Marignane has two distinctive sides: the landscape of the lagoons and a rich cultural and historical heritage. Between lakeside paths, wetlands, and historic buildings, visitors can choose from a range of activities, from nature outings to architecture and archaeology.
Wetlands, shores, and paths
Le Jaï is a strip of land more than five kilometres long and about 250 metres wide on average, separating Étang de Berre from Étang de Bolmon. The coastal strip can be explored on foot or by bicycle. At the Le Jaï kitesurfing spot, some areas are reserved for kitesurfing, while others are exclusively for swimming. The protected natural area of Bolmon and Le Jaï belongs to the Conservatoire du Littoral.
The Sentier Petite Camargue de Marignane Les Paluns is 6.5 kilometres long and runs through the Paluns-Patafloux-Barlatier wetlands, alongside Étang de Bolmon and the Canal du Rove. The path lies within the protected natural area of Bolmon and Le Jaï. At 6.5 kilometres, it is shorter than the 14-kilometre Balade numérique along the Marignane section of the GR®2013. This visitor route has 16 stops marked with QR codes. Check in advance whether the digital resources and markers are available.
The Bolmon discovery trail includes an elevated wooden walkway accessible to people with reduced mobility. The trail connects by bicycle to the Le Jaï cycle path. Another nature route, the Randonnée Nature au village des pêcheurs, leads to the mouth of the Cadière at Étang de Bolmon, the historic fishing village, Pointe du Ruisseau, and the Canal du Rove. Dates and booking conditions may change; check them before your visit.
Colline Notre-Dame has several kilometres of paths for walking, running, and mountain biking, including the GR®2013. The area may be closed in summer when the risk of forest fires is high. The hill reaches a maximum elevation of 104 metres.
Archaeology and architectural history
The summit below the Notre-Dame sanctuary was occupied by a Celto-Ligurian oppidum between the 4th and 2nd centuries BC. Most of the excavations at the Oppidum de Notre-Dame de Pitié have since been reburied; signs identify the main archaeological points of interest. The Musée Reynaud displays local archaeological finds from the excavations at Notre-Dame de Pitié.
The Chapelle Notre-Dame de Pitié crowns Mont du Calvaire, a religious site dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. The present-day municipal Forêt Notre-Dame covers 65 hectares. The chapel is open to visitors on the first Sunday of each month from 2 to 5 pm; visits may be cancelled if there is a fire risk. Check before your visit whether it will be open.
The Château de Marignane also reflects a range of uses: its history encompasses a medieval fortress, a Renaissance residence, a private mansion, a town palace, and a town hall. Between 1690 and 1700, a classical façade inspired by the Palazzo Farnese brought the buildings together. The Église Saint-Nicolas preserves a monumental, gilded wooden altarpiece from the 16th century.
The Musée Albert Reynaud includes a diorama on fishing and an overview of the lagoon fauna. The Croix de Marignane trail focuses on crosses and oratories that have shaped the urban and rural landscape; some still remain today.
Camargue architecture and activities
On the shore of Étang de Bolmon stands the Pavillon cynégétique – Cabane camarguaise, a small building with distinctive features of Camargue architecture. The Village de l’Estéou comprises around ten fishermen’s huts at the mouth of the Vallat de la Cadière. Around 1900, these picturesque Camargue-style dwellings for fishermen, shepherds, and hunters attracted numerous photographers.
The l’Estéou sports and leisure complex covers 6.6 landscaped hectares on Étang de Bolmon. It includes a skatepark, a climbing wall, a recreation area, children’s play facilities, and a viewpoint. L’Estéou is also a stop on the Balade des familles, which connects the shore of Étang de Bolmon with the banks of the Canal du Rove. Families can also enjoy Intrigue dans la Ville® in Marignane: this murder-mystery game involves finding hidden clues around the town, with a storyline centred on the theft of the votive offerings from the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Pitié.
Getting there and dates
Marignane is near the Pas des Lanciers TER station and the Aix-Arbois TGV station. Marseille-Provence Airport is located within the commune of Marignane, on the shore of Étang de Berre. Transport services and connections may change; check the latest information before travelling. In 2026, market traders’ markets are held on Tuesdays and Saturdays in the car park at Parc Camoin. Check the dates before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Plan-D'orgon, Tarascon, Saint-Andiol, Martigues, La Roque-D'anthéron, Port-De-Bouc, Bouc-Bel-Air, Lamanon.
For the broader travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.
