Top Maritime Know-How

Shellfish farming from Anse de Carteau to Port Saint-Louis du Rhône

The little-known, award-winning Provençal oyster

In Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône, shellfish farming is a skill handed down through generations. The aquaculture cooperative represents around forty local shellfish farmers who raise oysters at depths of 4 to 7 metres off Anse de Carteau cove, in the heart of the Camargue Regional Nature Reserve. You can purchase them directly on site from Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to midday. Somewhat little-known, these oysters are exceptional products that have swept up awards at the prestigious Concours Général Agricole in Paris and are served by the region’s top chefs. They represent just 10% of national production. Les Viviers de Carteau and Joaline Coquillages, located respectively in They Saint-Antoine and Avenue de la Première Division Française Libre, also in Anse de Carteau, sell their fresh shellfish every day on site from 8.30-12 a.m.

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Le Saga, the world’s largest civilian submarine

By Cousteau in L’Estaque

Push open the doors to this hangar in the Marseille port of L’Estaque and step back into the history of maritime exploration… In 1966, Jacques-Yves Cousteau designed Le Saga as “an autonomous, powered house under the sea.” Capable of remaining submerged for 21 days, this submarine is the proud holder of the world record for the deepest diver lock-out operation from a submarine at 317 metres. Today, volunteers from the association “Les Compagnons du Saga” watch over this giant of the seas measuring 28 metres and weighing in at 300 metric tons. They love sharing their passion for this exceptional craft with visitors and offer fascinating guided tours, including the submarine’s engine room and bridge.

Practical info: 2-hour guided tours by appointment (14 years and over)

Provençal Water Jousting at L’Estaque

Part of Provence’s living heritage

Various engravings depict Provence’s taste for water jousting as far back as 1720. At the time, the combats took place mostly on Marseille’s Vieux-Port (Old Port) and were an opportunity for fishermen to find an “amicable” settlement to their disagreements. Now an intrinsic part of Provence’s living heritage, the jousts have become more of a sporting challenge and go hand-in-hand with delightful popular celebrations. In Marseille, the “Fine Lance Estaquéenne” club continues to uphold and hand down this extraordinary tradition from May to September every year.

GPES, France’s oldest diving club in La Ciotat

A mythical venue in the diving world

At one time or another, diving world legends Jacques-Yves Cousteau and his faithful companions Marseille-born Albert Falco, Pierre Perraud and diver and film director Christian Pétron, have all been members of the GPES (Fishing & Underwater Studies Group): France’s oldest diving club based in La Ciotat. The club was formed in June 1941 and Jean-Flavien Borelli, father of the French Federation of Underwater Studies and Sport, was its first chairman. Today, Jean Barthe has been heading up the club for nearly 40 years. With its incredible capacity (38 divers), the GPES hosts dives and training sessions all year round in the bay of La Ciotat and around Ile Verte. Simply magical.

La Maison de la Construction Navale in La Ciotat

Homage to the town’s industrial past

The cradle of cinema and pétanque, La Ciotat was also home to one of France’s largest shipyards between 1849 and the late 1980s. The site, with its unique maritime expertise, underwent a boom in the early 19th century, with the arrival of new materials and power sources. Today, the Maison de la Construction Navale continues to uphold the memory of this great industrial odyssey through exhibitions, talks and film screenings, as well as shipyard tours (please book a month ahead).

Practical info: Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Shellfish and fish farming in Lazaret Bay, La-Seyne-sur-Mer

Shellfish to savour in a stunning setting

Nestled between La Seyne-sur-Mer and Saint-Mandrier peninsula, in the Bay of Toulon, Baie du Lazaret harbours a major fish and shellfish farming area. Passionate producers grow oysters and mussels on wooden stakes and raise sea bass, sea bream and meagre fish in this beautiful bay leading into open waters. You can purchase just-caught seafood there from Tuesday to Sunday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and tables are available throughout summer. It’s well worth going out of your way to savour the delicious, ultra-fresh fare, not to mention the stunning views over the wooden shacks in the bay at sundown…

Artisan spirulina producer, Clos Sainte Aurore in Hyères

A reputed artisan farm

The generous Provençal sunshine of Hyères provides ideal conditions for growing spirulina. The Clos Sainte-Aurore aquaculture farm – the only one of its kind bearing the “Qualité Tourisme” label – , produces 100% artisan, natural spirulina guaranteed free of OGMs, pesticides, preservatives and additives. The farm’s unique expertise exalts the qualities of this microscopic seaweed variety, already blessed with extraordinary properties: it is rich in proteins, vitamins, essential fatty acids, minerals and iron. Spirulina offers numerous health benefits, including increased energy, better recuperation and efficient muscle development.

Practical info: Free tours every afternoon, all year round.

Au Bec Fin, Provençal workshop in Cogolin

An ode to Provençal gastronomy

Au Bec Fin in Cogolin, in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, has been making traditional fine preserves that exalt the flavours of Provence for over 30 years. All their products are produced using artisan techniques, without the use of preservatives. And the catalogue is particularly well garnished, with a vast choice of mouthwatering organics honeys from the Alpilles, condiments (salt, pepper, olive oil, mustard, balsamic vinegar cream), soups and rouille sauce, together with fish and vegetable preparations for a sunny aperitif and ready-to-eat Provençal dishes (including of course the unmissable Bouillabaisse and Ratatouille). You’ll find a tempting range of sauces there too, including truffle – the “Black Gold of Provence” – and confits to pair with all types of dish. Bon appétit!

Practical info: free workshop tours Monday to Saturday from 9.30 to 12.30 a.m. and 2 to 6.30 p.m.

Port of Cros-de-Cagnes

Where maritime traditions and modernity meet

In the Twenties and Thirties, the port of Cros-de-Cagnes was the largest fishing port in the Alpes-Maritimes area. From its beginnings as a fishing village, it progressively evolved into a coveted seaside resort from the early Seventies onwards, while continuing to uphold its ancient heritage and maritime traditions. Erected by fishermen in 1866, the ochre-coloured Saint-Pierre chapel still stands witness to the port’s legacy, as do the traditional “pointu” fishing boats moored at the quayside. Don’t miss a stroll along the port to lap up the buzzing atmosphere when the boats come in, or the authentic ambience of the indoor fish market, where the daily catch is sold. In fine weather, you can opt for a guided tour to learn the secrets of this mythical site on the Côte d’Azur, where tradition and modernity continue to live side by side in perfect harmony.

Practical info: free guided tours on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. (mid-July to mid-September) departing from Cros-de-Cagnes Tourist Office, 99, Promenade de la Plage. Prior booking obligatory +33(0)4 93 20 61 64.