Making the most of La Ciotat
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The ship anchors inside the port, with tenders taking passengers into the town centre.
Port de La Ciotat is conveniently close to downtown, with central La Ciotat approximately a 10-minute walk away.
For more than 20 km along the coast, La Ciotat's identity has been tied to the sea since antiquity. To the west are remarkable calanques and Europe's highest maritime cliffs, culminating at the 394m Cap Canaille. Eastwards, Gulf d'Amour has numerous sandy beaches and a boating harbour with 850 moorings. Many restaurants and hotels uphold the area's reputation as one of the most beautiful seaside resorts. The old town and its monuments reveal a rich past, with boats typical of Provence in the harbour and the Lumieres brothers making their first work there in 1895...
Getting around
The picturesque Old Port, or Vieux Port, is ringed by cafés, restaurants and shops. Stop for a meal, watch people passing or admire the views across the boats and sea.
Food and shopping
If the call falls on a Sunday, browse the local market for fresh produce, regional specialities and handmade crafts.
Money
The euro is the currency.