Visiting Mugel Park, a botanical oasis at the foot of a giant
Tucked inside a sheltered cove in the shadow of the colossal Bec de l'Aigle, Mugel Park is a patch of green on the coast of La Ciotat. Sheltered from the mistral wind by the towering cliffs, this notable garden benefits from a microclimate. It offers a sensory escape where the scent of aromatic plants mixes with the sound of waves hitting the pebble beach.
What makes Mugel Park unique?
More than just a park, Mugel invites you on a botanical journey across nearly 17 hectares. Its character comes from its plant diversity, which thrives thanks to the protection of the Bec de l'Aigle and a rainwater harvesting system. Formerly a private property acquired by the city, this space serves as a sanctuary, designated as a Jardin Remarquable (Remarkable Garden) for its plant collections and landscape design.
Exploring between gardens and wild nature
You can experience the park in two distinct parts. On one side, a landscaped garden brings together species from all over the world. On the other side, a wilder zone climbs the rocky slopes.
The garden of wonders
This designed section is a mosaic of landscapes. You can wander through:
- A dense and refreshing bamboo grove.
- Collections of succulents and cacti.
- Palms representing around thirty different species.
- Aromatic plants and typical Mediterranean varieties like cork oaks and chestnut trees.
The climb to spectacular views
For the more adventurous, a trail climbs to a viewpoint situated at 82 meters above sea level. The effort is rewarded by a panorama over the baie de La Ciotat (Bay of La Ciotat), l'Île Verte (Green Island), and the open sea. It is the ideal vantage point to admire the majesty of the Bec de l'Aigle and its conglomerate cliffs, a reddish rock characteristic of the area.
Friendly tip: Make sure to walk out to l'anse du Sec, passing by the Atelier Bleu. This tucked-away corner at the end of the park offers views and tranquility, even during peak summer season. It is a spot for a quiet break.
A day for the whole family
Mugel Park is a complete destination. It features two pebble coves, l'anse du Petit Mugel and l'anse du Grand Mugel, suited for a swim. Shaded picnic areas and children's play zones make it a destination for a family outing, combining beach time, hiking, and botanical discovery.
Opening hours
- April to September: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
- October to March: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Access may be restricted during high fire risk periods.
*Information subject to change
I was expecting to find a botanical garden with lots of features showcasing different environments, different types of flowers, etc. In fact, most of the park is taken up by "wild" scrubland.
There are a few aromatic plants and fruit trees, but that is not what caught my attention. If you hike up to the heights, you will get spectacular views of the city and especially the Bec de l'Aigle, the cliff that overlooks the Calanques du Mugel.
Positive point: admission is free.