Martigues lies between the Mediterranean to the west and the Étang de Berre to the east. The city can be explored through a range of themes: nature trails, art and history, coastal scenery and a local fishing tradition. These interests can help you choose where to stay, depending on whether you prefer exploring trails, visiting exhibitions or learning more about the local cuisine.
Nature trails and coastal scenery
The Grand Parc de Figuerolles is a free-to-access natural area in the heart of Martigues. Five trails offer different ways to explore the park’s surroundings. One is suitable for strollers from 3 km onwards; another follows a 7 km route around the park and along the Étang de Berre. This means you can choose between a stroller-friendly route and a longer loop by the water.
Plage du Verdon is in La Couronne, within the municipality of Martigues. It is the largest fine-sand beach on the Côte Bleue. Pedal boats with slides and stand-up paddleboards are available to rent at the beach. Since seasonal offerings may vary, check the availability of these activities before your visit.
Art, city history and protected sites
The Musée Ziem brings together several collection areas: archaeology, modern and contemporary art, visual arts, ethnology and photography. Temporary exhibitions feature paintings, drawings and objects. Water and sky dominate the works on display that relate to Martigues and its reflections. The museum therefore offers a way to explore both different art forms and themes associated with the city.
The Galerie de l'Histoire de Martigues offers a different perspective on the city’s history. Written documents, photographs, models, museum objects and interactive terminals explore important stages in the city’s development. While the Musée Ziem focuses on art and its collections, the gallery turns its attention to the development of Martigues.
The cityscape also reflects its architectural history: the Church of La Madeleine in Martigues was built between 1670 and 1680. The Miroir aux Oiseaux, the Saint-Sébastien Canal and the Quai Brescon together form an ensemble that has been protected as a classified site since 1942. These two topics highlight different aspects of history: the construction period of a church and the protection of a named ensemble.
Fort de Bouc
Fort de Bouc has been listed as a historic monument since January 6, 1930. Following restoration work, it was opened to the public for the first time in its thousand-year history in 2007. It can be visited by boat and only with a reservation through the Martigues Tourist Office and Convention Bureau. Since access arrangements may change, it is advisable to check reservation requirements before your trip.
Fishing tradition and wine
In Martigues, Poutargue is made at one of France’s last Calens, on the waterfront. The small fishing hut continues to practise traditional fishing with boats and nets; the roe sacs used for Poutargue are caught in the Martigues canal. The production process and fishing are thus linked to specific places and practices.
Another culinary discovery is a guided tour of the Saint-Julien-les-Martigues cooperative winery. The tour takes you through the grape varieties and the winery, and ends with a tasting of two cuvées. The selection includes white, rosé and red wines; two cuvées are tasted. Martigues and its surroundings thus showcase both fishing traditions and winegrowing as distinct highlights.
Discover more destinations: La Couronne, Port-Saint-Louis-Du-Rhône, Entressen, Senas, Marignane, Salon-De-Provence, Plan-D'orgon, Lançon-de-Provence
For the broader travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.
