Martigues
Last update on
Oct 28, 2026
Between Marseille (via the A55) and Istres (via the D5).
Discover the charming town of Martigues, near Marseille
Martigues unfolds along the water, between the Étang de Berre and the sea. Its canals wind beneath the bridges. Fishing boats rest at the foot of the ochre- and pink-colored facades. Welcome to the Venice of Provence.
Where to stay
In the heart of the Île district, the Miroir aux oiseaux captures a light that captivated Félix Ziem. Stroll from the historic center to the small port of Carro. Then the Côte Bleue welcomes you with its beaches and coastal trails.
Located about 40 kilometers from Marseille, this town in the Bouches-du-Rhône department is perfect for a weekend getaway. Take your time: here, each neighborhood reveals a different side of Provence.
Martigues is known as the “Venice of Provence”
The charm of its canals, islands, and bridges has earned Martigues the nickname Venice of Provence. So take the time to stroll along its quays, especially in the fishermen’s neighborhood around the Saint-Sébastien Canal—our favorite spot in Martigues.
The Miroir aux Oiseaux neighborhood
This neighborhood is known as the Miroir aux Oiseaux; the colorful houses nestled along the water’s edge are the former homes of 17th-century fishermen. They have inspired many painters, such as Duffy and Ziem. The neighborhood was also made famous by the filming of the movie “La cuisine au beurre” starring Bourvil and Fernandel.
The beaches and harbor of Martigues
You’ll enjoy the beautiful La Couronne Beach and be charmed by the small harbor of Carro, a delightful fishing and yachting harbor sheltered from the Mistral.
Our map of Martigues
To find your way around Martigues, you can use our interactive map designed for this purpose. We’ve marked our recommended accommodations on it so you can locate them and plan your stay in Martigues.
What to see
17th century church of the Madeleine.
17th century church Saint-Genest.
Chapel of the Annonciade des penitents blancs.
La maison du chapeau de gendarme (so-called because of the shape of its roof).
The village gaulois (archeological window from the 5th century BC).
Ziem museum (archeology, contemporary art, contemporary and impressionist paintings).
Things to do
Swimming pool, tennis, water sports.
Walks around the canals and sea excursions.
Hiking and mountain biking (maps available with signposted routes).
Hotels
In a quiet and green area, just 20 minutes from Carry-le-Rouet beaches
Air conditioned rooms with satellite TV & free Wi-Fi
70€ - 110€
Vacation rentals
Martigues
(Côte Bleue & Marseille area)
| Marseille : 42km - Istres 26 km
Ideally located in front of the sea and the calanques with direct access camping with shaded pitches, chalets and mobil home air-conditioned facing the sea. Restaurant, snack. Kids Entertainment, free activities for children
210€ - 1008€
For a successful holiday in the Bouches-du-Rhône, choose our mobile home rentals on the Côte Bleue at Camping Tikayan Félix de la Bastide. Discover a wide range of accommodation: Eco, Standard, Comfort and make the most of your stay near Martigues and Marseille to bathe in the blue waters of the Mediterranean.
200€ - 450€
Airbnb
Discover our selection of houses, villas and apartments on Airbnb for an authentic stay in this Provençal village. You will love your vacation here.
Campsites
Martigues
(Côte Bleue & Marseille area)
| Marseille : 42km - Istres 26 km
Ideally located in front of the sea and the calanques with direct access camping with shaded pitches, chalets and mobil home air-conditioned facing the sea. Restaurant, snack. Kids Entertainment, free activities for children
50
/
61
A very pretty campsite near the Côte Bleue. In the heart of the Midi region, Camping Félix de la Bastide welcomes you to rent mobile homes, lodge tents or pitches spread over 4.5 hectares. Situated on the edge of a lagoon, the campsite is close to two beaches, a small natural one 30m away, where you can easily go canoeing, kayaking or paddle-boarding, and a second supervised beach 300m away, where swimming is very pleasant. Ideal for family holidays.
67
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64
Your questions about Martigues
You have sent us various requests about the town of Martigues. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions.
What to do in Martigues?
To visit Martigues, start with the Île district. Between two canals, you reach the Quai Brescon and the Miroir aux Oiseaux. Fishing boats reflect in the water, facing the colorful facades.
In summer, a free water shuttle links the districts along the canals. A guide from the tourist office can also show you the town's hidden side on a guided tour.
For the beach, head to La Couronne and the Plage du Verdon, a long sandy cove on the Côte Bleue. Coastal trails, kayaking, scuba diving: there is no shortage of activities. One day covers the highlights, while a weekend lets you truly enjoy it.
How to visit Martigues in one day?
In the morning, explore the town center on foot. Your route starts at the Miroir aux Oiseaux, passes the Church of the Madeleine, then reaches Ferrières. There, the Musée Ziem displays views of Martigues painted by Félix Ziem.
Then have lunch by a canal. In the afternoon, leave the shores of the Étang de Berre for the Côte Bleue.
The small port of Carro and the Plage du Verdon end the day by the sea. This spot offers beautiful sunsets over the Gulf of Fos.
What events take place in Martigues?
Life in Martigues follows the rhythm of the seasons. Every first Saturday of July, the Venetian Evening brings together an illuminated boat parade and fireworks set to music. This festival dates back to 1928.
In September, the Flâneries au Miroir parade Venetian costumes through the streets of the Île district. In summer, free concerts liven up the squares several evenings a week.
In October and November, the calendar turns more cultural. In 2026, the Musée Ziem hosts an exhibition through November 15. Check the tourist office program for each day's events.
What is the history of Martigues?
The history of Martigues goes back to antiquity. The Romans founded Maritima Avaticorum here, an ancient port abandoned in the 5th century.
For centuries, three fishing villages shared the site: Jonquières, L'Île and Ferrières. On April 21, 1581, they united in the Saint-Louis Church in Ferrières to form a single town. A historic plaque on the facade commemorates this act.
The town's heritage reflects this maritime prosperity. The Church of the Madeleine, completed in 1680, is its landmark monument. During World War II, the Caronte viaduct was destroyed, then rebuilt between 1952 and 1954. It is well worth a look during your visit.
Can you recommend a good restaurant in Martigues?
Among the restaurants we have tried in Martigues, we recommend the Mediterranean cuisine at "Le Garage," "Les Girelles" or "Le Rabelais." All three are excellent spots for a great time.
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