The best activities on the Côte Bleue: Your guide to an unforgettable holiday in Provence
It’s decided: this summer, you’ll be spending your holidays on the magnificent Côte Bleue, a real treasure on the Mediterranean coastline of the Bouches-du-Rhône. 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 Côte 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 Côte Bleue for a memorable holiday.
Discover the Côte Bleue: Must-see sites and picturesque villages
The Côte 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 Côte 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!
Martigues, the Venice of Provence: A jewel of the Bouches-du-Rhône region
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’Île in the centre, Ferrières in the north and Jonquières 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.
The Île district: The historic and picturesque heart of Martigues
L’Île is Martigues’ picture-postcard neighbourhood. With its colourful façades, cobbled streets and canals, it has earned its nickname as the Venice of Provence. During your visit to Martigues, you should enjoy:
• The Miroir aux Oiseaux, the inner harbour listed as a national heritage site since 1942, a charming place where artists love to set up their easels.
• The Church of Sainte Marie-Madeleine, a masterpiece of 17th-century Marseille Baroque architecture and a listed historic monument. • The Canal Saint-Sébastien, also a listed site, offering beautiful views. • 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.
Ferrières and Jonquières: Between history, beaches and strolls around Martigues
The tranquillity of L’Île contrasts with the dynamism of Ferrières. 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 Étang de Berre lagoon for a dip or a gourmet break at the beach huts, which are open on summer evenings. In Ferrières, don’t miss:
The Martigues History Gallery, where you can delve into the town’s past.• The Gnidzaz Film Library, which covers the history of cinema in the region. • The Saint-Louis d’Anjou Church, where the act of union between the three districts was signed in 1581.• The Martigues History Gallery, where you can delve into the town’s past.• The Gnidzaz Film Library, which covers the history of cinema in the region. • The Saint-Louis d’Anjou Church, where the act of union between the three districts was signed in 1581.
Jonquières 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:
• The lift bridge, an iconic feature of the Martigues landscape.
• The Cours du 4 Septembre, a shaded shopping promenade. • The Annonciade Chapel, a listed historical monument typical of 17th-century Provençal Baroque architecture.
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 Côte 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 Côte Bleue, needless to say.
Explore the Calanques and authentic villages of the Côte Bleue
Martigues is the iconic town of the Côte Bleue. However, it would be a shame to overlook the surrounding area and the other treasures hidden along this Provençal coastline. Among the places to visit near Martigues, discover the calanques (rocky inlets) of the Côte Bleue, often less well known than those of Marseille-Cassis but just as charming and more accessible.
• Carry-le-Rouet: 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.
• Sausset-les-Pins: Another fishing and yachting village, Sausset offers a family-friendly setting with its supervised beaches and lively Provençal market.
• Le Rove, Niolon, Ensuès-la-Redonne : These more discreet villages are home to wild coves and are ideal starting points for magnificent hikes along the customs officers’ path.
The Côte Bleue is also home to the Côte 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.
Gastronomic discovery: The terroir of the Côte Bleue and Provence
Your holiday on the Côte Bleue would not be complete without immersing yourself in Provençal cuisine! The local terroir offers unique flavours that will delight your taste buds.
• Martigues bottarga: Don’t leave Martigues without trying this local speciality, also known as “Mediterranean caviar”, made from salted and dried mullet roe.
• Seafood: 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.
• Provence olive oil: An essential ingredient in local cuisine, it is the perfect accompaniment to Mediterranean dishes.
• La Brousse du Rove: This fresh goat’s cheese, with Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) status, is a speciality of Le Rove, a village on the Côte Bleue.
Stroll through the Provençal village markets to discover local products: sun-ripened fruit and vegetables, aromatic herbs, honey… A veritable explosion of flavours and colours!Stroll through the Provençal village markets to discover local products: sun-ripened fruit and vegetables, aromatic herbs, honey… A veritable explosion of flavours and colours!
The most beautiful beaches and coves on the Côte Bleue for swimming
Fancy relaxing or going for a swim? The Côte Bleue is full of beaches and coves where you can lay down your towel.
• Verdon Beach (Martigues): This vast sandy beach is ideal for families thanks to its accessibility and facilities. It is one of the most popular beaches in Martigues.
• 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.
• Cap Rousset Beach (Carry-le-Rouet): Renowned for its calm, clear waters, this is an excellent spot for snorkelling, thanks in particular to its marked underwater trail.
• Les criques du Rove and Ensuès-la-Redonne: For those seeking more privacy, these rocky coves, sometimes accessible after a short walk, offer a wild and unspoilt setting.
Family activities on the Côte Bleue: Ideas for young and old alike
The Côte Bleue is the perfect family destination! In addition to beaches and swimming, there are many activities to delight your children.
• Figuerolles Park (Martigues): 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 Côte Bleue.
• Treasure hunts and scavenger hunts: The village tourist offices often offer booklets for exploring the towns in a fun way.
• Nearby amusement parks: For a day full of adrenaline, Magic Park Land and Dinosaur’Istres (Istres) are just a few kilometres away, as is La Barben Animal Park for an immersion in the animal world.
Sports and leisure: Water sports and land-based activities on the Côte Bleue
Whether you are a seasoned sports enthusiast or prefer gentler activities, the Côte Bleue offers a wide range of sporting experiences by the sea and inland.
Water sports on the Côte Bleue: diving, sailing and board sports
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 Côte Bleue. Here are the various water sports available in Martigues and the surrounding area:
- Motor sports: You can enjoy jet skiing or tubing for a thrill.
- Water sports: Windsurfing, surfing, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, pedal boating and stand-up paddleboarding are all popular activities on the calm waters of the Côte Bleue.
- Discovering the seabed: Scuba diving and snorkelling are popular activities, thanks in particular to the rich ecosystems of the Côte Bleue Marine Nature Park. Marked underwater trails, such as those at Cap Rousset, allow visitors to explore the aquatic flora and fauna in complete safety.
Of course, you can also go fishing at sea or on the Étang de Berre, a paradise for anglers. And after a great day of adventure at sea, there’s nothing better than relaxing in the heated swimming pool at your campsite, Les Tamaris-Martigues, for a moment of pure well-being.
Hiking and walking: Explore the calanques and the Provençal coastline
Aside from water activities, the Côte Bleue is known for its hikes in the calanques and walks along the water’s edge. Again, it is difficult to make a short selection. We therefore present four, in order of increasing difficulty, all offering breathtaking views of the Provençal coastline:
• The Plaine de Carro botanical trail is an ideal route for walking and discovering Provençal flora, accessible to all.
• The La Couronne military ruins loop is a moderately difficult hike that combines sport and history with panoramic sea views. • The customs officers’ trail, a section of the famous GR51 from Niolon to La Redonne, is a challenging 7-kilometre circuit winding through the calanques and offering spectacular views.
• The circuit between Méjean and L’Establon is challenging; it will take you along the steep coastline of the Côte Bleue and is reserved for experienced walkers.
Romantic getaways: The Côte Bleue for lovers
The Côte Bleue is an idyllic destination for a romantic holiday. In addition to visiting the different neighbourhoods of Provence’s Venice and enjoying water sports together, here are a few ideas for romantic activities in Martigues and the surrounding area:
• A two-and-a-half-hour boat trip at sunset, departing from the port of Martigues. Enjoy the golden lights of the Mediterranean for an unforgettable moment for two.
• A brunch on the panoramic rooftop of the Golden Tulip in Martigues on Sunday morning. A feast for the eyes and taste buds, in a wonderfully romantic atmosphere with breathtaking views of the canals. • A cooking workshop at the Aïoli Caganis farm in Saint-Pierre-les-Martigues. Share a gourmet moment and learn how to cook Provençal specialities.
Unusual activities on the Côte Bleue: Original experiences not to be missed
Despite its small size, the Côte Bleue offers a number of original activities to spice up your stay in Provence. Among the unusual activities in Martigues and its surroundings, we would highlight:
• A guided tour of Fort de Bouc, a former prison, defence site and lighthouse, where Richelieu, Louis XI and Vauban once walked. Accessible only by boat, it offers a fascinating dive into history. • The “shepherd for a day” experience at one of the farms in Saint-Julien-les-Martigues: take part in milking the goats, enjoy a meal at the farm and go for a walk in the hills with the herd. The icing on the cake: a visit to the cheese dairy to taste the famous Brousse du Rove.
• A visit to the sets of Camping Paradis, the famous TF1 series filmed in Martigues. A fun experience for fans!
Here you have a wonderful selection of the best activities on the Côte Bleue. Whether you are coming on holiday with your family or your partner, whether you opt for an active break or simply want to relax and unwind, you are sure to find something to suit you.
Practical information for your stay on the Côte Bleue
- Getting around: A car is recommended for exploring the Côte Bleue at your own pace. However, the Côte Bleue train is an excellent alternative. This picturesque railway line runs along the coast, offering magnificent views and serving many villages (Martigues, La Couronne, Sausset-les-Pins, Carry-le-Rouet, Niolon, etc.). It’s an experience in itself!
- Best time to visit: Spring and autumn are ideal for hiking and exploring villages in mild weather. Summer is perfect for swimming, water sports and summer activities.
All you have to do is choose where you want to stay. And what could be better than a campsite located in a preserved cove, with a beach nearby? Our Camping Les Tamaris, Martigues offers you just that. And to make your relaxation complete, the campsite also has a heated swimming pool, ideal for cooling off or lounging around in any season. So don’t wait any longer and book your next seaside holiday in the heart of the magnificent Côte Bleue!
