L’Île Verte (Green Island) - La Ciotat

Off the coast of the seaside resort of La Ciotat, in the Bouches-du-Rhône region, the Île Verte offers a true haven of tranquillity just a few hundred metres from the mainland. It is a former fortification designed to protect a town strategically located between Marseille and Toulon. The Île Verte has since become a refuge for Mediterranean flora and fauna, and a true paradise for nature lovers. Visit the Île Verte with your friends or family to have a great time and enjoy the sun of the French Riviera.

The nature of the Île Verte

The Ile Verte is the only wooded island in the Bouches-du-Rhône. Established as a departmental estate in 1963, it offers a glimpse of what could be a Mediterranean garden of Eden: pines, fragrant plants, birds and small mammals have taken up residence there, to the delight of nature lovers.

An easy path, marked out with educational panels, enables you to walk around the island in about an hour. You will enjoy a panoramic view of La Ciotat, the Bec de l’Aigle, with the blue hills of Provence in the background, which rise up to the crests of the Sainte-Baume.

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The Île Verte and the sea

Lovers of nautical activities will particularly appreciate the Ile Verte, a real underwater paradise only ten minutes by boat from La Ciotat!

The island’s coastline offers a multitude of small creeks and secret coves, which can be discovered by walkers at the bend in the road. Three beaches are particularly interesting for swimming enthusiasts. Near the landing stage, Saint-Pierre beach offers a unique Mediterranean charm. Easy to access, the beach of Seynerolle is located in the south of the island. The smallest beach, Plageolle, has a heavenly setting and clear waters.

Scuba diving enthusiasts know this unique diving spot in Provence. The Ile Verte is home to many shallow water fish, including several magnificent species. Several professional instructors and clubs can introduce you to diving in this sublime setting.

Fishing is also possible in the vicinity of the green island: wrasses, scorpion fish, moray eels, red mullet, sea bream are all present in these very pure waters.

Numerous other water sports activities are offered on site, or allow you to reach the island from the mainland: windsurfing, stand up paddle, sea excursions, sailboat or boat rental…

Fortifications and military remains

Its position made it an important military site very early on to prevent incursions by enemies of the Kingdom. In the 17th century, the Marshal of Trouville had two forts built there: Fort Saint-Louis, which has now disappeared, and Fort Saint-Pierre, of which only a few ruins remain.

During the Napoleonic Wars, the English briefly seized the island and built coastal batteries. One of them, on the eastern side of the island, is still visible. New fortifications were built in the 19th century, and artillery was installed during the First World War.

But the military history of the Ile Verte is closely linked to the World War II. The German forces transformed the site into a real entrenched camp, which was destroyed by Allied bombing in August 1944. Several ruined blockhouses bear witness to this history.

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Practical information

During the summer period, a shuttle bus runs between the Old Port of La Ciotat and the Ile Verte. The crossing takes about ten minutes.

Near the landing stage, you will find, among the facilities, a small restaurant that welcomes you for a gourmet break on the terrace. You can enjoy typical Mediterranean specialities or have a drink at the bar, with a breathtaking view of the sea and the coastline from your table (reservation recommended). You can also have a picnic with your family in the shade of the pine trees, taking care not to light any fires or leave any waste on the spot.

Dogs are allowed on the Ile Verte.