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Martigues


martigues, french riviera, provence

8 km from Port de Bouc, 9 km from Sausset-les-Pins, 13 km from Fos sur Mer, 17 km from Saint Chamas, Ensuès la Redonne

Altitude: 12 m
Population: 44256

Located between Marseille and Istres, the blue skies of Martigues reflect the blue water that runs through it. Surrounded by calanques, the town lies on the banks of the Étang de Berre marshland and is linked to the sea by the Chenal de Caroute.
Traces of human occupation in the area have been found in what is now the Quartier de l'Île, dating the town to the fifth century BC..

martigues, bouches du rhône port, boat, étang de berre

The delightful districts of Martigues-Ferrières, Martigues-Jonquières and Martigues-l’Île are separated from each other by the town’s network of canals – these are joined by a number of ancient bridges, and Martigues is often referred to as the 'Venice of Provence'.

What to see and visit: a daily fish market in Carro; the archaeological museum (archaeology-graffiti-stone inscriptions); the Ziem gallery (paintings and sculptures); the ancient revolving bridge; the Chapelle de l’Annonciade; the Chapelle de Saint-Julien (an archaeological site); the Chapelle de Saint-Pierre (Oppidum); the Phare du Cap Couronne (tower, belfry, campanile)…
Recommended activities: water sports, fishing, horse riding, boat trips on the canals and out to sea, walking, cycling routes.