In the heart of the city, discover the Church of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, with its sober, elegant architecture and modern frescoes inside.
Here are our practical tips for planning your visit to this church in the city of La Ciotat.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption worth a visit?
Yes, this church is well worth a visit.
It’s right in the center of town. Its elegant sobriety makes it one of the most eye-catching buildings around the port. And you’ll be surprised by the modern frescoes inside!
This is one of the main places to visit at La Ciotat.
What you can see
The architecture
Start by admiring the church from the outside.
The present church was built between 1603 and 1625. It was in fact an extension to a chapel. But it was modified over the following centuries.
We were charmed by its simplicity, which honors the beautiful stone used in its construction.
The consular gate
Slow down as you pass the entrance arch. Admire the difference in stonework with the church walls. These stones come from the quarries at La Couronne, near Martigues. Simple and elegant, once again.
It is known as the Consular Gate.
Above is a statue sculpted by Jean Lenfant in 1616.
Inside the church
Once inside, notice the high structure:
- 44 m long
- 25 m wide
- 22.5m high
The church has 3 naves but no transept. Take the time to realize the size of the pillars and the thickness of the walls, up to 2m.
The modern fresco
The church’s interior remains fairly classical, but with a touch of modernity.
Gilbert Ganteaume, an artist from La Ciotat, painted a 3-panel fresco in 1975. It represents a free adaptation of the biblical journey and evokes the Liberation, then the Redemption and finally the Resurrection.
The organ
The original organ from Les Accoules in Marseille. But it was replaced by this organ, built in 1877 by Polish-born François Mader.
It has 3 sound levels and attractive woodwork decorations that blend perfectly with the rose window.
The choir
In the heart, you can see the high altar, which dates back to the 18th century and was created in Marseille.
The surrounding walnut woodwork dates from 1649.
But the most striking feature is the 3.15 m high statue above the stained-glass windows, depicting the Assumption with magnificent drapery movements.
Statues and paintings
And throughout the church, you can also see various statues in marble or other materials, as well as several paintings depicting, among others, St. Anthony, St. Francis, and Notre Dame de Bon Voyage.
Information about Christ de l’Île-Verte
Finally, discover the history of Christ de l’Île-Verte.
By Jean Bologne, a pupil of Michelangelo. It was donated by Pope Pius VII in 1821 for installation on Île-Verte opposite La Ciotat.
Christ disappeared during the bombardments of 1944, but was found by a diver during maritime mine clearance campaigns. It was restored as far as possible between 2002 and 2005.
Église Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption at La Ciotat: how to get there
Where to find Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption church
- In the city of La Ciotat
- Right in the center, on the edge of the old port
- Quai Ganteaume
Access by car and parking
The church is not accessible by car. But you can park nearby (5 min walk) in the Vieux-Port parking lot.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Public transport access
It’s not a big city. Everything is within easy walking distance.
Visiting difficulties
The church is easy to visit, apart from a few steps up if you’re coming from the harbour.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN La Ciotat
- Things to do in La Ciotat
- Best hotels to stay in La Ciotat
- Best restaurants (coming soon)
- La Ciotat’s most beautiful beaches
- Tour de l’Île-Verte (coming soon)
- Calanques de Figuerolles
Practical tips for visiting the church
Schedules and prices
Free admission.
We didn’t see any timetables posted.
See the parish website.
Masses
- Monday to Saturday, 8:30 a.m.
- Sundays at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
How long
Allow 15 minutes
Eating out
The church is right in the center of town. You’ll find plenty of restaurants just around the corner:
- Restaurants le PiaPia
- Restaurant Les 3 Secs
See our selection of the best restaurants at La Ciotat (coming soon)
Hotels
You’re right in the center of La Ciotat. Here are our recommendations:
WHERE TO STAY IN La Ciotat
Option 1: Old port side
Enjoy the charm of the old town, the port and all the restaurants.
We recommend..:
- Best Western Vieux-Port Hotel with rooftop pool – see prices, photos and availability
Option 2: Beach side
With sea views and direct access to beaches. We recommend..:
- Aparthotel A Deux Pas de L’Eau – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Rose Thé – prices, pictures and availability
