Located in the heart of the Bouches-du-Rhone, in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, the commune of Châteauneuf-les-Martigues takes place on the banks of the famous pond of Berre. Limitrophe of Martigues, Marignane or Carry-le-Rouet, it enjoys a natural setting appreciated by tourists from around the world.
Known since the Middle Ages for its castral castle, the city of Châteauneuf-les-Martigues gradually developed at its foot, becoming property of the counts of Les Baux in the course of the thirteenth century. Very touristy, the Provençal commune was also illustrated at the beginning of the 20th century, with the first flight by seaplane by a Marseille engineer, Henri Fabre, who flew over the pond to Martigues.
Always full of charm, the city still unveils today an important architectural heritage, and offers its visitors a wide range of cultural and sporting events.
The oldest religious edifice in the city, the Sainte-Cécile chapel dates from the 8th century and was built on the remains of a pagan monument. Not far away, the Sainte-Cécile church dates from the 19th century. In neogothic style, it is dedicated to the patroness of the musicians and reveals in its interior a picture of the martyrdom of Saint Denis and a picture of saint Cecilia. Do not miss the modern-style Notre-Dame-de-l'Étang chapel.
Prehistory lovers will be delighted to discover the shelter of Font-des-Pigeons, a site occupied since the Mesolithic. A museum was opened on the commune by enthusiasts and retraces the history of this period and the centuries that followed.
Walking through the town or its surroundings, you will appreciate the view offered by the promontory of the Black Virgin, or the charm of the Three Brothers, a cluster of rocks emerging from the water of the Etang de Berre.
The natural heritage of Châteauneuf-les-Martigues is not without interest, and you can especially walk in the valleys of the Saut and Valtrède known for their limestone landscapes with rock faces, caves, or needles. Above the commune there is a large calcareous rock formed in the lower Cretaceous, which revealed many vestiges of the first inhabitants of the municipality like tools of fishing or the remains of tools in bone.
Châteauneuf-les-Martigues hosts on its territory part of the pond of Bolmon and the lido of Jaï. The site includes, among others, marshes and the bird sanctuary of Barlatier.
Visitors also appreciate the beach of Jaï, ideal for swimming and sunbathing, or the marina of the Mede and its pleasant surroundings.
A commemorative monument was erected to celebrate Henri Fabre's first seaplane flight in 1910.
The market is held on Friday morning.
A fun fair takes place in the city every year in March.
The American Fair festival, in June, proposes to spend a weekend 100% American thanks to various animations.
Every year in July is held Festival under the Pines which offers concerts of artists of international renown.
The cross of the gazelles, in October, is a race dedicated to the elementary students and large section of kindergarten.
In October, Arts en Fête is a competition-exhibitions highlighting all types of art.
In December, the municipality organizes a Christmas market.
