Exploring the Côte Bleue
Located between the Camargue and Marseille, the Côte Bleue refers to a portion of the Mediterranean coast of approximately 25 kilometres punctuated by a succession of sandy beaches, wilder coves, rocky inlets and beautiful coastal landscapes. An exceptional setting to enjoy water activities or the pleasure of the beach and lazing around.
The Côte Bleue corresponds to the maritime coastline of the municipalities of le Rove, Ensuès-la-Redonne, Carry-le-Rouet, Sausset-les-Pins and Martigues. The name refers to the color of the water that borders the rocky massif: the L'Estaque chain or the Nerthe chain. For this first item, we offer 4 favorites: beaches, rocky inlets and hikes.
The beach of Sainte-Croix, the most beautiful on the Côte Bleue
Stretching over an area of 4,000 m2 (100 x 40 m), it is also one of the largest on the Côte Bleue. Enjoy a swim on this beautiful beach, labelled the Blue Flag of Europe. With its fine sand and pine forest, it is crossed by the coastal path which is itself part of the GR51. There is a restaurant nearby and the beach is monitored every day from June to early September.
Verdon Beach at La Couronne
The Verdon sandy beach stretches for 350 m and remains very popular with the Martégaux. Sheltered from the wind, it is very large, particularly well-appointed and access is very simple: large parking, restaurants, beach volleyball courts, spaces with lawns, toilets, pedal boats... Protected in a large cove that shelters it from the wind, it is also very popular with families. Swimming is monitored during the season (the first 2 weekends of June, then daily from June 15 to September 1, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.).
The cove of Erevine
At the foot of the Baume de Lume viaduct, the beach is located in a cove with transparent turquoise green water! To get there, take about a good hour's walk and a few difficult passages, but it's worth a visit. You have 2 possible accesses: from Niolon or from the port of Mejean. When you arrive you will enjoy an unparalleled view of the island of the same name.
Hiking on the Côte Bleue
The Cap Couronne hike, on the hills, the sea and the beautiful beaches of the Côte Bleue, will take you along the coastal path, integrated with the GR51. Discover natural spaces of exceptional ecological diversity and landscape quality.
The port of Carro: a real sea market, which offers the coastal fish of the sea every day. This small port has kept its authenticity and picturesque side while developing nautical activities.
The chapel of Sainte-Croix: it overlooks the beach in the middle of the coves, offering a stunning view of the sea and the horizon. Just in front of the campsite, you can see the ruins of the old 12th century chapel. According to tradition, it was here that Mary Magdalene and the Christians expelled from Palestine accosted. They then asked a deaf-mute resident for a source of drinking water. He told them a source and was then cured of his double disability. Travellers returned to sea before docking at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.
All information about this hike, on the website of the City of Martigues.