La Ciotat is a commune in the Bouches-du-Rhône department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southern France. It is part of the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis.
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Cassis is a commune situated east of Marseille in the department of Bouches-du-Rhône in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, whose coastline is known in English as the French Riviera, in Southern France. In 2016, it had a population of 7,265.
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Accessible to all and ideal for exploring the French Riviera, this boat tour to the Calanques of Marseille and Cassis guarantees an unforgettable experience from Bandol! Aboard an environmentally-friendly solar-powered hybrid vessel, this guided crui...
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The Calanque de Sugiton is one of the numerous Calanques located between Marseille and Cassis, France. While quite small, Sugiton is perhaps the most known of all Marseille Calanques, simply because it can be easily accessed by hikers, starting from Luminy University Campus, and because it is open to tourists even during hot season, unlike most Calanques.
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The Calanque de Morgiou is one of the biggest calanques located between Marseille and Cassis. Formerly a fishing port, it is famous for the gigantic tuna fishing organized there in 1622, when the king Louis XIII paid a visit to Marseille.
Learn more Book this experienceGuillaume Mottet has been a professional climbing instructor for many years, and will guide you safely up the most beautiful cliffs in southern Provence. This magnificent via cordata route in La Ciotat, accessible to all, will delight you if you'...
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Bendor Island is a French island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is located 300m off the coast from the commune of Bandol, in the Var department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in south eastern France.
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Le Castellet is a commune in the Var department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in Southeastern France. It consists of a small feudal village perched on a cliff edge and its surroundings.
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Rent a sea kayak in Bandol and enjoy a moment of freedom and relaxation on the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean! Imagine strolling freely around the Bay of Bandol, enjoying the fresh sea air and sunshine at the same time! With a sea kayak re...
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The Massif des Calanques is a wild and rugged terrain stretching from the ninth arrondissement of Marseille to the east towards Cassis, spanning 20 km in length and 4 km in width along the coast. Its highest peak is Mont Puget at 565m. The area has been protected by a national park since 2012.
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Come and spend some time on a paddle in the creeks of La Ciotat, near Marseille, for an unforgettable ride. For a half-day or a full day, Quentin, instructor of the H2O school, proposes you to join him for a paddle ride in the Calanques National Park...
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Le Beausset is a commune in the Var department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.
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Explore the Calanques National Park via different electric bike rides and enjoy breathtaking panoramas! Between Marseille and La Ciotat, the Calanques National Park is a natural area both on land and in the sea, and a visit to it is a must during a s...
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Sanary-sur-Mer is a commune in the Var department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France. It is located in coastal Provence on the Mediterranean Sea 13 km from Toulon and 49 km from Marseille.
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The Stade Vélodrome, known as the Orange Vélodrome for sponsorship reasons, is a multi-purpose stadium in Marseille, France. It is home to the Olympique de Marseille football club of Ligue 1 since it opened in 1937, and was a venue in the 1998 FIFA World Cup, the 2007 Rugby World Cup and the UEFA Euro 2016.
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10 pictures of La Ciotat from Alexej Bowdurez, Valentin Antonucci, Sousou TakesPics and other travelers
Travel to La Ciotat if you like:
🏖️ Ocean 🏖️ Shore ⛰️ Hill ⛰️ MountainTo get to La Ciotat, fly into the international airport in Marseille (MRS), which is roughly 57 km away from the town. From the airport, you can either rent a car or take a train to La Ciotat. The train journey from Marseille to La Ciotat takes about 45 minutes.
Before your trip, it's a good idea to book accommodations and reserve any guided tours or water activities you'd like to take part in. During the high season (June to August), La Ciotat can be quite busy, so securing your bookings in advance is recommended.
The costs of visiting La Ciotat will depend on your personal preferences and travel style. Budget travelers can expect to spend around €50-€70 per day, while mid-range travelers may spend between €100-€150 per day. Luxury travelers can expect to spend upwards of €200 per day.
Some of the best things to do in La Ciotat include lounging on the beautiful beaches, exploring the Calanques National Park, and visiting the historic shipyard, La Ciotat Shipyards. For adventure seekers, there are plenty of water-based activities such as sailing, scuba diving, and paddleboarding.
For dining in La Ciotat, there are several recommendations to suit different tastes. La Brocherie is a popular and affordable option, offering delicious seafood dishes and a cozy atmosphere. For a more upscale experience, visit La Goelette, which serves Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood. If you're looking for a more casual dining experience, try Chez Tania for some mouthwatering pizza and Italian dishes.
When it comes to accommodations, La Ciotat offers a range of options. For a budget-friendly stay, consider booking a room at the Ibis La Ciotat, which is located close to the town center and the beach. For a mid-range option, try the Hotel Plage Saint-Jean, a charming hotel with a swimming pool and sea views. For a luxury experience, the Rose Thé is a beautiful boutique hotel with exceptional service and elegant rooms.
Off the beaten path:
For an unusual travel experience in La Ciotat, consider visiting the Eden Theatre, the world's oldest movie theater still in operation. Built in 1889, the theater offers a unique glimpse into the history of cinema and hosts regular film screenings. Additionally, you can explore the Parc du Mugel, a beautiful botanical garden tucked away from the bustling town center. The park offers a peaceful retreat with lush greenery, exotic plants, and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Located in the Bouches-du-Rhône department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, La Ciotat is a French city located near Marseille. La Ciotat, an old port city ideally located on the Mediterranean coast, is a must-see if you visit the region. Located between the sea and the hills, La Ciotat has kept the authenticity of a small town. The gulf, the beaches, the Calanques, the old town, a mild climate all year round make La Ciotat a great destination.
The Calanques National Park is without any doubt a place to discover if you visit La Ciotat. Indeed, the city is a gateway to this national park. It is known all over the world for the beauty of its landscapes and its remarkable biodiversity. Its geology shelters several creeks and extends to the green island. You will discover in particular the emblematic cliffs. You can also discover these creeks by climbing, mountain biking, sea kayaking or hiking. It's a total immersion in nature.
The historic heart of La Ciotat is full of treasures. While strolling, from its fishing port to its colorful streets, you will notice remarkable architectural elements. Notre-Dame de la Garde Chapel, Saint-Jean or the Minimes belong to the city's heritage. Take the opportunity to observe the superb details of the alleys: beautiful doors, sculpted facades, balconies, or vaulted passages. Take a break in one of the squares, such as the Sadi Carnot square with its superb fountain. It's a good way to soak up the atmosphere of the city. Finally, discover the Eden-Théâtre cinema, a must for all cinema enthusiasts. Indeed, the Eden-Théâtre is the oldest cinema in the world still in activity. You will even be able to learn more about the creation of cinema.
In La Ciotat, there is no shortage of beaches and there is something for everyone. Beyond the 2.4 miles (4 km) of public beaches that run along La Ciotat, the creeks also offer magnificent coves to explore. Among the most famous, you will discover the Calanque de Figuerolles and its turquoise water and pebble beach. The Mugel cove is also very well known since, with its two beaches, it is the largest in La Ciotat. Moreover, it benefits from an incredible view on Ile Verte. This wooded island, unique by its greenery in the Bouches-du-Rhône department, is a small piece of uninhabited paradise.
Parking areas in the city are quite limited, the parking lots are often crowded and expensive. There are some free parking lots, but you have to hope that there are some spaces left. The ideal is to park your car as soon as you find a place and to do as much as possible on foot.
Marseille and La Ciotat are very close, so it is imperative to make these two destinations during your stay. There is a train from Marseille to La Ciotat-Ceyreste, then a bus change to take you to the city center. This solution takes 1h30. The L069 bus takes about 40 minutes and costs only €2, by car it will take you 25 minutes.
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🏖️ Shore spots 🌊 Ocean spots ⛰️ Hill spots ⛰️ Mountain spots 🏞️ River spots 🏘️ Town spotsExplore popular touristic places around La Ciotat
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