Hikers' Day: A blend of nature and heritage

A morning hike along the stone quarries trail

The day begins at Carro harbour, the starting point of the stone quarries hike. This route follows old paths once walked by quarrymen, dotted with historic landmarks and local anecdotes that tell the story of an activity long since disappeared. Between scrubland and remnants of past quarrying, the hike offers a different reading of the Côte Bleue landscape, where nature and industrial heritage blend authentically. An accessible walk that invites you to observe and understand, off the beaten track, and especially peaceful outside peak season.

Good to know when hiking in Martigues: The stone quarries trail is walkable year-round, but autumn and winter bring soft light and fewer visitors, ideal for making the most of the viewpoints. Bring good walking shoes, as the terrain can be rocky in places.
 

A lunch break and a visit to the quarry church

The route then leads to the village of La Couronne, where lunch is served at Sous Les Pins restaurant, a welcoming spot tucked into a peaceful natural setting. The afternoon begins with a visit to the stone quarries church, a singular place that still houses the old tools once used by the quarrymen inside its walls. This rare, moving testimony to the craft of stoneworking perfectly complements the morning's hike, offering a fresh perspective on local history, between faith and hard labour.

Good to know when hiking in Martigues: Booking a table at Sous Les Pins is recommended, especially on weekends, to make the most of this break at the heart of the village. The quarry church is generally open to visit freely, but it's best to check opening hours beforehand.

An afternoon between local memory and dinner on the harbour

The day continues back in the village of Carro with a visit to the small Carro museum, entirely dedicated to the local history of fishing. This self-guided visit is enriched by the presence of a former fisherman, a true living memory of the village, who shares his memories and stories of maritime life in days gone by with real passion. An authentic, warm moment that adds real depth to the day. To close this immersion in nature and heritage, head to Le Chalut restaurant, a true institution on Carro harbour, for dinner facing the water, in a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere.

Good to know when hiking in Martigues: The former fisherman's presence at Carro museum may vary from day to day, so it's worth checking with the Tourist Office before you go. As Le Chalut is a firm favourite with regulars, booking is recommended, especially to secure a table with harbour views at sunset.