A getaway on the Côte Bleue
The beaches of Martigues on the Côte Bleue
At Martigues, the rocky Côte Bleue shoreline opens here and there into sandy coves.
La Couronne and Carro on the Martigues coast
At the western end of the Côte Bleue, the hills of the Estaque range follow the Mediterranean. Around La Couronne and Carro, rocky headlands, small coves, pine woods and sandy beaches open towards the sea.
Unlike the long beaches of the nearby Camargue, the sand does not form a continuous shoreline here. It appears in the hollows of coves, sometimes for only a few dozen metres, before giving way again to pale slabs polished by the surf and jagged rocks. This succession gives the beaches of Martigues very different characters, from Verdon’s broad family cove to the small beaches near Carro harbour.
Verdon, the broad sandy beach at La Couronne
Below La Couronne village, Verdon Beach forms a cove almost 300 metres long, the largest fine-sand beach on the Côte Bleue. Its gentle slope and sheltered shore suit family swimming, while restaurants, toilets and water sports create a more traditional seaside atmosphere than the neighbouring coves. From La Couronne-Carro station, the beach is also about a twenty-minute walk away.
In summer, Verdon is one of Martigues’ busiest beaches. Outside the main season, the cove feels more spacious, with the La Couronne lighthouse rising above the pines.
Practical information
Choosing a beach on the Côte Bleue at Martigues
- Verdon / La Couronne
- The area’s largest sandy beach, with a gentle slope and foot access from La Couronne-Carro station, as well as summer lifeguards, restaurants, toilets and water sports.
- Sainte-Croix
- A sandy beach about 100 metres long, framed by cliffs, pine woods and the chapel overlooking the shore.
- La Saulce
- A small fine-sand cove beside Sainte-Croix, separated from it by a rocky headland and bordered by pines.
- Carro
- A small sand-and-pebble beach near the fishing harbour, with a ramp into the water and lifeguard supervision in summer.
- Les Laurons
- A beach of sand and fine gravel near the harbour, with a play area, toilets and parking close by.
- Couronne-Vieille
- A quieter little cove of sand, pebbles and rocks, close to the La Couronne lighthouse.
- Train and bus
- From Marseille, the Côte Bleue railway line serves La Couronne-Carro station. The harbour and several beaches can then be reached on foot or by local bus.
- Coastal path
- In summer, some sections may close because of wildfire risk or weather conditions. Check the current access conditions before setting out.
Lifeguard cover, parking, facilities and access conditions may vary with the season. Check the official list of beaches in Martigues before your visit.
Sainte-Croix and La Saulce beneath the pines
Further east, Sainte-Croix and La Saulce occupy two neighbouring coves separated by a short rocky headland. At Sainte-Croix, the sand extends beneath the cliffs and the chapel overlooking the sea. The coastal path crosses the beach before continuing between rocks and pines.
La Saulce is more enclosed. Steps descend from the pine wood to the sand, with some shade behind the beach. The two coves are close enough to walk from one to the other, yet each retains its own setting: more open below the chapel and more sheltered by the trees at La Saulce.
Carro, from the harbour to the rocky shore
At Carro, the small sand-and-pebble beach lies just beyond the harbour. Fishing boats and pleasure craft moor in front of the village houses, while the fish market on the quays still reflects the work of local fishermen. A few steps away, rocks once again line the Mediterranean.
Towards La Couronne, the old Baou Tailla quarries descend to the water’s edge. Their working faces and cut walls still reveal the extraction of stone along the coast.
The coastal path, close to the Côte Bleue shoreline
From Carro Beach, the coastal path follows the contours of the shore. It passes near Couronne-Vieille and Verdon before reaching the coves of La Saulce and Sainte-Croix. The route alternates between passages beneath the pines, limestone slabs exposed to the wind and returns to sea level on the sand.
Our selection
Guest houses near the Côte Bleue to extend your getaway
To explore the beaches of Martigues, Carro and La Couronne, along with the calanques further east, the portal brings together guest houses near the Côte Bleue with direct links to the owners’ websites.