Your family vacation in Martigues

In Martigues and along the Côte Bleue, a family vacation takes on the feel of a gentle and joyful adventure. Here, everything is designed to welcome both young and old: accommodations equipped with baby beds, sandy beaches perfect for building sandcastles, parks and gardens for running, climbing, or observing farm animals at the Grand Parc de Figuerolles. The pedestrianized town center becomes a safe playground for strolling with a stroller, before setting off on a treasure hunt or a boat ride along the canals.

And when it’s time to enjoy a meal, friendly restaurants and children’s menus satisfy the whole family, with a sweet treat at the artisanal Gelateria Arnaldo as a bonus. Sun, nature, free activities, and Mediterranean flavors create the perfect recipe for a stress-free, laughter-filled vacation. In Martigues, each day becomes a story to tell, full of discoveries, games, and moments of togetherness.

Family-Friendly Accommodations

In Martigues, your family vacation begins the moment you arrive at your accommodation. Imagine unpacking at a welcoming campsite where your children immediately discover the paddling pool and playgrounds, while you set up the umbrella in peace. If you prefer having the beach at your doorstep, some residences offer direct access to the sand—the perfect setup for morning strolls or spontaneous swims anytime during the day. In hotels, baby beds, connecting rooms, and kid-friendly menus put parents at ease and make life easier. For a more intimate stay, guesthouses provide childcare equipment, making it simple to travel light.

All of this under a nearly guaranteed blue sky 360 days a year: true freedom to enjoy outdoor activities without worrying about the weather. Hotel areas are secure, ideal for letting your children run around safely. Surrounding them, sandy beaches and large green spaces naturally extend your days—building sandcastles, playing ball, or simply relaxing in the shade. Here, every accommodation becomes the perfect base for a gentle and serene family holiday.

Restaurants and Treats to Share as a Family

In Martigues, family meals are much more than just sitting around a table—they’re genuine vacation memories to savor together. At lunchtime, settle on a pedestrian terrace in the town center. Children can choose their own menu—often specially designed for them with small portions, simple dishes, and kid-friendly utensils—while you enjoy the lively atmosphere of the colorful streets. Here, families are always welcome, and everything is set up so that everyone finds something they enjoy.

When it comes to flavors, Martigues offers a delightful culinary discovery. Sample freshly grilled fish straight from the Mediterranean, sun-ripened vegetables flavored with olive oil, and the famous crispy panisses that children adore. If your teens want to mix things up, there’s no shortage of options: friendly pizzerias, Asian or Middle Eastern specialties, and international cuisine allow you to travel the world without leaving the Côte Bleue.

In the evening, why not dine with your feet in the sand, facing the sea? Many beachside restaurants welcome families, perfect for extending the day at a relaxed pace. If you’re staying at a campsite, communal tables let children play safely while parents enjoy their evening.

For a sweet treat that everyone will agree on, head to the ice cream shops. No visit is complete without a stop at Gelateria Arnaldo, a renowned artisanal ice cream shop known for its generous and inventive flavors. Between colorful cones and refreshing sundaes, it’s a favorite stop for both children and adults after a stroll.

In Martigues, meals are all about simplicity, conviviality, and culinary discoveries. From a quick lunch to a leisurely dinner on a terrace, every table becomes a new opportunity to share laughter, connection, and delicious moments with the family.

Family Parks, Gardens, and Beaches

A family day in Martigues often means the simple pleasure of a picnic in a park or an afternoon with your feet in the sand. In the morning, head to Parc Julien Olive or Parc du Gour: while the children play on the playgrounds, you can relax in the shade. At the Jardin Public de Ferrières, right in the city center, small fountains and flower-lined paths invite a peaceful pause. Then make your way to the Grand Parc de Figuerolles: soccer, kite flying, and rope courses for older kids (paid), and a free petting farm for the little ones—there’s something for everyone.

In the afternoon, it’s time for the sea! At Plage du Verdon or Plage de Sainte-Croix, spread out your towel on the soft sand, close to family-friendly showers and toilets. The city-center beach of Ferrières is also ideal: easy stroller access, and in summer, beach huts are ready for lunch or an ice cream with a view of the lagoon. At the end of the day, a ride along the Voie Verte de Carro—by bike or scooter—lets the family burn off a little extra energy in a safe setting with stunning Mediterranean views. Here, nature and the sea become your most beautiful playgrounds.

Activities and Entertainment Designed for Children

Imagine a family day in Martigues, filled with discoveries and children’s smiles. In the morning, head to the entirely pedestrianized town center: without cars, little ones can run, scoot, or stroll safely in their strollers. Together, you wander through streets with colorful façades, cross the bridges over the canals, and the adventure begins.

Next, visit the Ziem Museum. A pleasant surprise: entry is free! While you admire works inspired by the Mediterranean, your children can join a creative workshop that sparks their imagination. Just nearby, the Galerie de l’Histoire offers a fun stop to explore the city’s heritage in a playful way. And if it’s a show day at the Théâtre des Salins, why not share a cultural moment as a family, designed with young spectators in mind?

In the afternoon, the Tourist Office becomes the starting point for a big adventure. Children choose their mission: a Randoland trail with puzzles to solve, a treasure hunt with the “Chasseur de Trésor” box, or exploring the town center with the My Explore Bag backpack. Everyone becomes an explorer, and every street corner reveals a new clue.

To end the day on a high note, what could be better than a boat ride along the canals? In 45 minutes, the whole family enjoys a unique perspective of Martigues, the “Provençal Venice,” with its lively quays and colorful reflections.

And the extra bonus? Most of the city’s activities are free: workshops, street performances, animal encounters, or festive events like classic car gatherings. Plenty of opportunities to enrich your vacation while creating joyful and unforgettable memories for the whole family.