Marseille — Côte Bleue & Martigues: private taxi tour

We leave Marseille to the north and in twenty minutes we are already in L'Estaque. This is where Cézanne, Braque and Dufy came to paint the sea, the tile-factory chimneys and the hills. The little harbour has kept its working-class charm: fishermen's bars, panisse sold fresh from the oven, a direct view over the bay of Marseille. Then the Côte Bleue unfolds its coves and discreet calanques. I take you to Carry-le-Rouet, a peaceful harbour lined with Belle Époque villas, known for its sea urchins still caught in February. We stroll along the water and watch swimmers dive from the rocks. Finally Martigues, that Provençal Venice split into three by the canals linking the Mediterranean to the Étang de Berre. The Île de Brescon, with its colourful boats and bridges, has inspired generations of painters. The Miroir aux Oiseaux, a small canal framed by pastel houses, is one of the most photographed spots in Provence. Back to Marseille along the corniche. Book on +33 6 98 46 63 34.