Summary
A coastal town on Provence’s Côte Bleue, Martigues became a refuge for artists in the 19th century.
They were enchanted by its clear light and winding canals, resulting in Martigues being referred to as the Venice of Provence.
You can conclude for yourself whether that’s an appropriate characterization; nevertheless, the charming channels, residences, and bridges surrounding Brescon Island at the town’s center will undoubtedly captivate you.
This destination offers exquisite Mediterranean cuisine, stunning coastal landscapes, and a distinguished museum showcasing works by the renowned artists who made Martigues their home.
For leisurely days under the sun, pristine sandy beaches and quaint old fishing ports are never far away.
Let us discover the top attractions in Martigues:
1. Miroir aux Oiseaux
A picturesque scene at Quai Brescon frequently found on Martigues postcards showcases old wooden boats gently floating beside a small rectangular wharf.
The cobblestone waterfront is lined with charming, dilapidated houses painted in soft pastel colors.
Adorned with quaint iron gaslights, the wharf transforms into a magical sight at night when you can gaze across the Galiffet Canal and observe the illumination of the Church of Saint-Genest.
This location has remained beloved for centuries and was immortalized by artists such as Félix Ziem, André Derain, Raoul Dufy, and Camille Corot.
2. Le Quartier de l’Île
Saint Sébastien, Baussengue, and Galliffet are the canals that comprise the most picturesque area of the city.
These waterways enfold Île Brescon and contributed to Martigues’ nickname, the Venice of Provence.
The view of yachts, colorful houses, bridges, and restaurant terraces creates a highly evocative ambiance as you stroll along the quays.
From the dock at Jonquières, a complimentary shuttle boat is available, offering a 13-minute journey to Ferrières at the beginning of the Baussengue Canal.
You will make four stops along the route, providing a visually captivating perspective of the town.
3. Église Sainte-Madeleine-de-l’Île
The church situated at the end of Canal de Saint Sébastien on Île Brescon is designed in the extravagant Italian Baroque style and is recognized as a protected “historic monument.” Construction concluded in 1680, and a few furnishings date back to the church’s earliest years.
Among these is a magnificent walnut pulpit from 1694, along with the chapel frescoes painted by the Catalan-born French artist Michel Serre, created in the same year.
Serre, who was active in the Marseille area, was appointed as the official painter of the French Galleys by King Louis XIV.
4. Côte Bleue
This coastal region to the south and east of Martigues is characterized by the pale limestone mass of the Estaque Range descending into the Mediterranean Sea.
If you plan to spend a day at the beach, one of the coves along the Côte Bleue is your destination, named for the striking blue hue of the Mediterranean against the rocky backdrop.
The exposed rocky cliffs provide a rugged atmosphere while simultaneously shielding the sandy beaches from winds and waves.
There are four Blue Flag beaches located just 15 minutes away from Martigues, along with a range of charming harbors and family-oriented resorts to explore.
5. Parc de Figuerolles
Located by the Berre Lagoon, a 131-hectare area provides an ideal space for both tourists and Martigues residents to rejuvenate.
Filled with scrub and pine forests, this site features small plains and valleys suitable for walking, horseback riding, jogging, and mountain biking.
The municipal greenhouses and a designated botanical path showcasing 50 species of plants enhance the attraction.
Additionally, it serves as a small wonderland for children with amenities such as a tourist train, imaginative tree-house playgrounds, an educational farm housing 300 animals, and pony rides organized by the equestrian center.
6. Plage de Sainte-Croix
One of Martigues’ four Blue Flag beaches, this small but perfectly formed sandy cove is located approximately ten minutes by car from the town center.
Parking is available at the cliff top, from which you can traverse through a forest of stone pines and descend via a rock-etched staircase to this idyllic beach.
Minimal signs of civilization can be found, aside from the historic Chapel of Saint-Croix and a restaurant.
The beach features fine sand and, despite the presence of gentle waves, its slight incline renders the water safe for young children to wade in.
7. Musée Ziem
Martigues’ fine art museum is located in the town’s converted customs barracks.
Established at the beginning of the 20th century following Félix Ziem’s donation of several works shortly before his passing, the museum reflects his passion for the town.
Ziem, who fell in love with Martigues in the 1840s, set up his workshop here to capture the beauty of the picturesque canals that became his signature.
Visitors can admire some of Ziem’s landscapes of Martigues, along with his portrayals of Venice and Constantinople.
The Marseille school is represented by artists such as Loubon, Guigou, and Jean-Baptiste Olive, while Fauvists like Picabia, Derain, and Dufy also feature prominently.
8. Galerie de l’Histoire
To gain insight into Martigues’ rich history, visit the Town Hall.
The ground floor has been converted into a mini-museum, featuring 500 square meters of displays detailing various phases of the town’s development.
Among the offerings are interactive exhibits, models, several artifacts, and photographs, each accompanied by informative descriptions.
The oldest items date back to 11,000 BC, and the exhibition guides you to the present to introduce future projects planned for the city.
A compelling section recounts the 1800s when Martigues became popular among artists like Ziem.
9. Plage du Verdon
Located just around a headland from Sainte-Croix is the slightly larger Plage du Verdon.
While its neighboring beach caters to adults seeking relaxation, this beach is more suitable for families with teenagers and children.
Situated at the bottom of a cove that extends several hundred meters inland, it effectively shields visitors from sea currents and winds.
The beach is supervised throughout the summer, with various amenities including bars, restaurants, volleyball courts, and areas for renting pedal boats to cruise around the cove.
Similar to Sainte-Croix, Verdon has consistently earned the Blue Flag designation in recent years.
10. Chapelle Notre Dame des Marins
Accessible via twisting tracks through Mediterranean woodlands, this chapel has served as a pilgrimage site for Martigues residents since the 1600s.
Dedicated to “Our Lady of the Sailors,” it has historically been a place for mariners to pray and leave votive offerings prior to their maritime journeys.
Though the chapel itself is charming and a testament to Martigues’ history, the main draw for visitors is the breathtaking panorama.
The Berre Lagoon, Martigues, its canals, and the Estaque Mountain Range all unfold before your eyes.
11. Carro
Nestled in a creek along the Côte Bleue, Carro is an enchanting old fishing port.
Rich in maritime heritage, it is advisable to visit early to partake in the daily fish market held at the quayside starting at 08:30. Carro was the birthplace of a unique tuna fishing technique in which several boats would converge to compact a shoal into an increasingly smaller space.
You can delve deeper into this heritage at the “Entre Mer et Collines” exhibition on the first floor of the Cercle des Pêcheurs building.
This small yet informative attraction documents Carro’s agricultural and fishing history through artifacts, photographs, and personal testimonies.
12. Watersports
All beaches on the Côte Bleue are sheltered from the elements.
However, positions like Cap Couronne also reveal the full force of the winds that batter the coast in more exposed locations.
This is particularly appealing to windsurfers who frequent La Couronne and Les Arnettes to catch the breeze.
Under the right conditions, the waves can reach remarkable heights.
Nonetheless, the numerous long creeks that indent the coast provide ideal conditions for less demanding activities such as stand-up paddleboarding and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.
13. Carry-le-Rouet
Only a short 15-minute journey away lies this family-friendly seaside resort, distinguished by its sophisticated, palm-lined marina.
Carry-le-Rouet serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the natural wonders of the Côte Bleue.
The Chemin des Douniers is a coastal trail established in the 18th century to deter smugglers.
Carry Plongée, the primary diving center in the area, operates from the marina and offers opportunities for underwater explorations in the many creeks of the Côte Bleue, where marine life is safeguarded by a protected reserve.
It is noteworthy that Carry-le-Rouet was where Nina Simone spent her final years before her passing in 2003.
14. Marseille
With France’s second-largest city only half an hour away, it would be a missed opportunity not to pay a visit.
At the Old Port, you will be transported back in time, filled with thoughts of historic ships, merchants, shipowners, and even the Count of Monte Cristo.
The vast depth of history can be overwhelming, as this city was the first place in France to be colonized by Ancient Greeks as far back as 2,600 BC. In any case, it is a city rich in cosmopolitan character, promising to engage you at African street markets, bars, clubs, and art galleries.
As you proceed further, the spectacular seascapes of the Calanques await you, where rugged mountains plunge dramatically into the Mediterranean.
15. Local Gastronomy
To experience the true essence of Martigues’ culinary scene, ordering poutargue is essential. This unique delicacy has been enjoyed in the town since at least the 1700s.
Poutargue is salted mullet roe that is preserved and left to cure for several weeks, usually coated in beeswax to preserve its freshness.
In Martigues, it is typically served as an appetizer or starter, sliced thinly and garnished with a squeeze of lemon juice.
This delicacy pairs excellently with white wine from Cassis, the Côtes-de-Provence, or Muscadet.
Additionally, like many coastal towns in the region, the bouillabaisse fish stew is a must-try dish at least once.
