Heritage Days in Martigues: guided tours, traditions and historical discoveries
The European Heritage Days 2025 in Martigues represent a unique opportunity to discover the “Venice of Provence” from a whole new angle. This year, the Tourist Office is unveiling the town’s hidden treasures through three exceptional experiences. These combine military history, hydraulic heritage and culinary traditions. The rich program promises a real journey back in time. It also offers breathtaking panoramas of the Mediterranean.
In the footsteps of military remains: an unmissable historical walk
Among the activities on offer, the Tourist Office invites you to discover a little-known part of Martégale’s history: the military installations of the Second World War. This 5-kilometre excursion takes you along a signposted route between the heart of the town and the picturesque village of La Couronne.
Along the way, visitors pass through the wild landscapes of the Mediterranean coastline, between pine forests and seashores. The walk, accessible to all, reveals concrete vestiges of the occupation: fortified shelters, lookout points and defense installations line the route.
These defensive works were erected between 1943 and 1944 by the occupying forces. They include armament depots, casemates, firing positions and trench networks. These elements were strategically placed to defend the Martale coastline.
Nicolas Balique, former journalist and military historian, will accompany the tour to enrich the experience. He will be joined by Jean-Pierre Jéhan, representative of the association Histoire Mémoire Patrimoine Provence. Their expertise will bring to life this historic plunge into the Martigues of the Second World War.
“Rand eau douce”: a dive into Martégal’s hydraulic past
Another original experience proposed for the Heritage Days in Martigues: a 6-kilometre urban walk dedicated to fresh water. This guided tour explores the fascinating history of the city’s drinking water supply. It also shows how this vital resource has shaped its urban development.
Bernard, a member of the Randonnée Ski Découverte association, leads this guided tour through the historic districts. The tour highlights the ingenious water supply system that allowed each sector to benefit from its own water reserve. This was made possible by the former Canal de Martigues, which has now disappeared.
The route also reveals some little-known urban curiosities. The historical relocation of the Place Mirabeau fountain from its original location is revealed. The transformation of the once marshy Jonquières district is also presented. The conversion of buildings into water reservoirs and the presence of old fortifications, now invisible, complete this exploration. This three-hour stroll takes visitors on a tour of the town’s hydraulic heritage, both technical and historical.
The secrets of Calen: tradition and gastronomy for the Heritage Days
Last but not least, the Journées du Patrimoine 2025 will highlight one of the region’s most emblematic skills: traditional Calen fishing. This ancestral technique of Provencal fishing heritage is presented during a two-hour guided tour.
An expert guide reveals the subtleties of this age-old method practiced in the calm waters of the Etang de Berre. Shared stories trace the transmission of this family know-how over the generations. They are a living testimony to local maritime culture.
The experience concludes with an introduction to poutargue, a Mediterranean specialty made from dried and salted mullet roe. This southern specialty, nicknamed “the caviar of the Mediterranean”, is enjoyed in the picturesque setting of the historic port, offering a complete immersion in the region’s culinary traditions.
A Heritage Day to discover Martigues in a different way
These three proposals from the Martigues Tourist Office illustrate the richness and diversity of Martigues’ heritage. Between military memory, hydraulic heritage and gastronomic traditions, Martigues reveals all its facets.
These guided tours offer history buffs, hikers and gourmets an original approach to the area. A rare opportunity to better understand the contemporary identity of this Mediterranean city, shaped by its past and highlighted by the Tourist Office.
Useful information :
- Exploring military remains: Saturday, September 20, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
- Freshwater walk: Saturday, September 20, 9:30am-12:30pm
- Discover Calen: Saturday, September 20, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Reservations and information fromMartigues Tourist Office