Marseille beaches: between wild coves and lively beaches
Marseille, the jewel of the Mediterranean, is famous for its rich heritage, but its beaches also attract many visitors. Among Marseille’s most beautiful beaches, you’ll find a mix of family-friendly spots, wild coves, and locations perfect for water sports enthusiasts. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, these coastal gems offer incredible diversity. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know to make the most of these treasures, from emblematic spots to gourmet seaside addresses.
1. Marseille's iconic beaches
Prado Beach: a must-see!
With its wide stretches of sand and modern infrastructure, Plage du Prado is a must for families and sports enthusiasts. This beach offers playgrounds, beach volleyball courts and green spaces for picnics.
Practical advice: Easy access by car or bus. To avoid the crowds, choose mornings or weekdays.
Catalans Beach: the most central
Located near the Old Port, this beach is a popular meeting place for Marseille residents. Famous for its beach volleyball matches, it seduces with its dynamic atmosphere.
Tip: Arrive early to enjoy a spot in the sun and enjoy an artisanal ice cream in the nearby cafés.
Pointe Rouge Beach: ideal for families
With its fine sand and shallow waters, Pointe Rouge Beach is perfect for families with children. Restaurants, sailing clubs and a friendly atmosphere make it a destination of choice.
Good plan: In the evening, enjoy the restaurants with your feet in the water for a culinary experience facing the sea.
Huveaune Beach: a haven of peace
Located between the Stade Vélodrome and Pointe Rouge, Plage de l’Huveaune is a real gem for those looking for peace and quiet. Less well-known than iconic beaches like Prado or Catalans, it mainly attracts regulars and those who prefer a more intimate atmosphere.
2. The wild and secret coves
Les Goudes and Callelongue: Marseille authenticity
These picturesque coves offer a preserved natural setting, perfect for a getaway far from the hustle and bustle of the city. The rocks and crystal clear waters will seduce nature lovers.
Access: From the village of Les Goudes, a path leads to the coves. Bring good shoes and water.
The Calanque de Sormiou: a picture-postcard landscape
With its turquoise waters and spectacular cliffs, Sormiou is one of Marseille’s most visited coves. It’s ideal for a day of swimming and exploring.
Tip: Book a table at a local restaurant to ensure access by car in high season.
Calanque de Morgiou: a paradise for snorkeling enthusiasts
Morgiou is renowned for its rich seabed and calm waters. It is the perfect place to discover Mediterranean marine life.
Tip: Arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy the best conditions for snorkeling.
The Calanque de Marseilleveyre: an isolated corner of paradise
Accessible only on foot or by boat, Marseilleveyre is a peaceful cove surrounded by mountains. Its pebble beach offers a perfect setting for a relaxing day.
Access: From Callelongue, take a hiking trail (about 45 minutes). Bring enough water and suitable shoes.
On site: A small local restaurant offers simple dishes and refreshments, ideal after the walk.
These picturesque coves offer a preserved natural setting, perfect for a getaway far from the hustle and bustle of the city. However, some coves remain difficult to access and require good preparation. To explore these places with peace of mind and learn more about their history, contact one of the Marseille tour guides.
3. Beaches for water activities
Bonneveine Beach: sport and relaxation
Located near Borély Park, Bonneveine Beach is a real playground for water sports enthusiasts. Whether you are a novice or experienced, this beach offers a multitude of activities, from paddleboarding to kayaking, including scuba diving to discover the riches of the Mediterranean seabed.
Rouet Beach: a spot for enthusiasts
About 30 minutes from Marseille, Rouet Beach, located near Carry-le-Rouet, is a true paradise for thrill seekers. Here, thermal winds blow with intensity, attracting experienced riders from all over the world.
- Exceptional conditions: The gusts allow for spectacular jumps and incredible speed on the water, making it a prime spot for competitors or experienced athletes.
- Facilities: The beach has dedicated areas to prepare your equipment and easy access to enter the water.
- Sporting events: In summer, local kitesurfing and windsurfing competitions liven up the beach, offering an impressive spectacle to visitors.
4. Beaches surrounding Marseille
The Cove of En-Vau (Cassis)
Renowned for its sheer cliffs and turquoise waters, En-Vau is a destination of choice for lovers of hiking and magnificent landscapes. Accessible only on foot or by kayak, it offers an ideal setting for a total immersion in nature.
Tip: Prepare suitable shoes and leave early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy the morning light on the cliffs.
Sainte-Croix Beach (Martigues)
Located about 40 minutes from Marseille, this fine sand beach is nestled in the heart of a preserved natural environment, surrounded by pine trees and cliffs. Ideal for a family day out, Sainte-Croix offers clear and shallow waters, perfect for swimming.
Good to know: A small snack bar is available on site, but remember to bring a picnic if you want to extend your stay.
Verdon Beach (La Ciotat)
With its golden sand and calm waters, Plage de la Verdon is perfect for families. It offers a wide range of water activities and beachside restaurants for a gourmet break.
Activities to try: Rent a pedal boat or kayak to explore the coast from the water.
Carry-le-Rouet: a charming village
Carry-le-Rouet is a hidden gem just 30 minutes from Marseille. This seaside resort combines quiet beaches, secluded coves, and a picturesque harbor bustling with restaurants and cafes.
Things to do: Try snorkeling near the coves or enjoy dinner with a view of the sunset.
Arena Beach (Cassis)
This small pebble beach is a less crowded alternative to the main beaches of Cassis. Nestled between the cliffs, it offers an intimate setting and remarkably transparent waters. Good to know: Access requires a short walk from the city center of Cassis, but the tranquility that reigns there is worth the effort. Bring your water shoes to walk on the pebbles comfortably.
Piana Beach (La Ciotat)
Also called “Anse de la Piana”, this beach offers an idyllic setting with its fine sand and calm waters. Ideal for a family day out or a romantic getaway, it is located near the magnificent Route des Crêtes, a panoramic route not to be missed.
Practical advice: Arrive early to find a parking space and take advantage of the nearby restaurants to enjoy fresh fish dishes.
5. Where to eat and relax near the beaches
Cheap restaurants
- Chez Zezette (Les Goudes)
A simple and friendly place where you can enjoy typical Marseille dishes, such as grilled sardines or panisses, at affordable prices. Located near the sea, it is perfect for a quick break before heading back to explore the coves. - Snack Catalans (Plage des Catalans)
This small snack bar located near the beach offers sandwiches, salads and cold drinks, ideal for a quick meal on the go. With its low prices, it is a practical option for families. - Chez Jeannot (Vallon des Auffes)
This family restaurant offers wood-fired pizzas and simple but tasty dishes. Located in the charming Vallon des Auffes, this is a great choice for a cheap meal while enjoying a beautiful view. - L’Eden Roc (Pointe Rouge)
This beachfront snack bar offers homemade burgers and fast food at affordable prices. The relaxed atmosphere and proximity to the beach make it a popular spot for locals.
Mid-range restaurants
- Le Poisson Rouge (Pointe Rouge)
This restaurant offers generous Mediterranean cuisine and freshly caught fish, all with a breathtaking view of the sea. A perfect place for a lunch with family or friends. - La Fabrique (Prado)
Located a stone’s throw from the Prado beaches, this modern brasserie offers a variety of dishes such as tartares, salads and burgers. Ideal for a gourmet break before or after a swim. - Le Nautica (Plage de l’Huveaune)
With its elegant setting and refined dishes, this restaurant is an excellent option for enjoying seafood while enjoying the proximity of the beach. - Les Tamaris (Vieux-Port)
A restaurant renowned for its Provencal dishes, grilled fish and homemade desserts. Just a few minutes from the beaches, it offers a magnificent view of the port and the sea.
High-end restaurants
- Chez Michel (Plage des Catalans)
A Marseille institution to enjoy a bouillabaisse or a seafood platter in an elegant setting. Ideal for an authentic culinary experience after a day at the beach. - L’Escale (Les Goudes)
This chic restaurant is renowned for its fresh fish and seafood, served with a touch of creativity. With a panoramic view of the Mediterranean, it is a perfect address for a romantic dinner. - Le Rhul (Corniche Kennedy)
This high-end restaurant, located on the Corniche Kennedy, specializes in Provençal dishes and bouillabaisse. Its terrace overlooking the sea offers an exceptional setting for a memorable meal. - L’Embarcadère (Vallon des Auffes)
A refined table where you can enjoy gourmet dishes, in a picturesque and intimate setting. The emphasis is on local products and the freshness of ingredients.
