Martigues : virtual tour of the Venice of Provence

Martigues is also known as the “Venice of Provence”. This city is located on the Etang de Berre, on both sides of the Canal de Caronte connecting the pond to the Mediterranean Sea. The town lies from the Blue Coast in the south, through the hamlets of Saint-Pierre-les-Martigues, Saint-Julien-les-Martigues, La Couronne Carro, Lavera, until the hamlet of Croix-Sainte to the north. The city consists of three neighborhoods: Ferrières in the north (next to the Camargue), the Island of the canal and Jonquières in the south (next to the Blue Coast).

The city has always been an important cultural life. Every summer, Provencal water jousting competitions are held on the canals. The Festival of Martigues "Dances, Musics and Voices of the World" takes place between July and August. It is organized by the association "La Capouliero" ambassador of the Provencal folklore. The city also hosts the Festival of Chamber Music of Martigues. This festival is eclectic and its programming ranges from baroque to contemporary music.

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Martigues, because of its geography, has attracted many painters and filmmakers.

The most popular film shoot in Martigues is probably "La Cuisine au beurre" with Gilles Grangier, Bourvil, Fernandel and Claire Maurier. More recently, Robert Guédiguian, born in Marseille, filmed "To life, to death". The Wikipedia encyclopedia has an article on Martigues which traces the large filmography turned in the city and surrounding area.

If you visit the city, do not forget to taste the specialty of Martigues: the Botargo, also called “Caviar of Martigues”. It is dried eggs of various fish like the flathead mullet. The cooperative Saint-Julien-les-Martigues produces a classified wine AOC Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence: “The Venice of Provence”.

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