This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Best in Travel is here! Discover 2025’s destinations The 30 best countries, cities and regions to visit in 2025 Plan your trip with Elsewhere, by Lonely Planet See where a Lonely Planet Membership takes you Subscribe to our weekly newsletters to get the latest travel news, expert advice, and insider recommendations Explore the world with our detailed, insightful guidebooks Stay ahead of the curve with our guidebooks Uncover exciting new ways to explore iconic destinations Every month, we release new books into the wild Search Search Close search menu Explore Best in Travel 2024 Africa Close menu Countries Antarctica Antarctica Close menu Regions Asia Asia Close menu Countries Australia & the Pacific Australia & the Pacific Close menu Countries The Caribbean The Caribbean Close menu Countries Central America Central America Close menu Countries Europe Europe Close menu Countries Middle East Middle East Close menu Countries North America North America Close menu Countries South America South America Close menu Countries We asked five of our correspondents in France for their favorite summer-vacation destinations that are off the typical international tourist trail Their picks offer a varied cross-section of the country on the Côte d’Azur to a forested mountain trail to a cliff-top medieval castle Read on for under-the-radar spots in France you probably haven't heard of before and get planning a side trip on your next European vacation Christina Mackenzie grew up on three different continents but chose to settle in France several decades ago and now lives in Fontainebleau which I prefer doing in May or October when it’s a bit cooler and there are fewer people which looks as though it might have inspired some of Leonardo da Vinci’s background landscapes is served by a 15km long road from Corte that is mobbed in summer Hotel Si Mea is just outside the town with lovely views on the citadel and mountains. And if money is no object, opt for the Hotel Dominique Colonna in the Restonica gorge La Rivière des Vins is on the rampe St Croix up a flight of steps behind a fountain just off the Cours Paoli Christina Mackenzie My husband’s family bought an apartment in this high-altitude ski resort in the 1960s, so it was our go-to place for skiing when our children were growing up. But even though it’s a world-famous ski-resort That’s when we prefer it with the mountains either clothed in alpine spring flowers or bright yellow foliage Go hiking when most of the snow has melted in late June and before it snows again around the end of November Our favorite is up to the Chardonnet lakes about 500m higher than Tignes so we go up slowly as we often have to stop to catch our breath No hotels are open in mid-June or in October but there are quite a few apartments for rent in those periods L’Escale Blanche serves traditional Savoyard, heart-warming dishes, but I also like their warm goat cheese salad. It’s the only restaurant in Tignes open 365 days a year. La Petite Lulu has a modern adventurous menu and is also open off-season (but closes for two weeks at the end of October) Daphné Leprince-Ringuet is a travel and tech writer from Paris Tucked between Marseille and Toulon, away from the crowds of Cassis and La Ciotat, the charming port town of Bandol is nestled among the Côte d’Azur’s calanques A stunning train ride along the coast from Marseille takes you to this region of hidden gems accessible from a cliffside coastal footpath packed with outstanding photo opportunities The dreamy Calanque de Port d’Alon will draw you in for a refreshing swim. A 15-minute drive will take you on to Le Castellet, a picturesque medieval town perched in the heights of the Var department The typically Provençal town of Bandol makes for a great stay it is worth considering more remote accommodation options nearer to the calanques Sit down at Le Pied de Nez restaurant for a taste of local specialties with an exceptional view of the village’s surroundings You cannot leave Bandol without learning more about its most famous product: wine – and local wine bar Le 8.27 offers a wide selection of local cuvées Be advised you are unlikely to leave without having purchased one (or several) bottles from one of the many neighboring wine merchants Sixtine Lerouge is a journalist from Paris with a love of train travel As far back as I can remember, I spent summer holidays under the shade of the pines of La Baule les Pins. Nestled just a few miles north of the Loire’s estuary, this charming seaside destination on the Atlantic Coast in France’s northeast is renowned for its 9km (5.5-mile) beach and the rugged and craggy Côte Sauvage (wild coast) to the west of the bay you’ll discover secluded creeks perfect for unwinding with a novel Two pleasures I can never resist are spending the morning exploring the market to purchase fresh oysters and the early evening watching the sun set over the bay. La Bule is the gateway to Brière Regional Nature Park France's second-largest wetlands and where you can enjoy nature walks and wildlife-spotting For accommodation, I'd recommend the Hotel Saint-Christophe In the evening, a great choice for food is the Crêperie du Derwin, which offers delicious seafood and crêpes. For a drink, I suggest hopping on a bicycle and pedaling eastward toward Pornichet’s marina. There, you’ll find La P’tite Case a local gem renowned for its excellent cocktails Jean-Bernard Carrilet is a writer, photographer, and videographer from Metz The stunning landscape of Northern Alsace sets the stage for such outdoor activities as hiking and cycling; Parc Naturel Régional des Vosges du Nord is crisscrossed by a seemingly endless network of trails winding through wild forests. For the most stunning views, head to Château de Fleckenstein a red-sandstone medieval pile that teeters at the top of a rocky spur near the German border Art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the impressive Musée Lalique in Wingen-sur-Moder This state-of-the-art museum showcases a stunning collection of jewelry and sculptures adorned with exquisite gems and enamel all crafted by renowned French art-nouveau designer René Lalique My top choice in the area is Ferme-Auberge du Moulin des 7 Fontaines a charming 18th-century farmhouse in a picturesque countryside setting When I need to relax and recharge, I always make a stop at Zuem Buerestuebel in the mineral spa resort of Niederbronn-les-Bains It's a traditional winstub (bistro) that serves delicious Alsatian specialties like tarte à l'oignon (onion tart) and grumbeerekiechle (potato pancakes).  Fabienne Fong Yan is a Lonely Planet guidebook author born and raised in Réunion Island I was a bit of a misfit and used to hang out online a lot I started a long-distance friendship with a girl from Morteau She and her family have been welcoming me for the holidays for 20 years now and I can’t miss a summer holiday in Morteau’s beautiful mountains and lakes One of my favorite spots, accessible to the whole family, is to take the long walk to  “Saut du Doubs," a spectacular 27-meter waterfall located at the French-Swiss border. But with Switzerland just a stone’s throw away I also like to drive to the Taillères lake with an infinite canvas of green curvy hills and blue hues from the sky reflected in the lake’s calm waters I love to spend a night or two at a local ”gîte” (homestay) They are usually large wooden chalets built in the traditional “comtois” style where you can truly enjoy the mountains’ landscapes and beautiful quietness.  My personal recommendation is to prepare a picnic with local cheese (comté) from La Fruitière des Suchaux, smoked ham and sausages from Chalet Jacquet, and pair them with fresh bread and a bottle of local lemonade “La Mortuacienne." The Doubs riverbanks offer plenty of picnic spots, especially in summer. You don't have permission to access the page you requested What is this page?The website you are visiting is protected.For security reasons this page cannot be displayed this beautiful coastal resort quietly celebrates its pioneering heritage in shipbuilding So impressive were the shipyards at La Ciotat dignitaries and scientists would flock there to witness the launch of an ocean liner flooding cafes and carrying diners and motorcars out to sea It all seemed calm when I visited this summer Shipbuilding ended in La Ciotat in 1987 but the yard was turned into a hub for refitting luxury ships and superyachts keeping a huge workforce active while the town turned its attention to tourism I wander along the seafront past a giant 3D #ILoveLaCiotat sign some great-looking restaurants and a restored hammerhead crane Le Port Vieux (to distinguish it from Marseille’s Vieux-Port) feels like many other Mediterranean ports except the view is astonishing: a panoramic skyline of soaring masts one of the largest boatlifts in the world and a titan-white gantry overhanging the port There are some great sandy beaches along the north-east of the bay but the big attraction of La Ciotat lies in its busy The shipyard’s massive armaments building has been redeveloped, maintaining its heavy industrial integrity but now with a pedestrian walkway and restaurant above a row of nautical outfitters, a bookshop and Les Toiles du Large which turns old sails into bags and accessories they can choose a bag to be made from them and the rest is recycled into duffle bags beanbags and deckchairs in the open workshop at the back of the shop complete with the original stitched seams and navigational scars of a previous life on the seas Refurbished in 2013 when Marseille was European Capital of Culture the Eden is the world’s oldest surviving cinema with screenings every day and tours on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons featured trips and local tips for your next break as well as the latest deals from Guardian Holidays Tribute to pétanque inventor Jules Le Noir Hugues in La Ciotat public garden Photograph: Roland Bouvier/AlamyThe unsung cradle of cinema La Ciotat was also the birthplace of France’s unofficial national sport: pétanque president of the Jules Le Noir pétanque club greets me under the shade of some plane trees on a gravel boules court a few blocks from the sea “This is where it all started,” he tells me “Local shopkeeper Jules Hugues (known as Le Noir) suffered from rheumatism; he was the only one allowed to sit in a chair to throw his boules.” but Balbi says: “They decided that if Jules was playing the others weren’t allowed to move their feet either.” The name pétanque comes from Pè tancat – foot fixed – in the local dialect “The first tournament was held on this court in 1910,” says Balbi “and today there are federations in 80 countries “Players from all over the world come for Le Mondial la Marseillaise [the pétanque championships in Marseille] and love to visit us here as this is where it all began Everyone is welcome to play on the courts as long as they bring their own boules.” with lots of ice-cream parlours and sunny cafes in between It is a 17th-century town centre renovated into an organic-minded Stay at one of the characterful properties in the old town or overlooking the sea managed by La Maison de Famille Studios and apartments start at €95 a night La Ciotat-Ceyreste station is 32 minutes by train from Marseille St-Charles (€9 single) and 26 minutes from Toulon (€7.60 single) La Ciotat centre is a 15-minute bus ride from the station (€0.90 single) MB92 Golfe-Juan has commenced operations following the haul-out of its first yacht as MB92 Group’s expansion throughout the Mediterranean continues The refit specialists have also earmarked €5 million to modernise the facility as it seeks to enhance operational capacity in the South of France located around 70 nautical miles east of La Ciotat along the French Riviera “Our experience with the 300t Origins platform in La Ciotat has proven the value of a flexible client-focused approach and I am confident we can replicate the same success in Golfe-Juan,” says Rob Papworth “Clients will benefit from MB92 Group’s significant investment in the site access to our extensive network of global and local providers as well as project support from La Ciotat.” MB92 Golfe-Juan specialises in yacht refits maintenance and repairs for vessels up to 43 metres The facility provides a variety of services including mechanical and electrical engineering Investments will encompass building renovations hard-standing restoration and the installation of pollution-prevention infrastructure This initiative follows the certification of MB92 Golfe-Juan’s newly installed 240-tonne travel lift which enables the facility to service up to 16 yachts measuring up to 43 metres simultaneously At the helm of this transformation is the newly appointed site manager Philippe Escousse is tasked with integrating MB92’s operational efficiencies while ensuring continuity for existing clients supported by a team of over 15 professionals from the former shipyard the shipyard is poised to leverage MB92’s global network ensuring it meets the industry’s evolving demands MB92 Golfe-Juan’s launch also coincides with a comprehensive redevelopment of the Camille-Rayon port, led by D-Marin This initiative seeks to transform the port into a high-performance service hub that meets the needs of clients demanding both superior infrastructure and environmentally responsible practices “As we continue to enhance the capabilities of the Camille-Rayon port the opening of MB92 Golfe-Juan marks an exciting new chapter in our commitment to delivering exceptional infrastructure and services,” adds Corinne Reynaud Global Chief Financial Officer at D-Marin and President of D-Marin France MB92 La Ciotat delivered directly from The Superyacht Group's editors and market analysts Stay at the forefront of the superyacht industry with SuperyachtNewsweek MB92 seals the much-awaited GYG deal in year-end push to deepen its foothold in the superyacht sector CEOs and leaders at established refit yards share their thoughts on where the sector stands today and what should be done to secure its future Nowhere else in the industry are the strains of the growing fleet and expansion more pronounced than on refit recommends taking the professional approach when selecting a refit project manager by choosing someone wit Please select exactly what you would like to receive from us by ticking the boxes below: Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience Non-members can add the privileges at checkout through our 30 day free trial By continuing I accept the Terms & Condition and Privacy Policy. I would like to receive Newsletter from MICHELIN Guide Save lists of your favorite restaurants & hotels La Ciotat (France) – 5/06/2024 – Within a week Exail’s new transoceanic Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) and demonstrated to high-profile customers and partners including major worldwide hydrographic institutes and navies Unveiled last March at Oceanology International in London the DriX O-16 was first put to sea on Wednesday May 29th in its home port of La Ciotat (South of France)  After undergoing a first series of sea trials within the next couple of days it was showcased in action to selected partners and customers on Wednesday Twice the length and five times the displacement of the legacy DriX H-8 the latest addition to Exail’s USV product line is designed for long-duration operations of up to 30 days It benefits from an autonomy of 3,500 nm and can deploy multiple payloads and subsea assets Its larger size allows for a wide range of payloads and acoustic subsea positioning and communication systems (USBL) the USV features a launch and recovery system to deploy Remotely Operated Towed Vehicles (ROTVs) inspection-class Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs).  The new transoceanic USV is particularly suited for full ocean depth scientific and hydrographic surveys which may require the deployment of multiple robots “We are very proud to have demonstrated to our clients our capacity to deliver a new fully functional USV that meets the demand for larger capacity while maintaining high reliability and efficiency at sea,” says Sébastien Grall “We are convinced that platforms such as DriX O-16 will support the marine industry’s transition to more reliable and efficient autonomous operations” Indo Defence – Jakarta – 11-14 June DSEI – London – 9-12 September PARTNER – Belgrade – 23-26 September Seafuture – La Spezia – 29 Sept.-2 October ADEX – Seoul – 29 October-2 November Dubai Air Show – Dubai – 17-21 November Milipol Paris – Paris – 18-21 Novenber Expodefensa – Bogotá – 1-3 December Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Pour sa première tisanerie-boutique en-dehors de Marseille, l’herboristerie du Père Blaize a choisi de s’implanter au cœur de La Ciotat forte de 200 ans d’expérience dans la rue qui porte son nom à Noailles souhaite « prolonger l’expérience dans un autre cadre Dans ce pop-up store situé en haut de l’artère commerçante des Poilus les amateurs de bien-être au naturel retrouveront les classiques de la Maison Blaize : ici mais une large sélection de mélanges de tisanes ainsi qu’une variété d’épices L’occasion de dénicher des cadeaux originaux à l’approche des fêtes de fin d’année le mixologue Elliot Vincent a également concocté de nouvelles recettes de tisanes gustatives « plus modernes équilibrées et savoureuses » qui mettent en avant les qualités aromatiques des plantes Les Ciotadens pourront savourer ces infusions sur place dans une ambiance conviviale et chaleureuse alors que les températures hivernales approchent La tisanerie ouvrira officiellement ses portes lors d’une soirée d’inauguration le vendredi 15 novembre Après cette « période d’infusion » de deux mois l’équipe du Père Blaize espère pouvoir s’enraciner durablement à La Ciotat Et envisage déjà l’installation d’une petite terrasse avec vue sur la mer Le marathon de fin d’année est lancé pour trouver les cadeaux à mettre au pied du sapin de Noël fin décembre Si vous souhaitez éviter les grandes surfaces et les plateformes en ligne rendez-vous dans les marchés de Noël pour trouver de l’inspiration artisanale et locale dans une ambiance festive Le Vieux-Port de La Ciotat va accueillir le marché de Noël du 6 au 23 décembre sur la place de l’Escalet Ils ouvriront tous les jours de 11h à 20h avec des nocturnes jusqu’à 21h30 les 13 et 21 décembre La mairie prévoit diverses animations durant plus de deux semaines avec un petit train de Noël gratuit et un chapiteau de 200 m² grande halle gourmande pour une restauration festive Mais aussi des projections lumineuses sur la façade du musée ciotaden et l’illumination des bateaux dans le port Tout le programme ici Retrouvez notre carte interactive des marchés de Noël en Provence autour de Marseille :  SEARCHThe global authority in superyachting The MB92 La Ciotat facility recently welcomed a new 4,300T shipliftCredit: MB92 La CiotatMB92 La Ciotat inaugurates France’s first 4,300T shiplift 24 November 2022 • by Gabrielle Lazaridis Leading superyacht refit and maintenance yard MB92 has welcomed a 4,300-tonne shiplift to its shipyard in La Ciotat. The first of its kind in the country, the new platform is expected to boost activity at the shipyard with scope for larger projects. To continue reading... you need to register... Gain FREE access to industry analysis, interviews with marine industry leaders and all the latest news as it happens. SubscribeSign up to our newslettersSign up to BOAT International email newsletters to get the latest superyacht news, business analysis, exclusive event invitations, and more. Boat International Media Ltd © 2008 - 2025. Content presented under the "BOAT Presents" logo is an advertising feature and Boat International Limited has been paid to include this content. Nice local Chloe Braithwaite finds respite from the summer crowds of the Cote d'Azur in the sleepy towns that surround France’s oldest city I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice In the peak of summer, Nice, like many of the major towns along the French Riviera, is rather full. Not as full as Paris or Barcelona but enough that finding a bare patch of pebble along the city’s famous Baie des Anges is just this side of frustrating People hustle onto the tram by the city’s Old Town sweaty bodies cramming into every available space while visitors from out of town – not realising reservations are essentially obligatory – stand in queues surrounding restaurant terraces sighing loudly in hopes of pity from the harried wait staff I adore the city year-round; its sunny disposition and famously colourful facades will always be charming to me but when friends ask when they should stop by I always say this is a town best visited in spring or autumn and the cafes and bars that line the narrow labyrinthine streets can spare a seat for me However, the lesser-known shores by Marseille are perfect for summer. The trick is in finding those charmingly quiet fishing village-esque towns that are off-radar for many non-French visitors This sweeping stretch of the Mediterranean feels forgotten despite attracting a host of creatives and intellectuals over the years languid mornings or hikes spent chasing the sun along those rough-hewn seaside paths the French call les sentiers du littoral these tiny towns offer all the charm and wealth of the Riviera without the crowds – or the price tag Read more on France travel: while Old Town plays host to boutique shops and local artisans La Ciotat is also the birthplace of pétanque The town borders the Calanques National Park, easily distinguishable from the Calanques of Cassis and Marseille by their distinctive red rock formations Calanques Mugel and Petit Mugel are a short walk from the edge of town with small beaches nestled between rocky cliffs is the less popular Calanque de Figuerolles overlooked by local institution hotel-restaurant Chez Tania It’s the perfect Robinson Crusoe-style lookout to watch the sun go down Picture-perfect Cassis is as pretty as a postcard Not to be confused with the liqueur of the same name Cassis is often overlooked by visitors in favour of Marseille or Aix-en-Provence Nestled in a small valley between Cap Canaille and the Calanques Cassis features the typical colourful facades so well known along the Mediterranean and is a lovely alternative entryway to the Calanques National Park it’s the town’s wine that’s been having a moment Wine from Cassis enjoys its own AOC (appellations d’origine contrôlée – a protected product and is often described as delicate and elegant – floral fruity and a little bit herby – thanks to the terroir called garrigue in southern French: that particular shrubby limestone soil so common in this part of the country when the Nazis were stripping anti-Reich intellectuals of their citizenship the tiny Sanary-sur-Mer played host to a number of influential exiles Thomas Mann and Sybille Bedford counted themselves among the locals – as did Huxley where he penned his wildly successful Brave New World in 1931 As such, diving and water sports are popular activities in Sanary-sur-Mer, so while in town visit the Frederic Dumas Museum dedicated to diving The city’s port is recognised as one of the most typical ports along the Mediterranean filled with traditional Provençal boats called pointus – a few of which are over a century old playing host to Aldous and Maria Huxley prior to their move to Sanary-sur-Mer Marlon Brando was snapped in the port with his then-fiancee there are many: Grand Vallat Beach is a favourite among locals with palms and an open horizon well sheltered from the harsh winds of the Mistral Like Cassis, Bandol also enjoys an AOC for its wines, especially reds and rosés made with the Mourvèdre varietal, a grape said to be difficult to grow. No trip to the town is complete without visiting a few of the nearby vineyards; there are around 60 just outside town. For those without a car, the Bandol Wine Cellar showcases local producers Once one of Queen Victoria’s winter getaways, the medieval village of Hyères also attracted the likes of F Scott Fitzgerald, Picasso, Dalí and Tolstoy over the years. The old town is centred around Place Massillon, where Saint-Blaise Chapel, built by the Knights Templar in the 12th century, dominates the space, surrounded by little cafes. Noailles Villa a contemporary art gallery and the host of the annual Festival of Fashion is home to a permanent exhibition of avant-garde artists from the 1920s to the 1960s (think Cocteau while perched on the hill overlooking the city are the ruins of the Hyères Castle Old salt marshes are home to over 300 species of birds (including flamingos) or the Golden Islands – comprising Porquerolles and Ile du Levant – are accessible via ferry and perfect for hikers and cyclists Read more: Why I chose Marseille over Paris for the Olympic Games Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies {"adUnitPath":"71347885/_main_independent/gallery","autoGallery":true,"disableAds":false,"gallery":[{"data":{"title":"Anse&Vignes&CapCanaille@Ville de Cassis E. Ruf.JPG","description":"default","caption":"With turquoise waters and rugged cliffs, this is a striking region of France With turquoise waters and rugged cliffs, this is a striking region of France The reconfigured La Ciotat dry dock was officially opened earlier this week (April 3) and will now welcome its first customer, the 72 metre Delta Marine superyacht Albatross it was confirmed that Miquel Angel Lliteras has been appointed as shipyard manager for Blohm+Voss La Ciotat while Jean-Gabriel Tridon will act as the general manager CEO of the prominent German superyacht builder “We are very confident in the long-term development of Blohm+Voss La Ciotat as the company is addressing a strategic and ever-growing segment of the value chain within our industry by developing yacht refit services within the closest proximity to usual customer routes.” In a statement a spokesperson for MB92 added “We are striving to build firm relationships with a local network of experienced companies and suppliers and at the same time promote a training programme which would stimulate apprenticeships within the industry.” The new arrangement at La Ciotat Shipyards takes the number of major superyacht refit companies in the port to three with Compositeworks and Monaco Marine also having facilities on site As part of the work, the dry dock has been reconfigured to measure 200 metres by 60 metres. With a maximum vessel length of 195 metres, it will be capable of servicing the world's largest superyachts. La Ciotat Shipyards is continuing to develop the few last free spaces available on the site and is looking at the possibility of installing a 4,000 tonne lift. Latest news, brokerage headlines and yacht exclusives, every weekday SubscribeSign up to our newslettersSign up to BOAT International email newsletters to get the latest superyacht news Boat International Media Ltd © 2008 - 2025 Content presented under the "BOAT Presents" logo is an advertising feature and Boat International Limited has been paid to include this content « On a commencé des deux côtés alors que les deux communes disposent déjà d’itinéraires pour piétons et mobilités douces qui n’apportera pas plus de précision Excepté un paragraphe synthétique du dossier de presse qui apporte quelques éléments À commencer par le plus tangible : le premier tronçon doit relier la Ciotat au parc départemental de Pichauris Soit une vingtaine de kilomètres qui contourneront Marseille pour aboutir au-dessus d’Allauch Le Département a baptisé ce projet « la Grande traversée des Bouches-du-Rhône » il faudra compter plus de 100 kilomètres d’itinéraire pour relier les deux communes littorales Cette voie verte prévoit « un circuit pédestre Elle proposera « différentes activités pour tous (circuits PMR We use cookies to provide a more personalized website experience By clicking “I Accept” you consent to all cookies Click “I Decline” to continue with essential cookies only Learn about how we use cookies The Ciotaden Museum was founded in the 1940’s by passionate locals. Its primary vocation is to present the local history of La Ciotat to the locals, but also to visitors passing through. The collections gathered over the decades make it a unique place, which offers a real dive into the past. The 15 rooms of the museum house more than 1,500 objects evoking the cultural, traditional, economic, and religious heritage of La Ciotat. Archeological remains from the Terrevaine excavations offer an interesting insight into the city’s prehistoric past. Maritime life is evoked in particular by fishing, trade and yachting, but also, of course, by shipbuilding, which has largely contributed to the prosperity of La Ciotat. Showcases presenting the underwater fauna and flora complete the museographic proposal about the sea. Daily life is also represented, for example through the reconstruction of a 19th century kitchen typical of La Ciotat with its instruments and utensils, and the presentation of the Mayor’s office dating from Napoleon III. The Lumière brothers, cinema pioneers, have a dedicated room where various instruments are exhibited. The collections contain a variety of works and objects relating to decorative art, the performing arts, fine arts, ethnology, local history, natural sciences, industry, navigation and fishing… Une publication partagée par Office de Tourisme La Ciotat (@destination_la_ciotat) le 25 Avril 2019 à 5 :38 PDT Saviez-vous que La pétanque était née à La Ciotat ? Venez découvrir sont histoire en visitant le Musée Ciotaden😊 #destinationlaciotat #southfrench #petanque #regionsud #musee Une publication partagée par Office de Tourisme La Ciotat (@destination_la_ciotat) le 15 Janv. 2019 à 1 :52 PST Since 1992, the Ciotaden Museum has been housed in the old town hall of La Ciotat. The building, built in 1864, is remarkable in many ways with its 26-meter belfry surmounted by a wrought iron campanile. Two bas-reliefs celebrate the two levers of the city’s prosperity which are industry and navigation. Its neo-renaissance style typical of the Second Empire was designed by the architect Auguste Martin. The association of Friends of Old La Ciotat has found a remarkable setting, steeped in history, to welcome and present its collections in the best possible conditions. The documentary collection built up over the years are accessible to the public. Numerous books, archives, drawings and rare documents can be consulted. The library is open on Mondays and Saturdays, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., by appointment only. Une publication partagée par Appart'hôtels Victoria Garden (@hotelvictoriagarden) le 22 Oct Prepare your visit to the ciotaden museum: New ITER Boutique! Purchase ITER-branded merchandise here ITER NewslineKeep in touch with ITER through our main news feed ITER Magazine - French onlyLearn more about the ITER Project by subscribing to this quarterly online magazine (in French) that is geared toward the general public ITER Open Doors Day - NotificationsStay informed about the ITER Open Doors sessions and be among the first to subscribe to the next event ITER ("The Way" in Latin) is one of the most ambitious energy projects in the world today ITER is charting new territory in fusion research Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Refit yard Marina Barcelona 92 (MB92) is set to expand after acquiring French refit shipyard Blohm+Voss La Ciotat The French shipyard, which is currently the exclusive operator of the dry dock facilities in La Ciotat's shipyard facilities, will be merged with the MB92 owned Compositeworks SAS shipyard which is also based at La Ciotat All current employees will be integrated into the merged company while all offices and facilities on site will remain in full operation under the new management MB92 will oversee the rebranding process of the Blohm+Voss La Ciotat brand which will be phased out by the end of September this year said the acquisition strengthened its commitment to La Ciotat as a key Mediterranean hub The yard also revealed it is bidding to be selected as the major user of the 4000 tonne platform due for delivery at La Ciotat in 2021 In 2015, MB92 was responsible for the refit of 90 metre classic yacht Nero, one of the largest superyacht refits the yard has even undertaken. MB92 La Ciotat One of France's leading superyacht refit shipyard has officially ushered in a new era after the formal inauguration of their new 4,300t shiplift involving 350 local institutions and many of those who worked on the project The platform was officially christened by Martine Vassal President of Métropole Aix-Marseille-Provence and included representatives from all participating institutions: La Ciotat Shipyards Département des Bouches du Rhône and MB92 hailed the inauguration of Atlas “A historic moment for our shipyard and for the people of La Ciotat It’s the beginning of a new era and we are excited to be a part of the continuing development of the site so that it can secure its position as the world’s leading centre for superyacht refit.” 8 superyachts have already been welcomed since the yard opened its doors at the end of September which represents a total investment of 47.5 million euros for the Group has already accommodated 8 yachts for a variety of works and is expected to generate a significant increase in activity for the shipyard with a positive knock-on effect on local employment whether this is direct with MB92 or indirectly with the increasing network of local subcontractors.  local commerce in la Ciotat such as restaurants hotels and shops will see a sharp increase in business thanks not only to the additional employees on site but also the rise in the number of crew staying at the facilities In total it is estimated that MB92’s activity in La Ciotat will be responsible for over 900 full-time employees by 2024 (737 direct and indirect employees for the shipyard a large majority of which will be based in La Ciotat concluded: “MB92 La Ciotat is firmly rooted locally with deep ties to the sea and a strong maritime heritage The shipyard plays a central role in developing career opportunities for young talent and works alongside educational establishments to strengthen this link with our traditions and raise the technicity and professionalism of the local workforce.” New Zealand's refit capacity continues to grow with the addition of a new 560T travel lift at the Port Whangārei shipyard The conversion project regularly employed up to fifty skilled workers for more than a year Black Pearl became the first superyacht to dock in Adriatic42’s yard earlier this month for its ongoing refit We compare the brand-spanking new 50m Benetti B Now ‘Iryna’ with the 20-year-old 50m Benetti ‘Alexandra’ La Ciotat Shipyards have announced a collaboration with WeOcean - an initiative founded by the oceanographer Leslie Bissey and her crew to develop projects aimed at educating and raising public awareness to preserve marine biodiversity The department of Bouches-du-Rhône has attributed an annual berth in the old port to the association, so SuperyachtNews spoke exclusively to Jean-Yves Saussol the recent collaboration started very simply “The association wanted to move to La Ciotat because of the rich biodiversity of the area at the doorstep of the Calanques’ National Park and the Pelagos Sanctuary for Mediterranean Marine Mammals so they contacted us to ask if they could install their home base in the old harbour,” began Saussol “It is a unique opportunity to engage with dynamic experts in oceanology" - Jean-Yves Saussol Not only did La Ciotat accept their request but they also jumped at the chance to add to their own environmental agenda “It is a unique opportunity to engage with dynamic experts in oceanology,” Saussol added There are further sustainable initiatives underway at La Ciotat as earlier this year they recruited a full-time engineer to work on such initiatives “[The engineer] is currently working on the supervision of all the environmental safeguards deployed in the framework of our ATLAS-4300t project (bubble curtains but also on a comprehensive audit of our environmental footprint and on solutions to boost self-generation of renewable energy on our site using solar panels,” explained Saussol La Ciotat are also specifically working on the possibility to give second life to an old floating gate by transforming it into an artificial reef “I hope this will be done in the upcoming months,” said Saussol When asked what the key changes and initiatives are that Saussol wants shipyards to be making to become more sustainable within the next 5 - 10 years the first change he identified was very straightforward I think that we have no choice but to reduce the use of plastics in our everyday operations Our oceans cannot continue to be the ultimate rubbish bin of our planet.  especially when you have to change the way your employees are used to working simply banning the use of plastic bottles requires a lot of persuasion Another thing is to attract more businesses with a clear and realistic environmental agenda to our yard Technical innovation is key for reducing the footprint of superyachts and we want to help companies who bring innovative solutions for that,” concluded Saussol expressing that he would be delighted to have a company developing a fuel cell or hydrogen-based solution for superyachts at La Ciotat La Ciotat Shipyards president of LMC, discusses the facility's operations Financial support for the working capital of suppliers by means of advances on trade receivables the sloop will be built for comfortable world exploration and competitive racing Joint MD Toby Allies outlines how the shipyard is operating under new conditions and looks to the year ahead New lease of life as the yard springs back into action French refit hub La Ciotat Shipyards has announced a €100 million investment that will take place over the next four years to further strengthen its capability for refitting yachts over 80 metres which is run by the publicly owned company SEMIDEP-Ciotat is now seeking up to three private operators to co-invest in a 40,000 square metre facility Leases of up to 35 years are being offered and the work would begin in late 2019 La Ciotat Shipyards has set a deadline of February 2 2018 for private partners to join the expansion project said that the notion of a sustainable partnership is essential to the success of the initiative “Given the extreme rarity of possible locations for such equipment in the western Mediterranean area this is a unique opportunity for operators wishing to expand in this market,” he added The MB92 Group has announced the reopening of its facilities in La Ciotat and Barcelona. Work resumed on April 14 and will be scaled up under “strict procedures” that limit the number of people working at the shipyard. The movement of people throughout all the sites is also being controlled. The move comes following signs the coronavirus outbreak is easing in France and Spain. MB92 originally suspended production on March 16. Chief executive and president, Pepe García-Aubert, said: “Given the significant flow of people into and out of our facilities and the rising number of cases in Europe, the MB92 Group was as prudent as possible to protect everyone’s health, especially when considering the reduced availability of adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) at that time”. MB92 said it has since sourced enough personal protect equipment (PPE) to begin work again. The company added that it has introduced measures to reduce contact between staff working at the facilities. Office staff continue to work from home in an effort to socially distance. García-Aubert added: “We have always believed that our ability to adapt to difficult situations and find solutions for our clients was one of the keys to our success. Today it is thanks to this quality that we will overcome this crisis and be stronger as a result.” screened some of the first films of the Lumiere brothers in 1895 Not far from the glitzy Mediterranean film festival venue of Cannes lies another town with a connection to cinema but La Ciotat has an even longer relationship with film and boasts the world's oldest surviving movie theater Audiences are enthusiastic when the lights go down at the Eden This historic cinema house has been showing movies for the last 120 years which makes it the world's oldest cinema still in operation The Eden lies smack in the middle of the tiny town of La Ciotat one half of La Ciotat met the other half on its velvet benches Municipal employee Thierry Mabily says he's a pure product of the Eden We sneak inside the cinema while a movie's playing so he can show me why "It was right here on this second-floor balcony that my mother met my father," Mabily whispers as the film starts "The year was 1958 and the film playing was The Four White Feathers." La Ciotat is also the setting for some of the very first moving pictures recorded by the pioneering Lumiere brothers on their invention Building on advances of the day by other inventors such as Thomas Edison Auguste and Louis Lumiere patented their cinematographe the first portable motion picture camera and projector Trarieux says the Lumiere family built a large mansion in La Ciotat when the brothers' father visited and fell in love with the Mediterranean light and color is said to have astounded Parisians when they saw it in 1895 "That's the film of my grandmother coming on vacation," says Gilles Trarieux-Lumiere went on the platform and filmed his daughter arriving on the train." The Lumiere brothers sent photographers carrying their cinematographes across the globe to record scenes of daily life They were the first to project their films to audiences The screenings generated widespread excitement around the new technology Cannes film festival director Thierry Fremaux gives a speech at the Eden's official re-opening in 2013 "Cinema should not be watched at home on a TV screen," Tixier says "Cinema is about people breathing and having emotions together Today the Eden's programming evokes the Lumiere brothers' spirit of exploration and sharing An enthusiastic Cesaria Granier has come with her mother to watch a documentary about a young man who sails to France from the Bay of Bengal on a sailboat that is its own ecosystem "We don't usually see films like this," says the 12-year-old Become an NPR sponsor La Ciotat Shipyards (LCS) the public company managing and developing the shipyards of La Ciotat has confirmed that its new 4,300 tonne platform will have a net positive impact on the surrounding environment the new shiplift - which is due for completion in 2022 - not only marks LCS’ commitment towards sustainability but also is set to have a number of positive results for the local communities  “Having public shareholders and being active in the yachting industry where environmental concerns are on the rise we have always been committed to delivering a project which could be a model in terms of sustainability,” says Jean-Yves Saussol “We are more than happy to have met this challenge and demonstrated in practice that it is possible to reconcile profitability and the creation of hundreds of jobs for the local community with delivering a positive impact on the environment.” "Having public shareholders and being active in the yachting industry where environmental concerns are on the rise we have always been committed to delivering a project which could be a model in terms of sustainability." it often refers to negating the adverse impact that new infrastructure and developments may have on the environment ensuring that the new 4,300 tonne platform will actually significantly benefit the surrounding environment LCS has ensured that the natural setting and the biodiversity of the Golfe d’Amour and the nearby Calanques’ National Park will see the rehabilitation of the former industrial brownfield sites left behind from the closure of redundant shipyards Following the removal of 3,600 cubic metres of polluted sediment from the harbour which will then be sent to a treatment facility the platform will be equipped with the latest-generation rainwater collection system which will put an end to the discharging into the sea of polluted materials that were originally installed for gas tankers are also to be reactivated that will reproduce the natural habitats of local marine species which has already been tested in the Marseilles’ harbour will cover no less than 600sqm and will reportedly form the largest artificial fish nursery ever to be installed in a harbour The Seaboost biomimicry system  Image: Seaboost one would think that with any construction noise pollution and pollution from truck movements is almost inevitable but LCS has confirmed that environmental protection will also be given special attention throughout the construction phase Working in collaboration with Vinci Travaux Maritimes which will be in charge of all the earthworks depollution and civil works for the platform a large number of solutions will be implemented to ensure that the new working site can be established with minimal impact To keep the CO2 emissions and disturbance to the immediate neighbourhood at the lowest possible level up to 98% of the 80,000 cubic metres of the soil that will be excavated for the project will be reused on the site the number of truck movements will be reduced to a maximum of three per day during the months that those works take place and anti-dust and noise protection systems will also be installed LCS has reported that special attention has been devoted to the protection of the resident wildlife which are particularly rich in the bay of La Ciotat State-of-the-art protection procedures that minimise the release of suspended matter from the site into the waters of the bay will be implemented in order to avoid any disturbance to the dolphins that live in the bay two double bubble curtains are to be installed in order to suppress the noise caused by the underwater works “With all the environmental constraints that we have been able to accommodate the 4,300t plat- form in La Ciotat will clearly be an outstanding project from an environmental and sustainability perspective.” “The full package of environmental measures that will be implemented both during the construction works and the exploitation phase represents a total investment of almost €5 million and have been designed after long studies in close partnership with public authorities such as the Calanques’ National Park,” says Alexandre Rolland A comprehensive surveillance system to monitor and measure the effectiveness of the environmental protection measures is to be installed during the construction phase This long-term monitoring programme is to be maintained during the future exploitation phase Features of the programme will include the recruitment of an environmental expert regular survey of water turbidity at five different locations both inside and outside of the harbour and also acoustic monitoring using a hydrophone-equipped buoy There is no question that these proposed developments are a fantastic example of the incredible work that is being done towards building a more sustainable market place LCS series of sustainable developments showcases what can be done with infrastructure developments such as this and shows that it is not just about negating adverse impact but also benefiting the surrounding environment The British Superyacht Report explores the many ways that the UK is vital to the superyacht ecosystem  The Superyacht Group announces partnership with The Economist’s Sea Tourism Summit 2020 Developing hard infrastructure alone does not guarantee the success of a project Its opening puts the Genoese company at the forefront of global refit infrastructure The drive to counteract the nefarious perception of the superyacht industry is a unanimous goal We reveal the gravitas of this project and the strategic commercial and scientific decisions that have made it possible Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page.