Jonquières Market
The city's largest market with 140 vendors, offering food products, clothing, and local handicrafts.
Plizio Visual Lab
Often called Mediterranean caviar, this cured mullet roe is a local delicacy best bought at the fish market.
Try this classic Provençal fish stew at a seafood restaurant along the Canal de Saint-Sébastien.
Chickpea flour fries are a popular snack available at local street food stalls and markets.
A lively Provençal market on Thursday and Sunday mornings, excellent for olives, lavender, and fabrics.
Explore the narrow streets of L'Île to find small galleries and local crafts.
A massive natural park just outside the city with pine forests, walking trails, and a small farm.
While busy in summer, it's a calm and beautiful sheltered cove in the off-season.
Water temperature…
The city's largest market with 140 vendors, offering food products, clothing, and local handicrafts.
In the heart of the historic center, this artist exhibits her latest creations all summer long in her gallery-workshop.
As part of the European Archaeology Days, come and visit the Tholon archaeological site in Martigues.
Enjoy a festive moment sharing a 100% Peasants and Co country meal, crafted entirely from local farm productions!
Join us at the Saint-Julien stadium for the traditional flea market organized by the RC Saint-Julien football club.
A 13.5km footrace following the original route of the first edition. Start in Martigues and cross the villages of the Côte Bleue to reach the port of Carro.
Described as the "most beautiful criterium in the region," the Venetian Round will once again gather over 100 cyclists in Martigues.
As part of the Saint Pierre festival, the Rameurs Vénitiens association organizes this traditional rowing challenge with public participation.
Discover new bands and enjoy a high-energy Death Metal evening at the Salle du Grès in Ferrières city center, hosted by Groudoudou Events.
Martigues hosts this Argentine tango ball surrounded by terraces and restaurants at the magical Place de la Libération, featuring a resin floor perfect for dancers.
Often referred to as the Venice of Provence, the city of Martigues in the Bouches-du-Rhône department is defined by a network of wide canals that physically connect the Mediterranean Sea to the massive Étang de Berre lagoon. The most visually striking sector is the Quartier de l'Île, a central island district linked to the mainland banks by historic stone bridges. This specific neighborhood contains the Miroir aux Oiseaux, a mirror-like stretch of water lined with pastel-painted fishing houses and traditional wooden boats, which heavily drew the attention of 19th and 20th-century painters like Félix Ziem and Eugène Delacroix. The paintings produced by these artists are currently housed in the municipal Musée Ziem, which also displays significant Gallo-Roman archaeological artifacts found in the area. In culinary terms, the city is firmly recognized for Poutargue; this cured, pressed mullet roe is locally known as the caviar of Martigues and is still processed by hand in small regional workshops. On the edge of the downtown grid, the massive modern Martigues viaduct spans the Caronte canal, signaling the city's heavy industrial port capacity, while the shoreline south of the center provides clear access to the hidden sandy coves of the Côte Bleue.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 8 | 8 | 11 | 14 | 18 | 22 | 25 | 25 | 21 | 17 | 12 | 8 |
| Rain mm | 45 | 35 | 38 | 47 | 43 | 28 | 16 | 21 | 54 | 73 | 87 | 45 |
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Begin your morning admiring the picturesque reflections at the Miroir aux Oiseaux. Midday brings artistic inspiration at the Muzeul Ziem followed by striking modern views at Teatrul Salins. In the afternoon, relax on the sands of Plaja Ferrières. As evening falls, gaze at the grand Viaductul Caronte.
Morning rain gives the canal-side houses a glossy, intense look, perfect for moody photography. By noon, the museum and theater provide dry havens for culture seekers escaping the downpour. The afternoon walk to the viaduct is dramatic under gray skies but requires sturdy, waterproof shoes for the docks. In the evening, city lights reflect beautifully on wet pavements as you find a cozy spot.
The crisp winter air makes the colors of Martigues appear exceptionally clear and bright. Morning sun warms the quays, while noon calls for cozy indoor retreats in the museum. Since it gets dark around 17:00, make sure to visit the outdoor landmarks earlier in the afternoon. Spend the evening in a heated brasserie enjoying warm local dishes and atmosphere.
Cycle past the colorful boats of the Miroir aux Oiseaux and explore fine arts at Muzeul Ziem. Around midday, pedal down to Plaja Ferrières for a sunny break, then glide under the massive Viaductul Caronte. The afternoon leads you along the Canalul de Caronte to the historic Fortul de Bouc.
Cycling in the rain requires caution on Martigues' slippery bridges and quays. In the morning, ride along glossy canals to the museum, where you can park under cover. By noon, the long route to the fort demands full waterproof gear. The afternoon offers raw beauty along the Caronte canal despite the drizzle. Return in the evening via well-lit, paved paths for safety.
Winter cycling in Martigues is a joy when the sky is clear. In the morning, the physical activity keeps you warm as you explore the quays. By noon, the museum is an ideal stop to thaw out. The route to the fort is challenging in the winter wind but offers fantastic lighting. As the sun sets early, plan to be back in the center by 17:00 before it gets too cold.
Start the day with a refreshing walk in Parcul Figuerolles before driving to the heart of Martigues for the Miroir aux Oiseaux. Midday features the art at Muzeul Ziem and the towering Viaductul Caronte. Your afternoon wraps up exploring the coastal Fortul de Bouc and relaxing at Plaja Ferrières.
Exploring Martigues by car is comfortable even during heavy rain. In the morning, enjoy the views of Figuerolles Park through the windshield without getting wet. By noon, use the central parking lots to reach the museum with minimal exposure to rain. The afternoon drive to Fort de Bouc is spectacular with the rough sea nearby. Spend the evening admiring the city lights from your car.
In winter, a car is the best way to see Martigues without feeling the chill of the Mistral. In the morning, visit Figuerolles Park where the winter sun peeks through the pines. By noon, the heated museum in the center provides a perfect cultural escape. The afternoon drive to Fort de Bouc is a must for the crisp light. Since it gets dark at 17:00, end your day at a well-lit restaurant.
At the Étang de Berre in Martigues, the artificial beach of Ferrières welcomes its visitors. In the French coastal region, this spot serves as an excellent base for families looking to combine water sports with a relaxing swim. The lively yet accessible environment ensures carefree hours by the shore. Sun umbrellas are highly recommended on hot days.
