Visit La Ciotat: what are the best things to do and to see in this Provençal city, located in the heart of the Calanque National Park?
About thirty kilometers from Marseille, and forty miles from Toulon , discover the beautiful and vibrant city of La Ciotat. Located in the middle of the Gulf of Love, in the Calanque National Park, La Ciotat offers a wide range of activities, for the greatest happiness of its visitors. Whether you are more connected nature, culture, or sport, big or small, in love or with friends, there will be for all tastes!
Are you wondering what to do in La Ciotat? Here you are told everything you need to do and see in this town of Bouches-du-Rhône!
1. The historic centre of La Ciotat
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Catherine Zibo
Are you visiting Ciotat? Discover without delay the charm and unique atmosphere of the city’s historic centre.
This district, rich in history, is full of ancient and religious monuments, with incredible architecture. Stay in its small pedestrian streets, where many shops open their doors. Take a refreshing break on the terrace or gourmet, in one of the many restaurants that the old city has. You can only fall under the charm of this neighborhood, both authentic and lively!
2. The calanques
Photo credit: Shutterstock – FredP
You can't visit La Ciotat without a tour in the Calanques! Indeed, the city is one of the main entrance gates of the National Park.
This emblematic place, known worldwide for the beauty of its landscapes and its incredible biodiversity, is to be discovered via the land or the sea. The Calanques National Park covers the communes of Marseille, Cassis and La Ciotat. The latter is proud to count on its territory, the two sublime calanques of Figuerolles and Mugel.
3. The museum ciotadien
Photo credit: Facebook – Tourist Office of La Ciotat
This is the must-see museum in La Ciotat! This absolutely exciting place will make you discover the city through ages, thanks to different themes. Among them are ethnology, history, technology and industry and natural sciences.
It’s not less than 15 rooms and 1,500 objects that will defy under your eyes during this visit, during which you will learn more about the shipyards, the cinema, or the petanque!
4. The beaches
Photo credit: Shutterstock – traveler8
Farniente enthusiasts can relax in La Ciotat thanks to the large beach or the Cyrnos beach, both located in the heart of the city. The beach of the Capuchins, located right next to the small port of the same name, is also very appreciated by families, just like the beach St Jean. Finally, the Light Beach, with its superb view of the bay of Lecques, is known as one of the best beaches in the region.
There are also 3 beautiful beaches of pebbles and rocks, which have the advantage of being much less frequented. These are the beaches of Arene Cros, Fontsainte and Liouquet.
Finally, if you come to visit the Ciotat, do not miss the beaches of the 2 calanques of the city, Mugel and Figuerolles. A real postcard landscape!
5. The cinema L’Eden
Photo credit: Facebook – Cinema Eden-Théâtre La Ciotat
Visiting La Ciotat necessarily involves a passage through the cinema Eden, the oldest cinema in the world still active! Built in 1889, in 1895 he hosted the first cinema session in the hall. Since 1996, he has been in the inventory of historical monuments.
Today, in addition to film screenings, cultural visits are organized. Festivals, conferences, shows and concerts are also held throughout the year.
6. Parks and gardens
Garden of Hope – Photo credit: Facebook – Francine Barbaray
The gardens of Hope
Located at the entrance of the city, the garden of Esperance is a peaceful place in which to walk, if you come to visit La Ciotat. It can be qualified as a pedagogical garden, as its visitors can, if they wish, learn the basics of eco-friendly gardening.
Mugel Park
Are you an amateur of nature and what are you looking for in La Ciotat? Direction the Mugel Park, and its 12 hectares of incredible vegetation. This botanical park has a multitude of Mediterranean and tropical plant species, as well as a magnificent panoramic view.
The garden of the City
Its central music kiosk, its homage statues scattered everywhere, its perfectly cut lawn and its small flowery alleys make all the charm of this small flowery park. Ideal for a peaceful break with children, or even in love.
7. La Maison de la Construction Navale
Photo credit: Facebook – Maison de la Construction Navale
What are you asking about La Ciotat? Don't miss this exciting museum, which will immerse you in a playful way, in the incredible world of shipbuilding through various films, photos, models, testimonies and stories.
8. The leisure park La Guillaumière
Photo credit: Facebook – La Guillaumière
Here is a perfect activity to do in La Ciotat with family, which will delight the children, but also the big ones! Discover this outdoor leisure park, which offers attractions and activities of all kinds. Between bike circuits, quad, electric cars, pony rides and inflatable structures, everyone will find footwear!
9. Water and sport activities
Aquatic sports
Photo credit: Shutterstock – A_Belov
The city of Ciotat is the ideal place to practice nautical activities and is labeled the 4 star water station for the quality of its water installations. Sailing, windsurfing, water, stand up paddle, canoeing, kayaking, surfing... There are for all tastes and ages.
Rent a boat
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Julia Kuznetsova
Boat rental is a preferred option by many visitors, to discover through the water and at its pace Ciotat, its bay, and its calanques!
On site you will find many professional service providers, but some sites also allow you to rent boats to individuals at very advantageous prices.
Diving and snorkeling
Photo credit: Shutterstock – traveler8
The bay of La Ciotat is recognized for its seabed with great beauty, just like those of the calanques or the green island. Many diving sites are listed there, and you will have the choice in terms of diving club to give you your passion. A mask and tuba can also be enough for an exceptional snorkeling day to discover this fabulous aquatic world.
Escalade
Photo credit: Facebook – Escalade Bloc Session La Ciotat
The climbers coming to visit La Ciotat will be filled. Indeed, the city has a climbing room, but also 7 outdoor climbing sites, with more than 650 tracks, for all levels.
Hiking and cycling
Photo credit: Shutterstock – cirtinaclaudiu
Ciotat has many natural sites to discover on foot or by bike. The cliffs Soubeyrannes, the Calanques, the Île Verte, the Promenade Littorale, but also the Douce, old railway track redesigned, which connects the old La Ciotat to the SNCF station on a 5.4 km course.
10. Visit the area
Green Island
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Gueshni
Located 420 m from the shore, the green island is a small wooded bead, which derives its name from the pines of Aleppo that cover its soil and give it an emerald color. If you come to visit the Ciotat, plan to spend a day there, to enjoy its calm, its pretty coves, and the views it offers on the bay of the Ciotat. To get there, you can borrow the shuttle that leaves the Port Vieux every day from April to October, and that will take you there in less than 10 minutes.
The Route des Crêtes
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Florian Augustin
What are you looking for in La Ciotat to take a full view of it? Direction la route des Crêtes, which connects La Ciotat to Cap Canaille. Overlooking the high cliffs, it offers a panoramic view of the region, absolutely amazing!
How to get to La Ciotat?
Are you visiting La Ciotat and wondering how to get there? Here are our tips:
By train
You can arrive by train at the TER station in La Ciotat – Ceyreste, providing connections with the TGV stations in Marseille and Toulon.
The train station is located about 4 kilometers from the city centre, which you can reach in 15 minutes thanks to the lines of the Ciotabus network (lines 10, 21, 40, 70, 200).
By bus
- From Marseille : line 69 (Marseille-La Ciotat)
- From Cassis : line M05 (Carnoux-Cassis-La Ciotat)
By car
Highway A50 , exit 9 "La Ciotat" coming from Marseille or exit 10 "Saint-Cyr Les Lecques" coming from Toulon.
By plane
If you want to fly, you can land:
- At Marseille-Provence airport in Marignane
- Toulon Hyères Airport
- Both are located 57 km from La Ciotat. You can then reach La Ciotat by bus or by train.
Where to stay in La Ciotat?
Like all the seaside resorts in southern France, the accommodations in La Ciotat are numerous, but stormed in the summer. So if you choose to visit Ciotat between June and September, you better book your accommodation well in advance!
You will find many standard hotels in La Ciotat, including almost all the largest chains, but also some tourist residences, ideal for family stays. The biggest budgets will have the choice between ten 4-star hotels for a more luxurious stay. The campsite's followers will have the choice between 3 campsites, including 4* of La Baie des Anges.
To find the best accommodations and especially the best prices, do not hesitate to search for a Compare hotels online. Also think about Airbnb , where you can find exceptional accommodations, and feel like home.
You now have all the information in your pocket to visit La Ciotat and not miss a miette. Prepare sunglasses and cream!
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