Saint Mitre les Remparts
Last update on
Oct 28, 2026
On the D5 between Istres (8km) et Martigues (7km). 46 km west of Marseille.
Discover the medieval village of Saint-Mitre-les-Remparts in the Bouches-du-Rhône
Saint-Mitre-les-Remparts is best explored through its ramparts. Perched on a rocky outcrop, the village overlooks the Étang de Berre, 46 km from Marseille.
Where to stay
As you pass through the Martigues Gate, you’ll be struck by the thickness of the ramparts. Behind them, the historic center leads you to the church, facing the Engrenier Lagoon.
This town in the Bouches-du-Rhône department is located between Istres and Martigues, just a few minutes from Sausset-les-Pins and the Côte Bleue. Four kilometers away, the oppidum of Saint-Blaise—the ancient Ugium—preserves centuries of history.
Down below, Massane Beach awaits you for a swim. Here, a weekend is all it takes to go from the Middle Ages to the water’s edge.
The famous ramparts
As you arrive in the village, you can’t miss the ramparts of Saint Mitre. They date back to the 14th century and feature two gates: the South Gate (Porte de Martigues) and the North Gate (Porte d’Istres).
You’ll then notice the houses built along the ramparts. As you stroll through the center of Saint Mitre, you’ll discover a charming network of narrow streets leading to the church, from where you’ll have a beautiful view of the Engrenier Pond. Saint Mitre has preserved some beautiful historical landmarks.
Castelveyre and Saint Blaise
Saint Mitre was likely founded in the 9th century; then, at the end of the 14th century, the site of Castelveyre (since renamed Saint Blaise) was destroyed by the Lord of Les Baux.
The story continues with the reconstruction and expansion of the castle and the existing fortifications (still visible today). The Saint Blaise site, located 4 km from the village, was occupied from the end of the Paleolithic period through the 15th century.
Mediterranean trade fostered the establishment of the first urban settlement. Three types of ramparts can be seen there: Hellenistic, primitive, and early Christian. You can also visit the Lower Town, the Upper Town, and the ruins of St. Vincent’s Church. The Chapel of St. Blaise (12th century) is the last remnant of the era when the place was called Castelveyre.
Massane beach
Massane Beach stretches along the shore of the Étang de Berre, at the foot of the village. In the summer, from early July through late August, swimming is supervised and water quality is monitored.
You can also try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking, and stay at one of the campgrounds in the Massane neighborhood.
What to see
The archaeological site of St Blaise (4 km from the village).
The defensive walls. St Blaise oppidum.
17th-century windmill.
17th-century church. Fountain with 3 spouts and basin.
Things to do
Market on Wednesday morning (Parking de la Manare).
Walking, horse-riding and mountain biking.
Tennis. Boules.
Festival from 28th to 31st July
Summer events.
Hotels
Discover hotels in this Provençal town and the surrounding area: prices, reviews, and availability. Whether you're looking for charming hotels or convenient options, compare and choose on Expedia.
Vacation rentals
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
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.
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Your questions about Saint Mitre les Remparts
You've sent us several questions about this charming medieval village. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions.
What activities can you enjoy in Saint-Mitre-les-Remparts?
Start your visit to Saint-Mitre-les-Remparts with the historic heritage of the hilltop village. Then head down to the water: Massane beach welcomes swimmers on the Étang de Berre, with paddleboarding and kayaking in summer. For outdoor sports, hiking trails leave from the village or from Massane, such as the Balcon du Cadéraou. For jet skiing, check with the town hall before your trip. Keep a travel journal handy: this is a place best explored on foot.
How do you get to Saint-Mitre-les-Remparts?
Look at the map: the town sits on the D5 road, between Istres (8 km / 5 miles) and Martigues (7 km / 4.3 miles). By car, Marseille is 46 km (29 miles) away. The nearest train station is in Port-de-Bouc, 4.5 km (2.8 miles) away. Marseille Provence Airport in Marignane is about 16 km (10 miles) away. For visitor information and a village map, contact the town hall on Avenue Charles-de-Gaulle.
Which historic monuments should you visit?
The ramparts are the first sight to see. Built from 1407 onward, they have two gates, one facing Istres and one facing Martigues. Inside the walls, the former consuls' house dates from 1654. The Saint-Blaise parish church is a listed historic monument. Just 4 km (2.5 miles) away, the Saint-Blaise oppidum tells a far older story.
Where to stay on vacation in Saint-Mitre-les-Remparts?
Most accommodations are near the lagoon, in the Massane neighborhood. The 3-star Félix de la Bastide campground is 300 meters (about 330 yards) from the beach and has a pool in season. The Neptune campground offers views over the lagoon. For a vacation rental, some cottages are open year-round. The village has only one hotel, so book early for your vacation in Provence.
What are the key facts about the town?
Saint-Mitre-les-Remparts is a village in the Bouches-du-Rhône department. It belongs to the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region and to the Aix-Marseille-Provence metropolitan area. The population is 6,175. The town covers 21.02 km² (8.1 square miles). Its highest point rises to 141 meters (463 feet).
What events take place in Saint-Mitre-les-Remparts?
The town's calendar comes alive mostly in summer. The Fête de la Musique fills the village on June 21. On July 14, the Bastille Day celebration takes place on Massane beach. In late July, the village festival offers free entertainment. In August, the Fêtes de l'Étang return with cultural events by the water. For every event, new project, or piece of news, check the town hall website before your trip.
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