Martigues

Visit Martigues, Provence

Martigues is on the Mediterranean coast south of Salon-de-Provence and west of Marseille. It is a substantial town between the Mediterranean to the south and the Etang de Berre (the largest inland seawater lake in Europe) to the north.

Situated to the west of the more well known Cote d'Azur destinations (most popular resorts are to the east of Marseille and along the coast towards Italy), Martigues has a fair amount of industrial development on the outskirts but the old city centre and port area retains a lot of charm.

Exploring Martigues

The old town is essentially split into three parts by the canals that join the Etang de Berre with the ocean. Because of the canals, Martigues is also promoted as being 'Provencal Venice'.

It is the bustling harbour area around Quai Brescon and along the canal Saint-Sebastien that is most interesting for visitors, surrounded as it is with attractive pastel painted fishermen houses from the 17th century.The region of Martigues called l'Isle is the most picturesque (the island being formed by the canals to either side), while the sector called Jonquieres (south of l'Isle) is also worth exploring for the numerous shops and boutiques.

Although your visit will focus on simply strolling the streets and along the canal and passing some time in the boutiques and cafes, there are also some particular points of interest to see.

In the centre of l'Isle you can see the 17th century Eglise de la Madeleine, best known for its decorative baroque facade, while just outside the centre the Chapel Notre-Dame-des-Marins is a picturesque 17th century chapel in a raised position with impressive views across the Etang de Berre.

There are also several important roman ruins and archaeological excavations in the vicinity - ask at the Martigues Tourist Office for the leaflet that suggests a walk in and around the town that passes all the most important of these.

Tourist classifications for Martigues: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 4*;

Suggested places to visit near Martigues, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Aix-en-Provence 35km; Calanques at Marseille 38km; Baux-de-Provence 43km; Aubagne 44km; Glanum 44km; Cassis 45km; Fontvieille 45km; Arles 45km; Montmajour Abbey 45km; Saint-Remy-de-Provence 46km; Lourmarin 47km; Camargue 49km; Menerbes 49km; Oppede-le-Vieux 50km; Ansouis 50km; Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer 50km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Martigues

Martigues tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Istres - ville fleurie 4* (13km) : Jardin d'Albertas - remarkable garden (30km) : Parc du 26e Centenaire - remarkable garden (31km) : Jardin d'Eguilles - remarkable garden (31km) : Parc Borély - remarkable garden (32km) : Jardin de la Magalone - remarkable garden (32km) : Parc Longchamp - remarkable garden (32km) : Abbaye Notre Dame de Montmajour (Arles) - religious monument (35km) :

French version: see Martigues (Francais)