La Ciotat
City Tours · Provence
Produced by: 
© 2012
La Ciotat is far more than just an industrial city. Located east of Marseille, this maritime gem delights with seven kilometers of sandy beach and a history that laid the foundation for modern cinema.
Sun, Sand, and Infrastructure
The seven kilometers of finest sandy beaches in La Ciotat offer something for every taste. From child-friendly sections with boat rentals to the famous “Plage Lumière,” the first non-smoking beach in France. Whether dog-free or featuring the best views in the region, you can rely on excellent infrastructure everywhere, including sanitary facilities, snack bars, and small restaurants.
The Birthplace of Cinema
Typical Provençal life pulses in the old town. Small shops offer fashion, art, and regional delicacies such as herb oils and soaps. But La Ciotat is also a place steeped in history for aesthetes: the Cubist Georges Braque once sat here before his canvas, and in 1895, the Lumière brothers filmed their legendary movie L'Arrivée d'un train en gare de La Ciotat here—marking the birth of public film screenings.
Editor's Tip
Take a seat in the morning with a café au lait at one of the lively squares. There is always something to see, and the atmosphere of the old town perfectly captures the true lifestyle of Provence.
