Cool in Martigues
Summer temperatures in Martigues easily approach 30°C. Relaxing on the sand - yes, but not too much! Discover our ideas for a cool summer.
In the South of France, we love sunbathing, swimming in the turquoise waters, strolling through the massifs and visiting the cultural heritage. Between visiting churches and strolling through parks and gardens in the shade, it's easy to take short breaks to beat the heat. Here's a selection of ideas for days out and ways to make the most of your stay in Martigues.
The freshness of the Mediterranean coast
Carro is located on the Côte Bleue coastline. Its colorful little streets, sandy beach, small fishing port and fish market on one side. Its surf spot at Les Arnettes and its 1.3km long greenway on the other. The charismatic character of this fishing village is sure to win you over. Continue your escapade in the village of La Couronne, less than 2km away. It's the ideal place to dive into wild creeks or from the shores of long sandy beaches. Thrill-seekers can try their hand at water sports (pedal boats, towed buoys, kayak or paddle rentals) and discover the exceptional scenery offered by the majestic calanques of the Côte Bleue.Cool off with our nautical partners
• From June to September, buy your ticket (undated and valid for the current season) directly on our website and benefit from a reduced rate!• You can also take surfing, sailing or diving lessons all year round.
Getting from one place to another in a cool environment
Aboard the La Côte Bleue train, between Marseille and Miramas via Martigues, you'll enjoy a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean landscape. As the tracks overlook the sea as far as the eye can see, you'll have the chance to admire the fishing harbors and sheer cliffs that make the coast even wilder than imagined. From Ensuès-la-Redonne to La Couronne, passing through Carry-le-Rouet and Sausset-les-Pins, you'll be able to stop from station to station and enjoy this unspoilt natural environment. Put on your sneakers, the hiking trails are waiting for you!Those who prefer to wander the narrow streets of downtown Martigues can take advantage of the air-conditioned tourist train. Or do you prefer the sea air? The maritime shuttle (free) will take you across the canals from one district to another, while you enjoy a boat ride. Enjoy the sea air on your face and admire the city as you'd never see it from the quayside. Disembark at l'Ile or Jonquières for sightseeing and visit our destination's must-see sites: the Miroir aux Oiseaux, Place Mirabeau, Eglise de la Madeleine, Eglise Saint-Genest and Chapelle de l'annonciade... Just off the main shopping streets, treat yourself to a well-deserved snack break.
A good deal on transport in Martigues?
• From June to September, take advantage of a special SNCF rate on the Côte Bleue line! In SOLO or DUO, take the train for an unlimited day and visit the villages along the coast.• The free maritime shuttle serves three downtown districts: Ferrières (Hôtel de ville), l'Ile (médiathèque) and Jonquières (Degut traffic circle). On Thursday and Sunday mornings (market days), it also serves the Quai Général Leclerc. The shuttle runs continuously throughout the day. Just wait 10-15 minutes until it has dropped off all its passengers.
• The little tourist train runs during the summer and winter vacations. It's free, and timetables and stops can be consulted at the Tourist Office.
A refreshing gourmet break
Take a seat on the shady terrace, choose your favorite flavor and savor delicious artisanal ice creams. Whether ice cream or gelati, there's no better setting than "La Venise Provençale" to enjoy this refreshing interlude. With fresh fruit or the typical flavors of Provence (calisson, thyme, rosemary or lavender), your palate will thank you! And if you'd like to extend your culinary pleasure, head for the paillotes (straw huts) on the downtown beach. On the banks of the Etang de Berre, with your feet in the water and sheltered by umbrellas, you can eat "à la bonne franquette". Assiette du pêcheur, sardines and moules-frites, panisses de l'Estaque... You're bound to find a Mediterranean note in your plate.Where to eat in summer in Martigues?
• The paillotes on Ferrières beach in downtown Martigues are open from May to September. There are three of them. Each offers salads, hamburgers and platters to share .... From morning to night!• The Gelateria Arnaldo stores in downtown Martigues are run by Italian-born Marco (you'll hear it in his lilting accent!) and offer gelati ice creams made in his workshop-boutique. Every summer, we invite you to join him for a workshop and make your own gelato with the typical taste of Provence.
• You can also take advantage of the ice-cream parlors and restaurants located on the quays of the Martigues canals to enjoy the freshness of the water and a timeless view throughout your meal.
Fountains, fountains and boat trips
In Provence, we're lucky enough to have countless fountains and watering holes to take advantage of the surrounding ambient temperatures. Often located under plane trees, this striking duo offers a cool spot right in the center of town. In Martigues, we've gone one step further by installing water fountains in our main squares. The kids are having a ball! A nice stroll along the Pointe de l'Ile is a must to enjoy this relaxing atmosphere. It's also a good idea to stop off at one of our four churches and chapels in the town center, to take in the thickness of the walls. What's more, their architectural jewels will leave you breathless.And what better way to cool off than with a boat trip? On the canals of Martigues, you can enjoy a unique city tour while soaking up the fresh sea air. Along the calanques of the Côte Bleue, you can enjoy an exceptional view of the fishing villages from the Mediterranean Sea. In the heart of the Etang de Berre, you'll discover the rich flora and fauna of this unsuspected territory (Europe's second largest saltwater lake!).
Where can you find fountains and water fountains in Martigues?
• In the Ferrières district: Saint-Roch boulodrome (rue F. Léger), Chapelle de Notre-Dame-des-Marins (route de la Vierge), Grand Parc de Figuerolles, Jardin de Ferrières.• In the Ile district: Rue des cordonniers, Place de la Libération, Place F. Gras, Place Mirabeau, Pointe San Crist.
• Jonquières district: Boulodrome de Jonquières, Square Gilabert (Lavéra), Cours du 4 septembre, Place G. Tenque, Place Lafayette, Quai Général Leclerc.
Air-conditioned points open to the public: Louis Aragon media library, Martigues Tourist Office and Musée Ziem.
Discover our water course in the city center, from wells to fountains and from washhouses to aqueducts to discover the history of Martigues through its freshwater remains.
