Martigues Walking Tour with map

Embark on an enriching journey through the picturesque city of Martigues, affectionately known as the “Venice of Provence.” As you explore this historic gem, you’ll uncover a tapestry of art, history, and natural beauty that define Martigues’ unique character. Begin your adventure with a panoramic view from Chapelle Notre Dame des Marins, which offers a 360° perspective of the city nestled amid waterways, canals, and bridges. Dive into the city’s captivating narrative, from its three distinct districts— Ile, Jonquières, and Ferrières—to renowned museums, centuries-old churches, and remarkable landmarks. Martigues‘ rich heritage unfolds before you as you traverse its charming streets and uncover the stories etched into its historic fabric.

2 walking tour itineraries in Martigues will reveal this beautiful city in easy and clear manner.

Walking Tour of Martigues: Explore the Three Districts

Start: Begin your walking tour at Chapelle Notre Dame des Marins, which offers a fantastic panoramic view of Martigues and sets the stage for your exploration of this charming Provençal town.

Ile – The Island District:

1. Wander along Quai Brescon, which will lead you through the picturesque Provençal Venice. Admire the colorful facades of historic fishermen’s houses along the way.
2. As you stroll, take a moment to appreciate the Provençal-Baroque-style Église de la Madeleine, a beautiful church stretching along Canal St Sébastien.
3. Don’t miss the “Maison en chapeau de gendarme” with its unique turned fretted gables, which has a special place in cinematic history.
4. Explore the water garden at the tip of the island, offering a peaceful oasis with stunning views of the Chenal de Caronte.
5. Consider taking the maritime shuttle to connect to the other districts of Martigues.

Ferrières:

6. Head toward the marina and enjoy the scenic walk. Along the way, you’ll pass by the grand Théâtre des Salins, an Italian-style theater.

7. Continue to the Gnidzaz cinematheque, where you can delve into an impressive collection of cinema artifacts, including vintage reels and projectors.
8. Visit Musée Ziem to admire the art of Félix Ziem and other Marseille school artists. The museum also houses Fauvist landscapes, contemporary art, and archaeological and ethnological collections.
9. After your museum visit, relax with lunch or a drink at Plage des Ferrières, offering idyllic views of Étang de Berre.

Jonquières:

10. Cross the lift bridge, which provides access to Jonquières, and enjoy the view as it separates to allow ships to pass.

11. Continue along Quai Alsace Lorraine, heading toward Chapelle de l’Annonciade. Inside, marvel at the remarkable interior decorations, including trompe l’oeils and a Venetian-style painted ceiling.
12. Wrap up your tour by visiting Cours du 4 Septembre, a majestic esplanade filled with bars, brasseries, restaurants, and night markets. In the summer, Wednesdays and Saturdays come alive with local craftsmen displaying their creations.

Martigues Walking Tour  on map:

Martigues: City of Art and History

Begin your exploration of Martigues, a city celebrated for its art and history, with a bird’s eye view:

1. Chapelle Notre Dame des Marins

Discover the breathtaking 360° panorama from Chapelle Notre Dame des Marins, offering a captivating vista of the city surrounded by water, canals, and bridges. Martigues is divided into three districts: Ile, Jonquières, and Ferrières. These neighborhoods, each with its own church, were once rivals but unified on April 21, 1581, marking the foundation of Martigues.

2. Musée Félix Ziem

The name Félix Ziem is intimately connected to Martigues. Renowned for his depictions of Venice and Constantinople, Ziem fell in love with the sea and the southern light of Martigues in 1840. The museum’s origins trace back to 1908 when a sketch by Ziem depicting President Loubet’s visit to the Italian and French fleets in Toulon was donated to the city. Since then, the museum has expanded through donations, the legacy of Ziem’s atelier in 1993, and the acquisition of drawings, sketchbooks, and archives. The collection encompasses Ziem’s works characterized by their portrayal of architecture, light, and reflections. Additionally, the museum showcases other artists, including those from the Marseille 1850-1925 school, Fauvist landscapes, contemporary art, and archaeological and ethnological collections.

3.Galerie de l’Histoire de Martigues

Immerse yourself in the history of this thousand-year-old city and its residents within the 500 m² exhibition space of the Galerie de l’Histoire de Martigues. Through videos, written documents, photographs, models, and museography, the gallery vividly illustrates key periods in Martigues’ evolution. The exhibition spans from the earliest traces of human civilization to rapid development in the second half of the 20th century, envisioning the city’s future.

4. Église Sainte-Marie-Madeleine

Situated on the Canal St Sébastien, the Église Sainte-Marie-Madeleine graces Rue de la République, one of the main streets in the Ile district. Completed in 1680, its opulent façade exemplifies “Marseillais” Baroque architecture from the latter half of the 17th century. Inside, explore the Moitessier organ (1851), chapel paintings by Michel Serre, and a walnut pulpit (1694). The church underwent a 15-year restoration campaign, receiving the Ruban du Patrimoine prize in 2000, and earned its historical monument status on January 23, 1947.

5. Chapelle de l’Annonciade

Recognized as a historical monument in 1910, the 17th-century Chapelle de l’Annonciade des Pénitents Blancs recently underwent a comprehensive restoration, concluding in 2015. This chapel boasts a lavish interior adorned with baroque influences—a rarity in Basse-Provence. It features trompe l’oeils, sculptured paneling, a gilded altarpiece, a Venetian-style painted ceiling, and graffiti dating back to the French Revolution.

6. Fort de Bouc

Towering on pink limestone cliffs at the Chenal de Caronte’s mouth, the Fort de Bouc stands as an outstanding example of early military engineering. This fortress served both defensive and lighthouse purposes, safeguarding the passage between the Golfe de Fos and Étang de Berre, positioned equidistantly between Marseille and the Rhône. Initially constructed in the early 17th century upon 12th-century foundations, it was acquired by the city of Martigues in 1993 and has since undergone extensive restoration, emerging as an exceptional heritage monument. Accessible solely from the sea, it was granted historical monument status on January 6, 1930.

Map of this walking tour:

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