An industrial port city that has brilliantly reinvented itself as a tourist destination, La Ciotat is a commune located to the east of Marseille with its beach facing the Alps Mountain region. It is located to the east of Marseille at an equal distance from Marseille and Toulon. The city is easily accessible as the SNCF train service between Marseille and Toulon makes a stop almost every hour here during the day. A place where you have everything within walking distance, La Ciotat is now one of the liveliest and least spoiled resorts in the southern part of France. This very reason made the take of knowing where to stay in La Ciotat less of a task. From hotels and quaint Airbnb vacation rentals, the accommodation options are aplenty. To make the most of your trip, check out the best things to do in La Ciotat, France.
1. Walk into the heart of La Ciotat, the Old Port
Hear the water bristles with yachts and fishing boats, walk into the heart of La Ciotat’s old port with rows of café and restaurant terraces for a joyous and convivial evening. Located at the end of La Ciotat, Old Port is a perfect place to spend your evening in the city. Walk on the sidewalk along the harbor, admire the boats Provence, or you can stroll around to a bar on Quai Ganteaume to see the sunset behind the rocky mass of the Cap d’Aigle.
You can also explore the East side of Old Port until you reach Môle Bérouard, the 19th-century lighthouse and the last fragment of La Ciotat’s citadel. On Sunday mornings, there’s a large farmers’ and artisans’ market at Old Port where you can hunt for unique stuffs as your holiday takeaways.
Guided Tour to Old Town
Address: Boulevard Anatole France, La Ciotat, France
Website: Guided tour of the old town center
2. Visit Île Verte
Île Verte, a charming island located just off the coast of Ciotat, offers a delightful array of fun activities for visitors to enjoy. Accessible by a short boat ride from the town’s harbor, this idyllic island getaway provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Nature lovers can relish scenic walks along the island’s picturesque trails, surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking coastal views. The island’s beaches invite relaxation and sunbathing, while the crystal-clear waters beckon swimmers and snorkelers to explore the underwater wonders.
For a more adventurous experience, visitors can try their hand at kayaking or paddleboarding, gliding along the tranquil shoreline. A great place to visit is La Ciotat, France, for picnics, the island offers a chance to savor delicious French delicacies while being serenaded by the gentle lapping of waves.
3. Play the game of pétanque
Petanque, a beloved traditional French sport, finds its essence in Ciotat, a picturesque coastal town in the south of France. Set against a backdrop of azure Mediterranean waters and charming Provençal architecture, Ciotat exudes a captivating ambiance that perfectly complements the leisurely spirit of the game. Petanque, derived from the ancient game of boules, is a simple yet captivating pastime enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
In Ciotat’s bustling squares and sun-dappled parks, friends and families gather to engage in friendly competition, skillfully tossing metal balls to land as close as possible to the target, or “cochonnet.” The sound of clinking metal and laughter fills the air, fostering a sense of camaraderie and conviviality that epitomizes the French way of life.
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4. Arrange a picnic day at Parc du Mugel
Famous as one of the loveliest spots in town, Parc du Mugel is a botanical garden located in the south of La Ciotat, at the foot of the “Massif du Cap de l'Aigle” with its famous peaks “Bec de l'Aigle”. Listed as one of the Notable Gardens of France by the French Ministry of Culture, Parc du Mugel has a very wide range of plants and shrubs, with palm and orange groves, a cactus patch, an exotic plant area with bird of paradise plants, bamboo, cork oak, chestnut trees, and aromatic herbs.
The gardens have lots of winding steps and terraces to wander around on foot, and shady play areas with perfect spots for picnics by the garden. You will also enjoy the perfect view of Petit Mugel Beach and creek during your picnic day. Make sure you visit the viewpoint “Le Grand Belvédère”, where you can enjoy a wonderful view over La Ciotat City.
Le Mugel Restaurant
Address: Parc national des Calanques, Calanque du Grand Mugel, 13600 La Ciotat, France
5. Rest and relax at La Calanque de Figuerolles
Walk further around the Cap d’Aigle, you will find a surprising landscape of La Calanque de Figuerolles. Formed by high and rugged walls like a strange puddingstone, the calanque has a small rocky beach at the end and its gleaming, transparent waters will call you out to have a quick dip under the summer heat.
Children are able to paddle safely at this beach in La Ciotat as the shelves are low and the sea is smoothed by a large rock at the mouth of the creek. And the children will have a constant view of the bizarre Rocher du Capucin, the dog-head rock looming from the west side.
Calanque de Figuerolles Boat Trip
Website: Les Amis des Calanques
6. Discover the past at Musee Ciotaden
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Easily recognizable for its tower, Musee Ciotaden is the right place to discover some of the history of the charming town of La Ciotat. Located on the corner of the Quai Ganteaume and the boulevard Anatole France, right opposite the Tourist Office, the Musée Ciotaden covers the complete history of La Ciotat, housing an eclectic collection of Roman amphorae, old bicycles, farming implements, and two carved chairs from Bridgewater town hall, La Ciotat’s twin city in England. Run by Friends of La Ciotat, its most riveting exhibits come from the turn of the century when the Lumière Brothers shot one of their first movies at the train station in La Ciotat in 1895.
Musée Ciotaden
Address: 1 Quai Ganteaume, 13600 La Ciotat, France
Website: Musée Ciotaden
7. Notre Dame de l'Assomption Church
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The real landmark of the city, La Ciotat’s largest church, Notre Dame de l’Assomption, is interesting to see because it has recently undergone twenty years of restoration. Built at the start of the 17th-century with pink limestone from La Couronne, it contains some contemporary frescos by the local artist Gilbert Ganteaume. If you’re a photography addict, the church is beautiful at night, because when the high sheer walls are lit up, you will see the church’s reflection in the water.
Notre-Dame de l'Assomption
Address: 25 Rue Adolphe Abeille, 13600 La Ciotat, France
8. Have a blast at La Guillaumiere Amusement Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
A pony ride for your children and a motorbike ride for yourself, La Guillaumiere Amusement Park is an exciting destination filled with rides and attractions. This tourist attraction in La Ciotat is the perfect place to spend your family holiday, where your children can enjoy playing trampoline or riding a pony, while you can pump some adrenaline with motorbike rides or electric cars. Located in the northeast of La Ciotat, La Guillaumiere is an absolute must.
Amusement Park - La Guillaumiere
Address: 1467 Boulevard de Lavaux, 13600 La Ciotat, France
Website: Amusement Park - La Guillaumiere
9. Catch some movies at Eden Theatre
Famously known as the world’s oldest operating movie theatre, Eden Theatre had undergone a long refurbishment and finally reopened in 2013. Located near the city centre, Eden Theatre is the hall where the Lumière Brothers screened L’Arrivée d’un Train en Gare de La Ciotat (“The arrival of a train at the station of La Ciotat”) in 1895. The film showed a steam train pulling into La Ciotat’s station and it marked the beginning of film history. The cinema is closed up during the day. The best way to see the interior is to do what people have been doing for 120 years, watch a movie!
Cinéma Eden-Théâtre
Address: 25 Boulevard Georges Clemenceau, 13600 La Ciotat, France
Website: Cinéma Eden-Théâtre
10. Chapelle des Penitents Bleus
Famous as one of the handsomest buildings in town, Chapelle des Penitents Bleus is a Baroque style chapel with a distinctive octagonal bell tower. La Ciotat’s community will come to worship at the chapel, but the chapel also hosts temporary exhibitions, often with a cinematic theme. Open-air dances are held in the summer on the large square between the chapel and the seafront promenade.
Chapelle des Penitents Bleus
Address: 30 boulevard Anatole France, La Ciotat, France
Website: Chapelle des Penitents Bleus
11. Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Garde
Perched high above the water, the 17th-century Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Garde was built in 1610 and it is packed with marine-themed ex voto offerings from sailors giving thanks for returning home safe. The little chapel is etched with 80 steps and has a stupendous view of La Ciotat’s bay. Clamber up in the evenings and watch the sun go down at the bay. Please note that the chapel opens only in summer. You can check with the Tourist Office for opening times.
Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Garde
Address: Parc national des Calanques, 5164F Traverse Notre Dame de la Garde, 13600 La Ciotat, France
12. Beach time at Old Town (from USD 27.0)
Right behind the church of Notre Dame de l’Assomption, the pleasant Old Town is the perfect area to wander around before you head out to the sandy beach. The main shopping hub is at the long rue des Poilus, where you can walk to the Sadi Carnot Square with its central fountain and 100-year old magnolia tree. The family oriented sandy beach is large, airy and clean. There is a team of lifeguards who work to supervise swimmers. Take a swim by the beach and end your day with a delicious ice cream.
La Ciotat Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
Duration: 4 hours
More to offer at the city by the sea
With its rich culture and history, La Ciotat has more to offer than just a beach holiday in the summer. You can always explore more of the city or move further to other cities nearby to complete your summer holiday in the southern part of France. Keep this list of activities in La Ciotat’s old town, harbor, and hidden gems handy for a trip like no other!
Frequently asked questions about the best things to do in La Ciotat, France
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