The colorful French city that bears a striking resemblance to Venice (and not just because of the canals)

The rich variety of French towns and cities, in addition to its proximity to Spain, make the neighboring country an incomparable tourist destination. Among the numerous beautiful towns (each with its own special touch), we recommend Martigues, a small coastal town that caught our attention because it resembles (very much so) Venice. It also has a very important advantage: you'll find fewer tourists than in the popular Italian city.

If you're someone who can't stand crowds and traveling means avoiding endless lines or having to elbow your way to take a photo, in this city with its deep-rooted seafaring tradition, you can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere among colorful houses and extraordinarily beautiful canals.

The Provençal city of the three canals

That Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in the world is undeniable, but it's also true that there's life beyond the city of canals, and we found it on the French Riviera. With its serene beauty, Martigues will be a real discovery. Its urban fabric is made up of three historic centers that were formed at the end of the 16th century and that make up the current Provençal city.

The historic center of Martigues is spread over three neighborhoods separated by the branches of the Caronte Canal: La Île, Ferrières, and Jonquières , the latter of which is where most of the shops are located. To get from one neighborhood to the other, you'll have to cross from bridge to bridge.

Between small squares and bridges, during a walk through these areas you will be fascinated by the Provençal charm, but you will also be surprised by the Venetian surroundings that make Martigues a very special and artistic place.

The picturesque Miroir aux oiseaux

One of the most charming and atmospheric spots in the historic center (and one that has earned it international fame) is in the La Île (Island) area . This is the Miroir aux oiseaux, the cobbled quay where traditional fishing boats are moored . Listed as a World Heritage Site, it consists of the Saint-Sébastien Canal, the Miroir aux oiseaux, and the Brescon quay. In this area, the colorful fishermen's houses, with their green and blue windows reflected in the water, offer a magical picture.

And as it could not be otherwise, this picturesque setting did not escape the attention of famous painters like Delacroix . Today, it is also the perfect spot for photography lovers and those looking to capture the most colorful image to upload to Instagram.

What to visit in Martigues

During your visit, you also can't miss the Chapel of the Annunciation, a jewel of Provençal Baroque art. Declared a historic monument, it's located in the city center (in the Jonquières district). It was built in the 17th century, and although its exterior is rather sober, inside you'll discover dazzling decor with ornate ceilings, wall frescoes, and trompe l'oeil.

Another recommended visit is the Church of Sainte Marie-Madeleine, also in the Provençal Baroque style with Italian influence. It is located next to the Saint-Sébastien Canal and was long known by locals as The Cathedral. Admission is free.

In search of the best photos

A place as beautiful as this deserves to be immortalized again and again. And while we're sure you'll be snapping photos throughout your tour of the island, there are two other spots we also recommend not missing. One is the Quai des Anglais, where you can enjoy a relaxing stroll along the canal to Pointe Saint Christ , and the other is the Promenade.

And like Venice, Martigues also has its carnival

Not only does it resemble the Italian city in its canals, Martigues also has a famous carnival held every year during the second weekend of September , when parades, masks and Venetian costumes take over the main quay and make visitors wonder whether they are in France or Italy.

A little immersion in Provençal gastronomy

Take advantage of your stay in Martigues to enjoy a culinary journey through the area's specialties, including poutargue , a type of Provençal caviar made with mullet eggs; brasucade , a dish of mussels cooked over a wood fire and topped with a marinade; and pistou soup , with vegetables and a pesto-like sauce. For dessert, don't miss the tomettes , made with almonds, milk chocolate, and anise.

The best beaches in Martigues

And since you probably can't imagine being on the French Riviera and not enjoying the beach, this destination boasts fine sandy enclaves and even wild coves. Among the most popular is St. Croix, with crystal-clear waters surrounded by cliffs and lush nature, and even a chapel from which you can enjoy unparalleled views. Its only drawback, however, is that it tends to get crowded. Separated from this beach by a cliff, there's also Plage de la Salce . And if you're looking for a wilder, more intimate stretch of sand, we recommend Plage du Couronne-Vieille, which is packed with surfers during the off-season.