Martigues Travel Guide
City Coastal city in France with historic port
Sitting on canals off the Étang de Berre, Martigues mixes fishing ports, seafood restaurants, Provencal markets and boating; locals stroll quayside, eat bouillabaisse and watch fishermen mend nets.
Why Visit Martigues? #
Canals and lagoon vistas earn Martigues the nickname ‘Venice of Provence,’ especially around the L’Île district and the Miroir aux Oiseaux. Fishermen’s stalls, Provençal markets and seafood-focused restaurants reflect the town’s maritime heritage on the Étang de Berre. Contemporary art and walking routes along the canals balance relaxed port life with Provençal color. It’s a compact base for exploring nearby beaches and Marseille’s port neighborhoods.
Top Things to Do in Martigues
All Attractions ›
- Vieux Port de Martigues - Picturesque canals and colourful houses connecting town's three islands and quays.
- Musée Ziem - Museum devoted to Félix Ziem and regional maritime paintings with temporary exhibitions.
- Étang de Berre - Large Mediterranean lagoon for boat trips, fishing, and coastal walking routes nearby.
- Quartier de Ferrières - Historic fishermen's quarter with narrow lanes, traditional houses, and intimate cafés.
- Canal de Caronte promenade - Walk along Canal de Caronte to watch working barges and local harbour life.
- Marché de Martigues - Weekly market selling Provençal specialties, olives, and fresh seafood on the quays.
- Camargue (Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer) - Wild wetlands with flamingos, wild horses, and salt flats reachable within an hour's drive.
- Marseille - Historic port city with Old Port, Le Panier district, and contemporary MuCEM museum nearby.
Best Time to Visit Martigues #
Martigues feels Mediterranean-visit from late spring through early autumn for swimming, boating and lively waterfront life. Winters are mild and quieter, making it a good off‑peak time for a relaxed visit.
Best Time to Visit Martigues #
Martigues's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 4°C to 29°C. Moderate rainfall (624 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 18 mm and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm).
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with 99 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
How to Get to Martigues
Martigues is best reached via Marseille Provence Airport or by TER regional trains from Marseille. Local buses and taxis handle short hops around the lagoon-like town and neighbouring seaside areas.
Marseille Provence (MRS): Marseille Airport is the primary gateway for Martigues (≈30-35 km). From the airport take a taxi to Martigues (≈€40-€60, 30-40 minutes) or transfer into Marseille centre and take a TER train or regional bus to Martigues (total ≈45-70 minutes; fares from €5-€12).
Toulon-Hyères (TLN): Toulon’s airport is an alternative for some domestic routes but is further away (≈70-90 minutes by car).
Train: Martigues has rail connections via TER Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur; nearby stations include Martigues and the short ride to Marseille Saint-Charles (≈25-40 minutes). Fares are typically €3-€10 depending on distance and ticket type.
Bus: Regional buses and RTM/ ZOU lines link Martigues with Marseille, Istres and surrounding towns. Single fares are low (usually a few euros) and routes are useful for local travel, though frequencies vary by line and season.
How to Get Around Martigues #
Martigues is fairly walkable within its central canalside neighbourhoods, often called the ‘Venice of Provence.’ Local buses connect different districts and nearby towns; regional trains serve larger travel links. Fares are modest but services may be less frequent on weekends. Driving gives the most flexibility for exploring the surrounding Côte Bleue coast and inland areas. Taxis are available but not numerous late at night, so plan connections in advance.
Where to Stay in Martigues #
- ibis Martigues / nearby - Chain option near town
- Local budget hotels - Simple rooms, practical location
- Hôtel Calendal (nearby) - Comfortable, quiet and friendly
- Local boutique hotels - Characterful stays near canals
- Luxury resorts & relais (region) - Upscale properties a short drive away
- Boutique luxury hotels (Provence coast) - Seaside fine-dining and spa facilities
Where to Eat in Martigues #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Martigues's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Martigues #
Nightlife is relaxed: waterfront restaurants, wine bars and a few neighbourhood pubs are the main options. There isn’t a large clubbing scene, but summer evenings can be lively with outdoor dining and occasional events. If you want late-night music or larger venues, Marseille offers more options within a short drive.
Shopping in Martigues #
Shopping in Martigues is local: fishmongers, bakeries, small markets and independent shops around the town centre and quays. The town’s maritime character means fresh seafood features heavily in local food shopping. For big-brand retail or large malls you’ll need to travel to nearby Marseille, but Martigues is good for regional produce and small boutiques.
