Discover Martigues, nicknamed "the Venice of Provence", on an 6 km hike on the fascinating theme of fresh water. Far from the salt waters that surround the city, this walk immerses you in its hydraulic past.
Accompanied by a passionate guide, you will explore the picturesque alleys and hidden treasures of the city. Each stage of this guided hike will allow you to understand the importance of fresh water in the daily life of the Martigues people, a precious resource that has shaped the identity of this Mediterranean city.
You will learn that the inhabitants of each district had their own source of drinking water supplied by the Martigues Canal, which has now disappeared. Did you know that the fountain located on Place Mirabeau was moved from Cours du 4 Septembre in Jonquières by the Jourdan family following the extension of their hotel "La Goutte d'Or"? That the entrance to Martigues began at the intersection of Avenue Frédérique Mistral and that part of the Jonquières district was nothing but marshland? That buildings that are still in use were once used as cisterns, that when you look up you will see now-forgotten ramparts and that old wells can be found in the heart of the gardens of recent buildings?
Under the commentary of Bernard, president of the Randonnée Ski Découverte (RSD) association, you will take a new look at the architectural heritage of Martigues. The past has left traces that we do not notice on a daily basis. Take advantage of this unusual stroll in the city center to combine business with pleasure.
Not accessible by stroller
You will learn that the inhabitants of each district had their own source of drinking water supplied by the Martigues Canal, which has now disappeared. Did you know that the fountain located on Place Mirabeau was moved from Cours du 4 Septembre in Jonquières by the Jourdan family following the extension of their hotel "La Goutte d'Or"? That the entrance to Martigues began at the intersection of Avenue Frédérique Mistral and that part of the Jonquières district was nothing but marshland? That buildings that are still in use were once used as cisterns, that when you look up you will see now-forgotten ramparts and that old wells can be found in the heart of the gardens of recent buildings?
Under the commentary of Bernard, president of the Randonnée Ski Découverte (RSD) association, you will take a new look at the architectural heritage of Martigues. The past has left traces that we do not notice on a daily basis. Take advantage of this unusual stroll in the city center to combine business with pleasure.
Not accessible by stroller
Accessibility
Accessibility
Not accessible in a wheelchair
Rates
Rates
From 21 February 2026 to 18 April 2026
From 21 February 2026 to 18 April 2026
One price
€5.00
Payment methods
Payment methods
Payment methods
Bank/credit card
Cash
Online payment
Contactless paymentGroups (Max capacity)
Groups (Max capacity)
- 5 Person (s) mini
- 15 Maximum number of people
Accepted customers
Accepted customers
- Walkers/hikers
Opening times
Opening times
On 21 February 2026
- 14:00 at 17:00
On 18 April 2026
- 14:00 at 17:00
Dates to be confirmed
Location
Location
Contact Rand'eau douce in Martigues
- www.martigues-tourisme.com
Spoken languages
Spoken languages
Access
Access
- - By bike: bicycle parking is provided in front of the tourist office.
- By Bus: the Ulysse local bus service and the Cartreize departmental bus service stop in front of the police station and the town hall, 250 m from the tourist office.
- By boat: the landing stage for the free maritime shuttle which links the three districts of the city is 200 m behind the town hall.
- By train: the two railway stations (TER Marseille Miramas, almost 20 trains every day) in the Croix Sainte and Lavéra districts are accessible via the local bus system.
