La Ciotat has two stories. One takes place on 25 December 1895 in a café hall: Louis Lumière films a train arriving at a station, and the audience, it is said, recoils from the image. It is the birth of cinema. The other has played out every day since, in this Mediterranean port squeezed between the calanques and the Bec de l'Aigle, which has managed to become one of the world capitals of superyacht refit without losing its soul as a working-class town.
The Eden Théâtre: the oldest cinema in the world
Built in 1889, the Eden Théâtre is the oldest cinema still in operation in the world. Restored after years of abandonment, it now offers a programme of art-house films and cultural events. Seeing a film there means sitting where it all began. It is worth the detour in itself.
The port and the old shipyard cranes
The La Ciotat shipyards closed in 1989 after a century of building ocean liners. The giant cranes that dominate the port have become the symbol of a successful conversion: the site now welcomes large yachts for maintenance and repairs. The presence of these giants of the sea next to the local fishermen's pointus boats creates an astonishing and very photogenic contrast.
The Bec de l'Aigle and Mugel beach
At the foot of the basalt cliff of the Bec de l'Aigle (155 metres), Mugel beach is one of the most beautiful in the region, sheltered, reachable by car up to the car park, with exceptionally clear water. Further on, the Figuerolles calanque rewards those willing to walk a little: wild coves, turquoise water, silence.
From Marseille
A pleasant drive along the coast via Cassis. MR Taxi drops you off and picks you up, ideal for a day by the water with no constraints.
Explore La Ciotat with no constraints: MR Taxi La Ciotat handles your transfer from Marseille, Cassis or Toulon, available 24/7.
