Cultural Side

La Ciotat boasts a rich variety of culture – explore it without delay! In addition, the many cultural associations listed at the bottom of the page have much to offer.

History & Heritage

La Ciotat, land of history... Since the dawn of time, people have always been drawn to settle here by the protective haven of La Ciotat’s bay. The excavations of Ellianac and the Terrevaine cave have revealed the presence of settled tribes from the late Neolithic (3000 – 2000 BC). The first establishment on the sea routes used by ancient sailors is thought to date back to the 5th century BC. [...]

Famous residents

This page lists the illustrious children of La Ciotat and the artists seduced by the town... Charles de Grimaldi (1612-1687), Marquis of Régusse – president of the Aix-en-Provence Parliament. Joseph Lieutaud (1644-1726), sculptor and pupil of Pierre Puget. Pierre Gauthier (1642-1697), musician and composer, who introduced opera to Marseille. Honoré Ganteaume (1755-1818), admiral, chief of the naval staff, brought Bonaparte back to France after his Egyptian expedition. Étienne Marchand (1755-1793), naval captain who took the French flag on its first circuit of the globe. Étienne Masse (1778-1863), great traveler and local writer. […]

Cultural life

La Ciotat has two cinemas: CINÉMA EDEN-THÉÂTRE Built in 1889 and renovated to its original condition in 2013, the Eden-Théâtre, the world's oldest cinema still in use, screens independent films with a regular focus on film heritage and young audiences. Owned by the town of La Ciotat, with its public-service mission delegated to the association Les Lumières de l'Eden, the cinema received a special commendation in the "innovative cinema" prize awarded by the CNC (the French national centre for cinema and the moving image) for the quality of its programming. […]

Cultural Side

History & Heritage

Famous residents

Cultural life

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