Bord de mer

The Côte Bleue (“Blue coast” in French) unveils its treasures along 25 kilometers of unspoilt coastline between Marseille and Martigues. This succession of turquoise calanques, authentic little ports and wild beaches offers an exceptional natural setting. Picturesque villages such as Carry-le-Rouet and Sausset-les-Pins dot the area, which can be reached by the mythical Côte Bleue train that winds its way between sea and cliffs. Its Marine Park protects a marine biodiversity unique in the Mediterranean. In this article, we present all the secrets of the Côte Bleue.

Why is the Côte Bleue so fascinating?

The magic of the Côte Bleue lies in its unspoilt wilderness. Between the limestone cliffs of the Estaque mountain range and the Mediterranean Sea, this land is home to exceptional wildlife, including Bonelli's eagle, which nests on its steep slopes.

Thousand-year-old paths wind through lush Mediterranean flora, where rosemary and thyme perfume the sea air. Breathtaking panoramas await hikers, with breathtaking views of the Frioul islands and Marseille harbor.

Cultural heritage adds to the natural charm: from medieval relics to ancient stone quarries, every nook and cranny tells a story. Fishermen perpetuate their ancestral traditions, notably in Carro, where colorful pointus still enliven the small harbors.

Where to stop: picturesque coastal villages

Architectural gems dot the Côte Bleue, each with its own unique identity. Le Rove seduces with its traditional stone houses and lively Sunday market, while Sausset-les-Pins unveils its colorful facades along the seafront promenade.

Between garrigue and the Mediterranean, Ensuès-la-Redonne hides its fishermen's cottages in seven unspoilt calanques. The most remarkable, Grand Méjean, is home to a miniature port in pastel hues.

The narrow streets of La Couronne lead to La Venise Provençale, a wine cooperative renowned for its Aix-en-Provence slopes. Further afield, the village of Carro perpetuates its maritime tradition with its morning fish market, where fishermen offer their fresh catch directly from the port stalls.

The legendary Côte Bleue train. Where to take it?

The Côte Bleue train offers a spectacular rail experience between Marseille and Miramas. Over 60 kilometers, this exceptional route passes through 23 tunnels and over 18 viaducts, witness to a technical feat completed in 1915.

From the cliffside, passengers enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean. Each bend reveals a new perspective on turquoise waters and wild coves.

The train serves 14 round-trips daily, making strategic stops at the most beautiful sites, such as Niolon and Ensuès-la-Redonne. Here's a tip: opt for the sea-side seats and leave early in the morning, when the light sublimates the scenery.

The most beautiful calanques to visit

The Calanque de l'Erevine boasts crystal-clear water and a rocky islet, accessible only on foot from Niolon. Swimmers will appreciate its wild coves and intimate atmosphere.

Further north, the Grand Méjean calanque seduces with its white pebble beach and orange cliffs. A steep path leads to remarkable views of Marseille's harbor.

Hikers will discover the Figuières cove, nestled between pine forests and limestone rocks. Its small traditional port still shelters a few fishermen's boats. Tip: set off early in the morning to enjoy the golden light on the cliffs.

The Calanque des Anthénors unveils its sea caves, only accessible by kayak. The seabed is teeming with groupers and red gorgonians.

Secret beaches and unspoilt coves

La Couronne Vieille beach nestles in a natural setting out of sight. This intimate cove blends golden sand and small pebbles, a favorite refuge for locals in search of peace and quiet.

Just a few fathoms away, the tiny Baumettes cove unveils its azure waters, lined with century-old Aleppo pines. An ideal spot for snorkeling, where schools of sars and red mullets swim between the rocks.

Along the coastal path, the succession of wild coves between Sausset and Carry reveal hidden treasures. The Cap Rousset cove, in particular, is accessible via a narrow path lined with Mediterranean flora, where photography enthusiasts can capture the magical light of Marseille's harbor.

The Marine Park and its underwater treasures

Created in 1983, the Côte Bleue Marine Park protects 19,000 hectares of seabed between Marseille and Fos-sur-Mer. Its two integral reserves, at Carry-le-Rouet and Cap-Couronne, are home to the largest Posidonia meadow in the Bouches-du-Rhône region.

Park staff offer free underwater excursions in July and August. These supervised outings allow you to observe the exceptional richness of the seabed: groupers, sars, red mullets and red gorgonians evolve in their natural habitat.

The park plays a crucial role in the preservation of endangered species such as the great nacre. Artificial reefs, strategically placed underwater, encourage fish reproduction while protecting traditional fishing grounds.

Where to go for a walk: coastal paths and hikes

The Grand Sentier de la Côte Bleue stretches for 62 kilometers between Martigues and Ensuès-la-Redonne. This legendary trail comprises 17 signposted loops, suitable for all levels of walker.

Lovers of sublime panoramas will particularly appreciate the section between Sausset-les-Pins and Carry-le-Rouet, where the sentier du Lézard winds its way over limestone cliffs. Educational panels line the trail, revealing the secrets of Mediterranean flora.

Here's a smart tip: take the Côte Bleue train to the various starting points for your hikes. The train stations at Niolon, La Couronne and Sausset-les-Pins are ideal gateways to these unspoilt trails.

Unmissable diving spots

Baume Rousse fascinates divers with its natural arches and schools of sars. Nearby, the Yeux de Chat site reveals vertiginous faults where moray eels and conger eels swim peacefully.

The Méjean drop-off attracts enthusiasts thanks to its unique configuration. This wall plunges 36 meters into crystal-clear waters, offering an ideal playground for observing Mediterranean marine life.

The Elevine fault, accessible from Niolon, offers spectacular underwater scenery. Experienced divers will discover a succession of caves carpeted with multicolored sponges.

For beginners, Petit Mornas offers gentle immersion in a shallow, rocky setting sheltered from the prevailing winds.

Where to sleep: hotels and campsites

Accommodation options abound on the Côte Bleue. In La Couronne, a number of family-run establishments on a human scale appeal for their relaxed atmosphere. The chalets at Camping Marius, nestled under pine trees 200 meters from the coves, combine simplicity with proximity to the sea.

Les Mouettes campsite welcomes holidaymakers just 100 m from the beach, in a 1.5-hectare park planted with trees. Spacious pitches and air-conditioned mobile homes guarantee a comfortable stay in the heart of nature.

For hotels, we recommend the superb Résidence Adriana in Carry-le-Rouet. A little jewel for your vacation!

Where to eat: restaurants and local specialities

Côte Bleue gastronomy celebrates marine flavors in an authentic atmosphere. Fishermen's restaurants offer their specialties: fish soup, bottarga and sea urchins in season, prepared according to traditional recipes.

In Sausset-les-Pins, terraced tables overlooking the harbor allow you to savor the day's catch in an enchanting setting. The Carro fish market delights lovers of fresh produce every morning from 8am.

The “ oursinades”, a key gastronomic event from January to March, brings together locals and visitors for festive tastings. On the heights of Niolon, a number of confidential addresses combine panoramic views and refined Mediterranean cuisine, featuring local rock fish and shellfish.

Access and transport by TER and car

The Côte Bleue TER serves 15 stations daily, with 14 round-trips between Marseille and Miramas via Martigues. Trains depart every hour from Marseille's Gare Saint-Charles station.

For motorists, the A55 freeway links Marseille to Martigues in 30 minutes. The D568 departmental road runs along the coast, offering a more picturesque, panoramic alternative.

The seaside resorts are also accessible by bus from Marseille, with line 38 serving Carry-le-Rouet and Sausset-les-Pins. A practical tip: the Côte Bleue Pass allows unlimited travel on this TER line for €10 a day.

Free parking is available near the beaches of La Couronne and Cap Rousset. To avoid the summer crowds, take public transport.

Emblematic viaducts along the route

The engineering structures on the Côte Bleue bear witness to an exceptional railway heritage. Between 1907 and 1915, engineer Paul Séjourné created these architectural masterpieces in cut stone, four of which have been awarded the “Patrimoine du XXe siècle” label.

The majestic Viaduc de la Vesse overlooks the eponymous calanque with its six 20-metre arches. Further on, the Corbières viaduct reveals its elegant silhouette above the turquoise waters.

Technical prowess is particularly impressive at the Niolon viaduct, where cliff-side construction called for innovations that were remarkable for their time. These monuments embody the perfect blend of civil engineering and architectural beauty, offering travelers breathtaking panoramas of the Mediterranean.

We hope this little guide to the Côte Bleue will inspire you to come and spend a wonderful vacation with your family or friends!