Flavors and nature for two in Martigues
In Martigues, between the Mediterranean and the Provençal hills, every day feels like a gentle, authentic escape. Here, time slows down, sea breezes mingle with the scents of the garrigue, and every encounter is an invitation to share. For couples seeking peace, local discoveries, and simple pleasures, the destination offers a rich variety of experiences designed to combine comfort, nature, and conviviality. Stay in eco-friendly accommodation on the Côte Bleue, savor 100% local cuisine by the sea, wander through markets to meet passionate producers, discover age-old traditions, or set off on a walk among the vineyards… In Martigues, everything is in place to let you fully enjoy a lifestyle focused on essentials.
Each season has its treasures: springtime events celebrating nature, summer boat rides, autumn tastings, and cozy winter moments. Whatever the time of year, Martigues offers a privileged setting where well-being, authenticity, and environmental respect come together harmoniously.
Come and write your own story, just the two of you, to the rhythm of the Mediterranean and Provence, in a town that celebrates both the art of living and the joy of encounters.
Accommodation geared towards sustainable tourism in Martigues
Imagine waking up together to the gentle sound of cicadas, in an accommodation designed for your well-being and that of the planet. Your day begins at Camping Marius, nestled on the Côte Bleue: pine trees cast a refreshing shade, the sea is only a few steps away, and the Green Key label guarantees a stay that respects nature. The atmosphere is friendly and intimate, perfect for recharging as a couple.
After a romantic stroll through the colorful streets of Martigues, you head back to your hotel. Whether it’s the Golden Tulip Martigues Provence, The Originals Clair Hôtel or Kyriad Martigues Sud, each establishment offers electric vehicle charging stations — combining modern comfort with an eco-friendly approach.
Later in the day, the charm of a sustainable guesthouse awaits you. Solar panels on the roof, rainwater harvesting in the garden, and thoughtful waste management reflect the hosts’ commitment to the environment. Their warm welcome and a glass of local wine shared at sunset turn into lasting memories.
If independence is what you seek, holiday rentals labeled Clévacances or Gîtes de France promise peace of mind, with the added bonus of eco-friendly practices such as recycling or water recovery.
In Martigues, every stay blends authenticity, comfort, and sustainability, offering you a peaceful escape hand in hand with nature.
100% local, 100% Martégale cuisine
Imagine a day in Martigues devoted to flavors and local delights.
In the morning, after a stroll through the market, you settle down at one of the restaurants run by chef Fabien Morreale. At Le Garage or Gusto Café, every dish celebrates the work of local artisans and producers: freshly caught fish, sun-ripened vegetables, fragrant olive oil… A refined semi-gastronomic cuisine, perfect for a romantic lunch.
In the afternoon, after wandering hand in hand through the colorful lanes of the “Venice of Provence,” you head to Ferrières Beach. From May to September, the seafront huts welcome you for a laid-back meal: fresh seasonal salads, grilled fish of the day, Provençal specialties… all enjoyed with your feet in the sand.
Looking for healthy and delicious cuisine? it’s time for a relaxed stop in one of the local brasseries such as L’Endroit, the Club House, or Les Flots Bleus. Their short menus, based on fresh local products, ensure simplicity and authenticity. Insider’s tip: don’t miss the seared octopus at Brasserie L’Endroit – a true delight.
Want to end the day on a more exotic note? Treat yourselves to something unexpected in a world cuisine restaurant like Le Bomba or Guenat’s. Their inventive dishes mix fresh local ingredients with exotic inspirations, taking your taste buds on a journey without ever leaving Martigues.
Here, every table is an invitation to share, discover, and enjoy the pleasures of Provence.
Local producers and flavors are in the spotlight
Your day in Martigues begins with a rare and fascinating experience: watching the fishermen of Le Calen at work. One of the last in France to fish mullet using ancestral net techniques, they produce the poutargue, Martigues’ very own “caviar.” You admire their skill and have the chance to taste this exceptional local delicacy.
Next, you drive to the hills of Saint-Julien-les-Martigues to meet Bernard, a goat farmer. Walking through his pastures with him, you discover his fresh and aged goat cheeses and the famous Brousse du Rove AOP, known for its delicate texture and authentic flavor. The warm exchanges and the taste of these products connect you to the region’s pastoral heritage.
At midday, you visit the Saint-Julien-les-Martigues cooperative winery. Here, grape harvesting and winemaking happen on-site, producing award-winning AOP Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence and IGP Méditerranée wines. You sip the richly aromatic wines while overlooking the vineyards, savoring the craftsmanship of local vintners.
In the afternoon, a sweet break awaits at the artisan chocolatier Les Perles de l’Étang. You discover two exclusive creations: the Tomette and the Perles de l’Étang, delicate treats only available in this boutique.
Finally, your day concludes at the Martigues fish auction. Depending on the day’s catch, fresh fish and seafood pass before your eyes, a direct connection to the Mediterranean’s bounty.
From the nets of the Calen to the vineyards and the chocolate boutique, every step is a journey through local flavors and artisanal expertise.
Meet the locals during tours, activities or hiking trails in Martigues
Your day in Martigues begins with a refreshing morning walk along the hiking trails starting from the Saint-Julien-les-Martigues winery. The path winds through peaceful vineyards, and the scent of garrigue fills the air. You take your time, stopping to admire the vines and enjoy the calm of the countryside, hand in hand.
In summer, the boat sails along the stunning coves of the Côte Bleue between Martigues and Ensuès-la-Redonne; off-season, a 45-minute canal ride reveals the city from a completely new perspective, with reflections of colorful facades dancing on the water.
Afterwards, you join a visit organized by the Tourist Office to meet local producers. Perhaps it’s a day at Ferme Aïoli Caganis or a gentle stroll with a herd of goats in Saint-Julien. You learn about sustainable practices and taste the freshest local products, connecting with the rhythms of Provençal life.
If visiting in spring, the day is complemented by nature-focused events, mostly free of charge: the kite festival at Verdon Beach (La Couronne) fills the sky with colors, while markets dedicated to plants, well-being, and sustainable living invite you to stroll, browse, and chat with locals.
From vineyards to the sea, from farm visits to festive gatherings, a day in Martigues offers fresh air, shared discoveries, and a gentle immersion into sustainable living, ideal for couples seeking calm, connection, and the beauty of the natural world.