Calanque de Figuerolle

Calanques of La Ciotat: Figuerolle and Mugel

Much quieter and accessible than the neighboring Calanques of Cassis, these hidden gems are truly worth a visit. Serene, turquoise waters are surrounded by beautiful tall cliffs with smooth pebble rock beaches. Great spots for swimming, diving, snorkeling, spearfishing and climbing each with an adjacent restaurant.

Calanque de Mugel

Adjacent to the Calanques of Mugel, find the Parc Mugel. Perfect for a stroll and picnic in the shade with wonderful views.

Small tour boats depart several times each day from La Ciotat's Old Harbor offering a variety of calanque cruises.

Calanque de Cassis

Just twenty minutes away, this small fishing port and beach is nestled at the base of Cap Canaille and is a very popular tourist destination, especially in summer. Its famed calanques with their clear turquoise waters attract many fans by boat and which can make visiting during the high season a bit difficult. Stroll amongst the old quarters and shady square, or perhaps grab a bite to eat at one of the local cafes.

Sand Beach Across the Street

The coast of La Ciotat stretches over 19.5 km. Six sandy and pebble beaches cover approximately 6 km. La Grande Plage, just two blocks away at boulevard Beaurivage, is a gently sloping, sandy beach (safe for children). Cyrnos beach is just across the street is a smaller, less touristy beach with bathroom and outdoor showers, surrounded by The Capucins and Lumière beaches on either side. 

The Beaches of La Ciotat

Local pebble beaches include: The Mugel and Figuerolles creeks, Saint-Jean (a 10-minute walk), Fontsainte and Arène Cros.

Each beach is beautiful and offers fantastic, safe swimming for kids and adults alike

Ile Verte

The Ile Verte, located only ten minutes from the mainland coast by shuttle appears today as a hummock of greenery crowning the abrupt, bare cliffs.

This landscape makes it the only wooded island of the Bouches-du-Rhône area. Two creeks with crystal clear waters are idle for pleasurable idleness and daydreaming. From Fort Saint Pierre, a vast panorama opens over the bay and its surroundings.

La Routes des Cretes

La Route des Crêtes provides a breathtaking panoramic view. Viewpoints have been laid out so walkers can admire the exceptional sight over the Bay of La Ciotat to the islands of Marseilles. Then you will find the Semaphore at an altitude of 320 m.

Vieux Port

The old picturesque port provides shelter to many beautiful sail boats, waterfront bistros, pedestrian-friendly shops and restaurants. There's a fresh fish market daily until 11am.

La Ciotat Shipyard Cranes

The adjacent shipyard was founded in La Ciotat in 1622. In 1836, Louis Benet industrialized the shipyard, which remained the main source of wealth for the city until its closure at the end of the 1980s. Most of the shipyard activity was outdoors thanks to the clement weather, and the huge launching pads and cranes are still a part of the lanscape of La Ciotat. The main customers of the shipyard were the rich shipowners of Marseilles.