Theater of one of the first films in history, cradle of pétanque … Beyond the Calanques, La Ciotat is a land rich in bright landscapes and activities allowing to better discover this superb Provencal locality.
Well wedged between Cassis and the Var department, La Ciotat is a pretty nugget of the Bouches-Du- Rhône. There are a thousand reasons for this, starting with its atmosphere of a charming seaside resort bordering the Mediterranean.
Ideal for a rejuvenating stay, as its neighboring cassidaine can be, the locality conciliates idleness, outdoor activities, heritage visits and sweetness of life.
By going to this commune of the coast, you will therefore have the choice of the program, with for example the possibility of strolling in the center of the village, with a rich historic park. We think of the chapel of the Blue Penitents, a classified monument, that of the black penitents, or even the small Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde church. The latter offers a remarkable point of view since its positioning on the heights.
There is also a question of colors, with the market stalls that take place throughout the year. We can also take advantage of this stronghold without specific goal to appreciate the decor of the port, with beautiful boats moored along the quays, adding a plus to this superb photograph of the horizon.
City of birth of pétanque
To continue the promenade, we can recall that this is a practice so dear to the French, especially in the south: pétanque.
We have been playing there since 1910, and to illustrate this, what could be better than a hook by the Jules Lenoir bouledrome. A nameless name, since it is the inventor of this sport. Former star of the “long”, his ancestor, he adapts to the arthritis that touches him, playing his feet glued in a circle. This is how pétanque created.
Municipality with multiple facets, the Ciotat had one of the country's largest shipyards, until 1989. Now we are rather on the maintenance of luxury yachts. But the house of shipbuilding is the guardian of this memory. There are free exhibitions, even site visits, but under penalty of booking.
Older cinema in the world
Do you also know that the city was the place of one of the first films in the history of cinema? Louis Lumière chose this place to turn “The arrival of a train at La Ciotat station“. This is also where the first paid session in history was held, and not anywhere. Direction. Direction. Eden Theaterthe oldest room in the world, which is still open. Today, in addition to projections, visits are organized there.
And then, it is impossible to stop in this town without taking the time to survey the remarkable natural sites.
The green island, less than 450 meters from the land, and of course, the beaches. With seven kilometers of coast, you will undoubtedly find your happiness. It must be said that we are in the Calanques National Park. Synonyms of wild and preserved beauties, these coves are real invitations to escape and change of scenery. An excellent summary ultimately of what the Ciotat can offer.
