Must do: Whether you want to drive or bike, La Route des Crêtes, linking La Ciotat to Cassis is one of the most scenic roads on the coast. It provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the whole region.
The long beach located after the Vieux Port is a good spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing especially with S, SE or E wind (some waves) or W, SW wind (flatter water).
La Ciotat stretches along almost 20 km of coast line and offers a choice of sandy or pebble beaches as well as narrow creeks. Close to the shipyards are the famous Calanques of Mugel and Figuerolles, each one with a narrow sandy beach. On the other side of town, there is a long sandy beach, lined with hotels, restaurants and bars.
The Mugel botanical garden is located within a few minutes walk on the west side from the shipyards. The park shelters 12 acres of greenery and trails that go up through a steep rocky path to the ‘Le Bec D’Aigle’, a massive rock overlooking the town and its surrounding areas. The entrance of the park is located in the magical setting of the Calanque of Mugel, a narrow creek with crystal clear waters. There is a small entry fee and the park closes at night.
The Bay of La Ciotat is home of a Regional Marine Park and has a seabed of exceptional diversity and beauty. The most beautiful dives include Grotte à Gaby, the Balise du Canonnier du sud and the Dorsale des Cononniers with its spectacular submarine cliffs.
Starter Park
One of the favorite activities for crew spending time in the area! Fantastic park located in a spectacular setting, 15min drive from La Ciotat and spreading on several acres. Outdoor go kart track, ATV trails and high tech laser paint ball with 10 different fields. Very accommodating owner Jean Francois.
Squash club with 5 courts, located towards the highway, in the commercial zone Athelia II. Onsite restaurant and fitness classes. Open 7/7 Mon-Sat 9:30am-10pm; Sun 4pm-8pm.
Tel : +33(0)4 42 71 46 92
www.ciotatsquash.fr
Cassis
Charming little fishing village- one of the prettiest on the Coast- located only a few minutes’ drive from La Ciotat, toward Marseille. Wide choice of good restaurants lined up on the waterfront, as well as nice shops. Cassis is overseen by France’s highest coastal cliffs and is famous for its extraordinary Calanques, some kind of rocky fjords with crystalline water, probing deep into the coastline. One of the prettiest is Calanque d’En-Vau, accessible by sea or by a 90 minute walk from the car park above.
The whole region is a great place for road or mountain biking.
La Route des Crêtes: Quiet (especially off season) and steep scenic road of 15km long between La Ciotat and Cassis. A local favorite. Ride your bike directly from the shipyards towards the Vieux Port and then just follow the quiet road along the coast.
Bike District: Great bike shop located 94 Av de la Sarriette, offering sale, maintenance and repair of all types of bikes.
Tel: +33(0)4 42 01 72 48
Rock climbers come to the region from all over Europe (and perhaps even further) to scale the white cliffs of the Calanques. See Marseille chapter for more info.
Expenature is a renowned climbing, hiking, sea kayaking and mountain bike school offering a whole range of tours and options in the region. They have a team of fully licensed and insured instructors.
Office located 5 Rue Compas in La Ciotat.
Tel : +33(0)4 42 83 64 46
Contact is Romuald: +33(0)6 80 74 40 99
www.expenature.fr
Body Gym
12 Bd Michelet 13600 La Ciotat
Highly popular gym located within walking distance from the shipyard. Good selection of machines and equipment; variety of classes. Les Mills method. Certified instructors. Personal trainer can be organized. Accommodating for transient customers.
Tel: +33(0)4 42 83 40 23
Licensed yoga instructor and charismatic Yvana offers very popular Hatha Yoga classes. She is also a licensed massage therapist. Rave reviews.