Cap Couronne lighthouse in Martigues
Martigues, also known as the Venice of Provence, is located in southeastern France, in the PACA region, near Marseille. During your camping vacation in Martigues, take time out to visit the Cap Couronne lighthouse. The Cap Couronne lighthouse dates back to 1959. The original shape of this lighthouse, a truncated cone so to speak, is painted white and red at the top. It is relatively high, measuring 36 m, and is powered by a radar antenna.
The history of Cap Couronne lighthouse
Historically, the Cap Couronne lighthouse was also known as La Pointe Riche, as a cargo of gold once ran aground here.
Since the early 2000s, the lighthouse has been automated and manned 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and can therefore no longer be visited, much to the regret of Martégaux residents, who are very attached to the lighthouse and its history.
The Cap Couronne lighthouse is strategically located at the entrance to the Gulf of Fos, and is important because it is the only lighthouse on the Côte Bleue. Placed on a point, it offers excellent visibility from Marseille to Fos-sur-Mer, making its presence essential for the maritime fleet.
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Visually, the lighthouse is set in a splendid landscape, in the middle of several coves with a breathtaking view of a blue lagoon. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t come and have a picnic in the vicinity to get a closer look and take some photos. The area is well laid out and you’ll easily find a picnic table.
Last but not least, the Martigues Tourist Office offers a weekly tour of the lighthouse during the summer season, subject to registration. Places are snapped up by local residents and those from the surrounding area, but… nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?
What to do around the Cap Couronne lighthouse in Martigues?
Martigues has plenty to offer the whole family, but don’t be fooled: there are plenty of walks and cultural attractions to visit in the surrounding area. If you come here on vacation, you won’t be unwelcome!
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Family activities
- Magic Park Land: a theme park with rides and shows each more beautiful than the last.
- La Barben Zoo: come and discover the rarest animals in the 33-hectare La Barben Zoo.
- Visit nearby ports: As a seaside town and neighbor to other seaside towns, you’ll find plenty of ports to visit. The advantage? No two are alike, and seeing boats up close is very satisfying.
- Le Palace cinema: on rainy days or when the Mistral is blowing hard, retreating to the cinema can be a good alternative for a successful family afternoon.
Cultural activities
- Musée Ziem in Martigues: an archaeological and contemporary collection to discover.
- Galerie de l’histoire: more than 500 m2 to plunge you into Martigues’ past.
- Take a trip to Marseille, the European Capital of Culture in 2013.
Outdoor activities
- Parc de Figuerolles: an open-access park with an educational farm, tree climbing, playgrounds, trampolines, an equestrian area, mountain bike trails and walking trails.
- The beaches of the blue coast: enjoy a moment of idleness under the beautiful southern sun and the song of the waves.
- Hike or mountain bike around the Etang de Berre: a change of scenery and the sound of cicadas are guaranteed.
- The Calanques of Marseille: if you want to see this monument of southern France, now’s the time to do it, just a few minutes from Martigues.
Martigues is a sunny town where life is good and the sun makes life more beautiful and gentle. A vacation in Martigues is a Dolce Vita experience.