The 10 must-watch events

Martigues offers entertainment - often free - all year round! To live unique experiences, we have listed for you the major events not to be missed.
Whether you are a fan of sports, street shows or great meals to share, we have selected the events to experience in Martigues for you! In summer or winter, you will always have an activity to do, a show to see or a dish to savor in the pure Martegal tradition.
  •  - © Otmartigues / MyriamF
The night market in the city center
The scents of spices and herbs from Provence, paintings and drawings in the image of Martigues, small handmade creations, ... This is the image we have of the markets of Provence. In Martigues, we are no exception to tradition! The night market returns every summer on the Cours du 4 Septembre. The tour of the market is done all in music, under the plane trees, near the squares of the city center and their bars and brasseries that we love so much!

The Bird Mirror Milonga
Come and wiggle your hips to the rhythm of a wild tango! In the heart of the Ile district, near the colorful facades of the Miroir aux Oiseaux, the bars and restaurants of the Place de la Liberation, this is one of the key events of the summer in Martigues! And if Argentine tango is not your favourite, find all-dance balls and Latin dance balls. Tangeras and tangeros, get ready!

Fishing week, fishing championship
The event awaited with great impatience by all holidaymakers and martegals! Every evening, welcome the fishermen (our heroes of the day!) for the typical fish weighing. A contest that rewards the one who draws the jackpot! And to end the evening in style, go to the forecourt of the Hôtel de Ville for the traditional tuna, paella or pork on a spit all to the music.

Illuminated Martigues
Would you like a hike in the city center of Martigues under a setting sun? This is the traditional end-of-year event organized by the Martigues Tourist Office. A hundred walkers (open to all) follow the canals of La Venise Provençale towards the highest point at the chapel of Notre-Dame-des-Marins to admire the city at nightfall. The return is done at night to enjoy the illuminations of the city of Martigues.
  •  - © Otmartigues / KarimK
The strolls in the mirror
Martigues, The Provencal Venice. What would Martigues be without its Venetian masks? It is in September that the masked Venetian people of France stroll through the alleys of Martigues to meet the public. Striking costumes that give all its charm to our beautiful, typically French Venice! On Saturday evening, a night parade is the incredible event of the season. And to prolong the experience, dive into the heart of the Italian gastronomic market. Cheeses, pasta, charcuterie, clothing, leather goods or decorative creations will seduce you.

The kite festival
The Verdon beach in La Couronne welcomes kite enthusiasts every year for an incredible show in the sky. More than ten countries are represented at this event which honors the emblematic figures of our childhood. Demonstrations, workshops, entertainment are offered during these three days of celebration.
 
Pedestrian race Martigues - Carro
Put on your trainers and get ready for the start! From the city center of Martigues, head towards the port of Carro via the hills of Saint-Julien-les-Martigues and the Mediterranean seaside. A 17km race enjoyed by all running enthusiasts. Under the encouragement of the crowd around the course, the runners of Martigues - Carro always keep a memorable memory!

National boules week in Martigues
It's under the Halle de Martigues and on all the grounds of the city that it's happening! More than 1000 participants and three major competitions over more than two weeks of competition to honor this sport that drives us in the South of France: petanque and Provençal games! Passionate licensees flock from around the world to participate in this major national competition.
  •  - © Otmartigues / KarimK
The feast of the sea and Saint-Pierre
Martigues, fishing town. Saint-Pierre, the patron saint of fishermen, is celebrated here through a procession. Activities (water jets, games of yesteryear, ...), a jousting competition, a designer market, ... There are so many activities around water that will delight young and old. A celebration of the sea and Saint-Pierre awaited each year by a large number of visitors.

The Venetian evening
It is traditional that the Venetian evening takes place on the first Saturday of July in Martigues. A city center in celebration for this exceptional evening. In music, enjoy the concerts, parades and shows offered around the restaurants open in large numbers for the occasion.