La Madrague Port
Immerse yourself in the enchanting universe of the small port of La Madrague de Montredon, a hidden gem within Marseille, where history and natural beauty converge. This article invites you to discover an exceptional site, which, since its transformation into a marina in 1922, offers 97 mooring places just a stone's throw from a sandy beach. Nestled at the tip of Montredon and neighboring the Calanques National Park, La Madrague de Montredon proves to be a hub of maritime activities and leisure.
History of port de la Madrague
Located near the Montredon point in Marseille, the small port of La Madrague de Montredon is of unparalleled charm. Situated in the 8th arrondissement, the marina was, during the 17th century, a private cove of the Roze estate. From 1922, a sailing club was established, in addition to the professional fishermen who already occupied the space, as well as the diving school and various boaters who came to the port. With a total of 97 berths and direct access to a sandy beach, the port's attendance varies greatly. The port derives its name from the word "madrague," which means "set of nets for tuna fishing," while Montredon is composed of "mont-redon," which translates to "round mountain." A tuna netting system was installed in the area until the early 20th century and was dominated by "Mont Rose," formerly named "Mont Redon" due to its round shape.
Characteristics of port de la Madrague de Montredon and its surroundings
What strikes most about this port is that it is nestled in a natural setting, not far from the Calanques National Park (which was the site of about twenty factories between the 19th and 20th centuries, dedicated to the production of limestone, glass, sulfur, lead, and soda). It offers visitors unique access to coastal landscapes as magnificent as they are unforgettable, reserved for the luckiest. A clever mix between a marina welcoming boaters and a traditional fishing port, as found in many places in the city of Marseille, there is a special atmosphere in these places. This can undoubtedly be explained by the fact that the place has retained an authenticity reminiscent of the "old Marseille" which gives it its charm.
In addition to its picturesque and Mediterranean side, where fishing boats and houses, all colorful, mingle, the port is also the perfect starting point for kayaking or boating trips to the Calanques, or even on foot, along the hiking trails that offer a divine view of the sea. Swimming, fishing, and diving are also possible.
As for the La Madrague-Montredon district, it has an atmosphere worthy of the old coastal villages of France, life revolving, of course, around its port and the fishing that mainly sustained it. The place is now punctuated with restaurants and cafes specializing in seafood and fresh fish. The setting is charming and represents a haven of peace, rarely seen. You can also visit the private chapel of the former Château de la Madrague, which has a rich history. Indeed, in 1793, Napoleon Bonaparte, then a commanding artillery officer, came clandestinely to attend mass, accompanied by the Clary family.
To conclude, the port of Madrague-Montredon has many restaurants, but the most notable ones are "Au Bord de l’Eau," "Les Pieds dans l’Eau," and "Chez Aldo."