particular to its marked underwater trail.
\u2022 Les criques du Rove and Ensu\u00e8s-la-Redonne:<\/strong> For those seeking more privacy, these rocky coves, sometimes accessible after a short walk, offer a wild and unspoilt setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Family activities on the C\u00f4te Bleue: Ideas for young and old alike<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The C\u00f4te Bleue is the perfect family destination! In addition to beaches and swimming, there are many activities to delight your children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Figuerolles Park (Martigues)<\/a>:<\/strong> This vast 130-hectare park in the hills above Martigues is a veritable outdoor leisure centre. It offers hiking trails, a tree-top adventure course, an educational farm and a long beach, making it a must-visit destination for activities on the C\u00f4te Bleue.
\u2022 Treasure hunts and scavenger hunts:<\/strong> The village tourist offices often offer booklets for exploring the towns in a fun way.
\u2022 Nearby amusement parks:<\/strong> For a day full of adrenaline, Magic Park Land<\/a> and Dinosaur’Istres (Istres) are just a few kilometres away, as is La Barben Animal Park<\/a> for an immersion in the animal world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Sports and leisure: Water sports and land-based activities on the C\u00f4te Bleue<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are a seasoned sports enthusiast or prefer gentler activities, the C\u00f4te Bleue offers a wide range of sporting experiences by the sea and inland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Water sports on the C\u00f4te Bleue: diving, sailing and board sports<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Mediterranean Sea is an exceptional playground. Do you enjoy motor sports? Board sports? Diving? Why not try them all? It’s a luxury you can afford when you take a seaside holiday on the C\u00f4te Bleue. Here are the various water sports available in Martigues and the surrounding area:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Personnes<\/figure>
\n