Rand'eau Douce commented walk

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  • Group of Rand'eau douce walkers in the city center of Martigues, along the canals.
  • Close-up of jars diffusing water in a fountain, seen during the Rand'eau douce walking tour in Martigues
  • Close-up of a manhole cover in the street on which it is written Canal de Martigues. It is the only plaque still existing.
  • Participants of the Rand'eau douce in the city center, admiring the fountains and the typical architecture of Martigues
  • Participants of Rand'eau Douce admiring the oldest fountain in Martigues having belonged to the famous Jourdan family.
Group of Rand'eau douce walkers in the city center of Martigues, along the canals.Close-up of jars diffusing water in a fountain, seen during the Rand'eau douce walking tour in MartiguesClose-up of a manhole cover in the street on which it is written Canal de Martigues. It is the only plaque still existing.Participants of the Rand'eau douce in the city center, admiring the fountains and the typical architecture of MartiguesParticipants of Rand'eau Douce admiring the oldest fountain in Martigues having belonged to the famous Jourdan family.

Presentation

Experience an immersion in the heart of Martigues by walking 7 km under the theme of fresh water. Bernard, president of the Randonnée Ski Découverte (RSD) association, will guide you through a surprising historical heritage where each street corner reveals a vestige linked to water. Discover the history of the Martigues Canal, which once drew its source from Tholon, supplying the districts of Ferrières and l'Île under the influence of the Counts of Provence.

Along the way, you will admire fountains still in operation and old buildings transformed into cisterns, witnesses of a past where fresh water was vital. You will also explore the surroundings of the Martigues aqueduct, discreet and blended into the landscape, and learn surprising anecdotes about the Jonquières district, once marshy, where rushes were plunged to attract game.

One of the jewels of this visit is the fountain of Place Mirabeau, moved from one district to another by the Jourdan family, who also owned the old hotel La Goutte d'Or. And if you look up, you can see the old ramparts that still overlook the streets of Martigues.

This hike is a unique opportunity to appreciate the importance of fresh water in the history and urban landscape of Martigues, while enjoying the rich local anecdotes.

 

Practical information
  • Schedule :
    • Departure time : 14h
    • Return time : 17h
    • Duration : 3h
  • Date(s) :
    • The visit takes place 26 April 2025
  • By reservation :
    • Yes
  • Supervised visit :
    • Yes
  • Place of departure :
    • In front of the Tourist Office of Martigues
  • Prices :
    • Single price : 5 €
  • Important to know :
    • Pets aren't allowed
    • Strollers not allowed
  • Tour is currently closed :
    • Full
Accessibility
  • Disabled :
    • Visit non-accessible to people with limited mobility

About

Conditions of saleUseful information :
Provide comfortable shoes, hat, sunscreen and bottle of water.
For your comfort, we advise you to arrive approximately 15 minutes before the start of the visit.
Correct outfit required.

Cancellation conditions: if a customer cannot attend the visit, the visit will not be refunded or postponed. Only the cancellation of the visit by the organizers due to an insufficient number of participants or other could lead to a possible refund or postponement. No refund will be granted to the late customer.
Live the experience: Questions & Reviews"It was a pleasant and enriching hike."_ Barbara"A very knowledgeable guide, though the explanations were perhaps a bit too long and detailed. A very enjoyable walk."_ Frédérique

What is the hiking route ? 

The Rand'eau Douce is a 6 km walking tour through the city center of Martigues.

What is the theme of the tour ? 

The main theme is freshwater and the hydraulic heritage of Martigues.

When is the next Rand'eau Douce ? 

The next dates are Saturday, February 22, 2025, and Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 2 PM to 5 PM.

What is the price ? 

The flat rate is €5 per person.

Where is the starting point ? 

The tour departs from the Martigues Office of Tourism and Leisure, located at Quai des Anglais.

Who leads the hike ? 

The tour is led by Bernard, president of the Randonnée Ski Découverte (RSD) association.

What will participants discover during the visit ? 

Participants will see fountains, wells, washhouses, the old Martigues Canal, and hear anecdotes about the city’s hydraulic history.

Is the hike accessible to everyone ? 

The hike is not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers.

What is the maximum group size ? 

The group is limited to a maximum of 15 people.

Is advance booking required ? 

Yes, booking is necessary as spots are limited and the event may be fully booked.

Map

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FICHE_INFO_SIMPLE_LIBELLE_DESTINATION
Office de Tourisme de Martigues
Quai des Anglais
13500
MARTIGUES
GPS coordinates
Latitude : 43.40456
Longitude : 5.05476
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