Learn more about the history of the town of La Ciotat through these small and varied collections: prehistory, the founding of the town, pétanque, shipyards…
Here are our practical tips for planning your visit to the Ciotaden Museum in 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 a visit to the Ciotaden Museum worthwhile?
If you like anecdotes about a city’s activities or inventions, or observing a city through the ages, this municipal museum is well worth a visit. Here you can find out more about pétanque and shipyards, among other things.
This is one of La Ciotat’s best activities.
What you can see
The building
Start by admiring the building housing the museum. This is the former town hall, built in neo-renaissance style around an octagonal belfry. Built in the 19th century, it was inaugurated in 1864.
The antique collection
The tour begins with archaeological remains excavated around the town and in the bay. We particularly appreciated the collection of amphorae
La Ciotat’s ancient name was Citharista, and it is thought to have been founded between 470 and 390 BC.
The Terrevaine excavations
The museum mixes collectibles with some staging to bring it to life. One of our favorites is the excavations at Terrevaine, a cave not far from La Ciotat. It was excavated in 1945 to uncover its prehistoric treasures. Researchers found burials with flint and ceramic shards. They date back to the Copper Age.
The city through the centuries
You’ll then discover objects and information about the town’s evolution over the centuries. One of the rooms features several pieces of religious art: paintings, sculptures…
City map
Among all the items, we particularly liked the map of La Ciotat dating from 1780. The town’s main landmarks are identified, such as the soap factory, the many chapels and fountains…
Studded boules and pétanque
The museum’s biggest surprise for us was to discover that the game of Pétanque (a very popular ball game in France) was invented in La Ciotat in 1910.
The aim is to throw your balls so that they come as close as possible to a smaller wooden ball (called the “Cochonnet”).
Learn more about the history of the game and the evolution of balls. At first, the balls were studded, and a few examples can be seen in the museum. The balls are then cast in bronze.
The Maritime Life Collection
Several rooms are dedicated to La Ciotat’s maritime history.
Indeed, the bay soon became a maritime center. Learn more about fishing, trade and the boats that come here.
Shipbuilding
And, of course, one room is dedicated to the shipbuilding industry that brought prosperity to La Ciotat. Here you’ll find not only model boats, but also models of the handling systems that are essential to the smooth running of shipyards.
Other rooms
And you’ll also be able to see:
- Mayors’ offices
- An example of a 19th-century La Ciotat kitchen
- The cinematograph in relation to the Lumière brothers
- A reconstructed bedroom
- …
Museum Ciotaden in La Ciotat: how to get there
Where to find the Ciotaden Museum
- In the city of La Ciotat
- Right in the center, on the edge of the old port
- Quai Ganteaume
Access by car and parking
You can park nearby (2 min walk) in the parking lot next to the marina. It’s outdoors.
But there’s also a large underground parking lot: Parking Le Vieux Port, which is also centrally located.
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 museum is on 2 levels. There’s a staircase.
Only the first level is accessible for wheelchair users, but there is still a step to climb.
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 Ciotaden Museum
Schedules and prices
- 5 euros for adults
- 3 euros for reduced rates
- 8 euros with guided tour
- 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday
How long
There are 13 rooms and 2 halls to visit.
Allow 30 min to 1 hour, depending on your interest in the various subjects.
Direction of visit
We recommend starting on the second floor and finishing on the first floor. This allows you to start with archaeology and prehistory and move forward in time.
Visiting with children
We didn’t see anything in place for children.
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 in 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
