10 Things to Do in La Ciotat – Complete Travel Guide
La Ciotat is one of the most beautiful towns on the French Mediterranean coast, nestled between Marseille and Toulon in the Bouches-du-Rhône. With its authentic old port, wild calanques and sun-drenched beaches, it offers the perfect setting for a family holiday or a trip with friends. Here are the 10 must-do activities during your stay in La Ciotat.
1. Explore the Calanques de Figuerolles and du Mugel
Just 20 minutes on foot from the town centre, the Calanques de Figuerolles and du Mugel are La Ciotat’s natural crown jewels. Listed as a protected natural site, these turquoise coves offer breathtaking scenery. The Mugel park is home to exceptional Mediterranean vegetation including rare species. Perfect for swimming, hiking and snorkelling.
Practical tip: Arrive early in the morning in July and August to avoid the crowds and enjoy the crystal-clear waters.
2. Stroll Around the Old Port
La Ciotat’s old port is the beating heart of the town. Lined with restaurants, bars and ice cream shops, it comes alive every evening with its summer market. This is where you’ll find the most beautiful sunsets over the Mediterranean. The café terraces are perfect for enjoying a bouillabaisse or a platter of freshly caught seafood.
Worth noting: The old port is just 3 minutes on foot from our duplex!
3. Visit the Eden Théâtre – the World’s First Cinema
La Ciotat holds a unique place in the history of cinema: it was here that the Lumière brothers filmed one of their first movies in 1895. The Eden Théâtre, listed as a historic monument, is considered the oldest cinema still in operation in the world. An unmissable visit for history and culture lovers.
4. Enjoy La Ciotat’s Beaches
La Ciotat has several beaches to suit all tastes. La Grande Plage, several hundred metres long, is ideal for families with its shallow waters. The Fontainte and Arènes beaches offer a wilder setting. All are accessible on foot or by bike from the town centre.
Distance from our duplex: 10 minutes on foot.
5. Take a Boat Trip to the Calanques
Several companies offer boat trips from the old port to discover the calanques from La Ciotat all the way to Marseille. A spectacular way to admire the limestone cliffs and coves inaccessible on foot. Some excursions include stops for swimming in secluded inlets.
6. Hike on the Cap de l’Aigle Trail
The Cap de l’Aigle massif offers hiking trails with exceptional panoramic views over La Ciotat bay and the islands. The viewpoint at the summit is one of the finest vantage points in the region. Allow around 2 hours for the full hike — best done in the early morning to avoid the summer heat.
7. Snorkelling and Water Sports
The clarity of La Ciotat’s waters makes it a paradise for snorkelling. The seabed is teeming with fish, octopuses and starfish. Several clubs also offer water sports activities: stand-up paddleboarding, sea kayaking, scuba diving and sailing. Perfect for families with children.
8. Discover the Provençal Market
Every morning, La Ciotat’s market delights the senses with its colourful stalls of fruit, vegetables, cheeses and Provençal specialities. It’s the perfect opportunity to put together a Mediterranean picnic before heading to the beach. In summer, a night market also sets up along the old port.
Good to know: The shopping street with bakery, greengrocer and wine shop is just 100 metres from our duplex.
9. Visit the Île Verte
Just 15 minutes by boat from the old port, the Île Verte is the only inhabited islet in the Bouches-du-Rhône. Surrounded by calanques and preserved marine life, it has a wild beach and a restaurant. An ideal escape for a timeless day away from the summer bustle.
10. Day Trips to Cassis, Marseille and the Var
La Ciotat’s ideal location makes it a perfect base for exploring the region. Cassis and its famous calanques are 15 minutes away, Marseille is 25 minutes, Aix-en-Provence is 30 minutes, and the Var beaches are less than an hour away. The Porquerolles islands are reachable in under an hour by car.
Where to Stay in La Ciotat?
To make the most of all these activities, our 85 m² duplex in the heart of old La Ciotat is ideally located. Just 150 m from the sea, 3 minutes from the old port and 10 minutes’ walk from the beaches, it sleeps up to 6 people across 3 comfortable bedrooms. Air-conditioned, fully equipped and rated 4.93/5 on Airbnb.