Beaches of La Ciotat

LA CIOTAT, BIRTHPLACE OF CINEMA, BETWEEN BEACHES AND CALANQUES

The city has recently renovated L’Eden Théâtre, the oldest movie theater in the world, which is now back in service with regular film screenings. It is notably the theater where the very first film by the Lumière Brothers was shown. If you're in La Ciotat, a cinema session is a must in this monumental hall of the 7th art.

With over 7 km of coastline covered with beaches and calanques, there are plenty of opportunities for swimming in La Ciotat, which are comparable to the beaches of Var. Not far from the port and the Casino, there is a succession of sandy and gravel beaches. Highly popular among families, they are located along a magnificent promenade and are also supervised.

The different beaches of La Ciotat

The city also has many coves that will delight those seeking more tranquility. Here's a brief overview of the most well-known ones.

Cyrnos beach

It is a sandy and gravel beach located near the Lumière Brothers cinema. It's ideal for families with its lifeguard station, snack bars along the beach, and wheelchair access.

Grande plage

Located in the heart of La Ciotat, this sandy beach offers a range of amenities: showers and toilets, a lifeguard station, a playground for children, as well as private beaches and restaurants. For those who love water sports, you can go windsurfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and more. Wheelchair access is also available, and there is a paid parking nearby.

Saint Jean beach

It's a sandy and gravel beach, perfect for water sports enthusiasts: windsurfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and more. You'll have plenty of choices! And for those interested in renting boats but don't have their license, why not take advantage of this idyllic setting to take a boating license course? You can dine in nearby snack bars and restaurants. Free parking is available.

Lumière beach

This sandy beach is labeled "Tourisme et handicap" (Tourism and Handicap) due to its wheelchair access ramps, Handiplage staff, and bathing wheelchairs adapted for disabled people.

Mugel Calanque beach

This little paradise consists of two pebble beaches that are perfect for water sports: paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, and more. Between swims, you can explore the natural park surrounding the calanque. The special thing about this beach is that it's protected from the Mistral wind by the Bec d'Aigle. Additionally, you'll find nearby dining options.

Capucins beach

It's the beach next to the Capucins port. Its children's playground, lifeguard station, showers, and public toilets make it an ideal beach for families with children. It's also easily accessible for people with reduced mobility and offers many restaurants and snack bars nearby. Moreover, a part of the beach, located near the dike, is accessible to dogs on a leash.

Figuerolles calanque

This small pebble cove surrounded by cliffs is located west of the city. To access it, you'll need to take a staircase of 90 steps. Free parking gives you access to the stairs, and a beach restaurant allows you to have lunch or dinner with a breathtaking view. However, remember to make a reservation as it's very popular. And of course, diving enthusiasts will appreciate the richness of the local fauna and flora.

In addition to all the beaches, you can also visit during your holidays in the South, the equally famous Green Island, which happens to be the last wooded island in the Bouches du Rhône department and is worth the visit.