Built at the same time as Marseille (-600 BC), the old port of la Ciotat has both fishing and leisure boats. The walk along the quays is very pleasant and will make you discover the historical heritage of the town.
Notre Dame de l’Assomption Church has paintings tracing the history of la Ciotat. As for instance, how the Grand Saint Antoine boat could not land in la Ciotat, and therefore prevented the city from the plague epidemic in 1720 (If you have time, visit Notre Dame de la Garde chapel for its sailors’ ex-votos and for the landscape). At the entrance of the port, there is a beautiful building with a XIXth century clock tower. You will learn a lot from it, it is the museum of la Ciotat. The green lighthouse in font was built at the place of the old fort-prison of Bérouard. For 300 years it protected the entrance of the port and many prisoners. The fort was destroyed in 1895 after the dockyards expanded. We still see the big crossbars, and today, it is still used to restore luxury ships. In the distance we can glimpse the Bec de l’Aigle, overhanging the beautiful natural park of the Mugel, and Ile Verte. You can go to this island to spend the day thanks to the sea shuttle leaving from the old port. On the port, you can taste the local fishes, discover the fairground market open every Sunday from 8am to 2pm, and if you are lucky, a provencal joust tournament.
Access to l'île verte
The crossing to l'île Verte is without reservation, go directly to boarding.
In July and August, the shuttle comes every hour from 9am to 6pm. In April, May, June and September, it is from 10am to 5pm.
(See the timetables)
Shuttle and price (no booking)
- L'île verte (15min): To access to l'île verte and go for a walk, swim, fish...
Round trip: Adult: 13 euros, Children: 8 euros (under 10)
Visit of the calanques
The visit of the calanques by boat is from April 4th to November 6th with no booking.
In the summertime, the boats leave every 30 minutes, from 9:00 am to 18:30pm, including during weekends and public holidays.
On the coast between La ciotat to Cassis, you will mainly see the Bec de l'Aigle, the calanque de Figuerolles, and the high cliffs of the Cap Canaille.
(More information and timetables: Visitor center of la Ciotat)
The calanques are also accessible during boat tours with swimming (Booking is required)