Open days at the new Calanques National Park Centre in La Ciotat

Designed as a place to discover the Calanques, the fully refurbished Villa Michel Simon houses a 160 m² immersive exhibition spread across six areas dedicated in particular to geology, freshwater resources, terrestrial and marine biodiversity, and the exceptional landscapes offered by the Calanques National Park. Audio installations, scent displays, Braille materials, audio description and dedicated facilities provide a sensory experience designed for visitors of all abilities. As a true gateway to the Calanques National Park, this new space also allows visitors to plan their visit and find out about routes and best practice before setting off to explore the surrounding natural sites. Finally, the Calanques National Park Visitor Centre provides a welcoming space for information and awareness-raising that truly reflects the natural richness of our region. It is an essential tool for better understanding and protecting the calanques. The space also captures the spirit of Michel Simon’s living room through posters, photographs and various mementoes of the artist. A festive weekend open to everyone! To mark this open day, the Calanques National Park Visitor Centre will be offering free guided tours, nature walks, workshops and activities for the whole family. An invitation to step inside this new venue and gain a fresh perspective on the natural treasures that make La Ciotat so unique. On the programme: Saturday 26 September: 9.00 am to 6.00 pm A day of festive activities with stalls run by partner organisations of the Calanques National Park as part of the Educalanques programme (CPIE Atelier Bleu, Les Jardins de l’Espérance, Naturoscope, etc.) Guided tours of the house and its museum area, A show, Guided walks starting from the house, A local and sustainable food truck. Sunday 27 September: 10.00 am to 5.00 pm Self-guided tours of the museum area without any special festivities.