Just a stone’s throw from Marseille, a stretch of coastline, dotted with coves, bays, and small beaches, houses a preserved gem: the Marine Park of the Côte Bleue. It stretches over 28 kilometers, from the cove of Laurons in the west to the tip of Corbières in the east.
This natural sanctuary of 15,000 hectares offers a haven of peace to flourishing biodiversity. Nestled in the heart of the largest Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadow on the Mediterranean coast, this key ecosystem and oxygen generator serves as a vital refuge for a multitude of marine species.
The Marine Park of the Côte Bleue celebrates its 40th anniversary this year of commitment to marine preservation. Decades of concerted actions have finally made this park an example of environmental management, hailed by its inclusion on the Green List of Protected Areas of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. This success in preserving marine biodiversity is the result of rigorous measures, such as the creation of two marine reserves and the limitation of human activities. An example of sustainability for future generations.
For an even more immersive experience, embark on a picturesque journey along the water aboard the legendary train of the Sud Region, departing from Saint-Charles station in Marseille. This true “sea train” travels 32 kilometers of coastline, offering travelers breathtaking panoramas along the cliffs, overlooking the coves on dizzying viaducts.
Hiking enthusiasts will find their happiness on the Grand Sentier de la Côte Bleue. 64 kilometers of stunning landscapes spread over 17 loops – each starting from a train station (Niolon, La Redonne, Carry-le-Rouet, Sausset-les-Pins…). This escapade offers a plunge into enchanting landscapes, between the blue of the sea and the green of the pines, from steep cliffs to small villages, from coves to hills.
The Côte Bleue not only seduces nature lovers but also offers an immersion into local life. Traditional festivals, such as the famous sea urchin and sardine festivals, punctuate the year according to the seasons.
Discovering the Côte Bleue is diving into the heart of a preserved ecosystem. A unique spectacle between land and sea.
