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La Ciotat

Tourism and Travel Guide

La Ciotat is a seaside resort in the Bouches-du-Rhône department which offers a privileged setting for water activities such as diving, sailing, kayaking, boat trips, etc. The sandy beaches and rocky inlets of La Ciotat are particularly famous: Lumiere beach, Calanque du Mugel beach, Cyrnos beach, La Calanque de Figuerolles… La Ciotat is also one of the most beautiful bays in the world.

Every year, the tourist attractions of the town and the richness of its heritage attract many tourists. From Our Lady of the Assumption Church to the Blue Penitents Chapel via Place Sadi Carnot, the town center is steeped in history. Enjoy the beauty and charm of La Ciotat, typical of the towns and villages of the region. During your holidays, you can visit, alone or with a guide, the Eden-Théâtre, the oldest cinema in the world. With the aim of preserving and promoting the town’s heritage, Musée Ciotaden preserves the memories of the past.

If you feel like tasting the culinary specialties of the region such as panisses, or anchoiade, just go to the farmers’ market. If you want to immerse yourself in the local culture and meet the locals, note that many events are organized throughout the year such as the great parade of the Magi, the carnival and more.

Hiking enthusiasts will be able to take advantage of their stay in La Ciotat to discover the surrounding area and climb up to admire the bay. The town is bordered by the highest cliffs in Europe which connect Cassis to La Ciotat by the Route des Crêtes.

Eden-Théâtre

The Eden-Théâtre was built in 1889. It is the oldest movie theater in the world still in operation. The first Lumière movies were shown at the Eden-Théâtre, some of which were shot in La Ciotat. It was renovated in 2013 within the scope of Marseille Provence European Capital of Culture. Today, the building is a real heritage treasure and a distinguished movie theater with an innovative program. Every year, guided tours of the theater are organized.

Musée Ciotaden

Musée Ciotaden, guardian of the local heritage, opens its doors to you. In the 15 rooms of the building, more than 1,500 objects are on display, retracing the economic and maritime history of the town as well as the traditions, the place of religion, the invention of the movie projector or even the game of boules (pétanque). Each room has its own theme. You will be able to discover the species of fauna and flora of La Ciotat, period ceramics and costumes, archives, etc.

La Bastide Marin

La Bastide Marin is listed as a historical monument and its mansion, gardens and educational farm can be visited. Formerly a hospitable bastide, it was also a summer resort and a refuge during the maritime attacks. Discover its various areas which include an educational vineyard, an olive grove, a threshing floor, a wheat field, an ethno-botanical garden, a garden with medicinal plants, a medieval-inspired garden with forgotten vegetables and an area for meditation, reading or naps.

Parc du Mugel

Classified as a Remarkable Garden, the Parc du Mugel extends over 17 hectares. It shelters a bamboo grove, cacti, aromatic plants, chestnut trees, tropical plants, and more. These different plant species thrive in a microclimate. The park also has two shingle beaches. Walk in the park and admire the incredible view of Île Verte and Anse du Sec with the lookout located 82 meters above the sea. The town has undertaken major adjustments to make the place pleasant: picnic areas, children’s games…

Île Verte

Île Verte (Green Island), which is part of the Calanques National Park, is facing La Ciotat. A boat ride from the port of La Ciotat will take you to the shore to discover this wooded island. A 2 km marked trail offers the possibility to go around the island. On the road, you can stop to appreciate the landscape and enjoy the Seynerolles calanque, La Plageolle or Fort Saint Pierre, a vestige of the old fortifications. From the island you can enjoy a breathtaking view overlooking the harbor and the Bec de l’Aigle (Eagle’s beak), ideal for photography lovers.

Practical information

  • Tourist Office of La Ciotat: https://destinationlaciotat.com/
  • Road service: A50 Highway (from Marseille or Toulon)
  • Air access: Toulon-Hyères Airport (55 minutes), Marseille Provence Airport (1 hour)
  • Railroad access: train station
  • Discover also : La Ciotat markets

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