Soirée Vénitienne
Grand pyromelodic show and nautical procession in the Provençal Venice
About Soirée Vénitienne
The unmissable event of the summer in Martigues
The Soirée Vénitienne is undoubtedly the most anticipated event of the summer in Martigues. Every year, on the first Saturday of July, the city of canals adorns itself in its finest attire to offer a grandiose spectacle combining an illuminated nautical procession and a pyromelodic fireworks display. The event, ranked among the four major festivals of the city, attracts tens of thousands of spectators from all over the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region to experience this magical night on the shores of the Étang de Berre.
The nautical procession: a magical parade on the water
The evening begins at 10 PM with the nautical procession, a parade of about ten decorated and illuminated boats that navigate through the canals of Martigues. The procession starts from the Pointe San-Crist, follows the Canal Galliffet, and returns to its starting point, offering an enchanting spectacle to the spectators gathered on the quays and bridges. The boats, adorned with fairy lights and thematic decorations, glide slowly on the water, creating magical reflections reminiscent of the Venetian festivals from which Martigues derives its nickname of Provençal Venice.
The pyromelodic show: when the sky ignites the lagoon
At 11 PM, the grand pyromelodic show ignites the Martigues sky. Produced by the pyrotechnicians of Groupe F, a world reference in artistic pyrotechnics, this fireworks display is fired from the Étang de Berre and the Théâtre de Verdure. For over thirty minutes, bombs, fountains, and luminous cascades synchronize with a carefully composed soundtrack, creating a true total spectacle where music, light, and water reflections blend in a striking harmony. More than just a fireworks display, it is a moment of collective emotion that marks every Martigues summer.
A popular and unifying event
The Soirée Vénitienne is a free and accessible event for everyone, true to the popular spirit of Martigues. The three districts of the city center are closed to traffic from 8 PM to midnight, allowing the public to stroll freely along the quays. Entertainment, refreshments, and food are offered throughout the evening. The event takes place in all weather conditions, with no postponement possible in case of bad weather, demonstrating the city's determination to offer this annual event to its residents and visitors.
Soirée Vénitienne — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Soirée Vénitienne will take place on Saturday, July 4, 2026 in Martigues, true to the tradition of the first Saturday of July. A magical evening with an illuminated nautical parade on the Galliffet canal and a grand pyromelodic show fired above the Étang de Berre facing Ferrières beach. Free event, accessible to all.
Soirée Vénitienne 2026 — Saturday, July 4
The Soirée Vénitienne returns to Martigues on Saturday, July 4, 2026 for a new edition of this unmissable event of the Provençal summer. Ranked among the city's four major festivals, this magical night transforms the Provençal Venice into a luminous and musical tableau on the shores of the Étang de Berre.
A magical nautical parade
Starting at 10 PM, the Quidam troupe opens the evening with the "Fiers à cheval" street performance in the city center streets. At 10 PM, the nautical parade also begins: a parade of about ten decorated and illuminated boats gliding on the Galliffet canal for nearly an hour, creating reflections worthy of the Venetian festivals from which Martigues gets its nickname.
The grand pyromelodic show at 11 PM
At 11 PM, the sky ignites above the Étang de Berre, facing Ferrières beach, with a pyromelodic show synchronized to music. The bombs, sprays, and luminous cascades blend with a soundtrack composed for the occasion: music, light, and aquatic reflections merge into a moment of collective emotion.
A free and popular event
The Soirée Vénitienne is free and accessible to all. The three city center districts are closed to traffic from 8 PM to midnight to allow the public to stroll freely along the quays. The event takes place in all weather, with no postponement possible in case of bad weather.
Programme Soirée Vénitienne 2026
Saturday, July 4, 2026
- 8 PM — Closure to traffic of the three city center districts (until midnight)
- 10 PM — "Fiers à cheval": street performance by the Quidam troupe
- 10 PM → 11 PM — Nautical parade: parade of about ten decorated and illuminated boats on the Galliffet canal
- 11 PM — Pyromelodic show (musical fireworks) fired above the Étang de Berre, facing Ferrières beach — approximately 30 minutes
Program communicated by the Martigues Tourist Office. No postponement is planned in case of bad weather conditions.
Highlights Soirée Vénitienne 2026
- Illuminated nautical parade on the Galliffet canal starting at 10 PM
- Pyromelodic show above the Étang de Berre at 11 PM
- "Fiers à cheval" street performance by the Quidam troupe
- Free event, open access
- Pedestrian city center from 8 PM to midnight
Prices Soirée Vénitienne 2026
Practical information — Soirée Vénitienne
Practical Information
Access
The event takes place in the Martigues city center, along the canals and the Étang de Berre.
- By car: Martigues is accessible via the A55 from Marseille. Peripheral parking recommended, city center closed to traffic from 8 PM.
- By bus: Special shuttles and Ulysse network.
Timings
- 10 PM: Nautical procession
- 11 PM: Pyromelodic show
Prices
- Free admission.
Important Information
- City center closed to traffic from 8 PM to midnight.
- No postponement in case of bad weather.
Contact
- Martigues Tourist Office: 04 42 42 31 10
- Website: www.martigues-tourisme.com
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Where does it take place — Soirée Vénitienne
Centre-ville et étang de Berre
Centre-ville, 13500 Martigues