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On its territory, La Ciotat has all the variations of a delightful coast. To the west of the splendid «Golfe d’Amour», the highest cliffs in Europe(394 m) majestically plunge into the intense blue sea, projecting to form dreamy creeks, like the Mugel and Figuerolles creeks that are like monumental sculptures shaped by the hand of a heavenly creator.
The «Bec de l’Aigle» and the «Ile Verte», formed out of pebbles caught in gritty cement could also have been moulded by majestic, benevolent divinities. The «Ile Verte» whose is located only ten minutes from the mainland coast by shuttle appears today as a hummock of greenery crowning the abrupt, bare cliffs. This landscape makes it the only wooded island of the Bouches-du-Rhône area. Two dreamy creeks with crystal clear waters are idle for pleasurable idleness and daydreaming. From Fort Saint Pierre, a vast panorama opens over the bay and its surroundings.
The beauty of La Ciotat, praised for its charms by Lamartine and by Stendhal, has also been captured by many painters, including Georges Braque.La Ciotat owes its maritime vocation to the Greeks, located by the Great Blue, surrounded by a paradise of greenery filled with the fragrance of the garrigue. At large, the «Ile Verte», with its lush vegetation acts like a natural breakwater. From the creek of Mugel whose is ending by the « Bec de l’Aigle», a splendid panoramic view opens out over the town and its surrounding areas. The Figuerolles creek with its rocky, jagged cliffs is nestled at the bottom of a small valley of greenery. The 20 km of coast provide the opportunity to try your hand at all water sports: sailing, windsurfing, water-skiing, diving, etc.
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The Bay of La Ciotat has a seabed of exceptional wealth and beauty. Diving is practised all year long. The most beautiful dives are often the easiest, like the famous «Grotte à Gaby», the «balise du Canonnier du sud» and the «dorsale des Cononniers» with its spectacular submarine cliffs.Furthermore, the Bay of La Ciotat is home to a Regional.
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The town of the Lumière brothers has not been spoilt by the artificial lights of the town and has preserved its environment from an anarchy of urbanisation.To the west, La Ciotat is bordered by line of cliffs of the Soubeyran massif. There, in the upper parts of the Fardeloup area you can discover «Le Pont Naturel».
La Route des Crêtes provides a breathtaking panoramic view. Viewpoints have been laid out so walkers can admire the exceptional sight over the Bay of La Ciotat to the islands of Marseilles. Then you will find the Semaphore at an altitude of 320 m.
Connecting Marseille to Cassis with almost 20km of sign posted paths, the Calanques are limestone cliffs which plunge into the Mediterranean Sea. This classified site, extending over 4000 hectares, can be visited either on foot or by boats that set sail from Cassis.
A charming and magical place, the Calanques are a paradise for the diver, the climber and for those who wish to discover the local fauna and flora...
To the east, you will find the typical vineyard landscape of Bandol.
From the Massif de la Sainte-Baume down to the shore of the Mediterranean, the vine is an integral part of the landscape and its presence makes itself felt everywhere. Bandol terroir faces due south and benefits from exceptional conditions of light and heat, with nearly 3,000 hours of sun exposure a year. The vineyard lies in a natural amphitheatre. The vines are planted on terraces called restanques on approximately 1,500 hectares. Several generations of vine growers had to shape the hillsides to make them suitable for vine cultivation and these terraced slopes are the result of their perseverance.
Recommendations: Domaine de la Tour du Bon , owner Agnés is truly passionate about wine. |
2 to 3 hours by car from La Ciotat  
See the Southern Alps: For winter sports fans, experienced hikers or lovers of the great outdoors and nature, the Southern Alps are the place for both summer and winter visits, where the sun always shines.
The "Gorges du Verdon": Due to the upheaval of the Alps, the gorges can reach a depth of 700 m. "The sublime cornice" overlooks the left bank of the Verdon and offers superb views of the river.
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