Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, South of France (le Midi), France

La Ciotat Beaches

Overview

La Ciotat offers a classic South of France beach experience with a welcoming variety. The coastline provides both stunning rocky coves and long, accessible sandy shores, giving visitors a wide choice. This sets it apart from nearby Cassis, which is more famous for its dramatic calanques that often require more effort to reach. La Ciotat delivers the best of both worlds: the convenience of in-town sandy beaches and the raw beauty of natural inlets.

The town's beaches cater to every preference. For a classic family day, the expansive Grande Plage and the calm, shallow waters of Plage Lumière are top choices right near the center. Locals often head to the convenient Plage Capucins for a quick dip close to the old port. For a truly memorable excursion, the iconic Calanque d'En-vau is considered one of the most beautiful in the region. The town also boasts its own unique coves, like the stunning Calanque de Figuerolles, known for its dramatic red-orange rock formations.

La Ciotat's commitment to a pleasant environment is clear, with many of its main beaches designated as non-smoking. The coastline holds even more secrets, from the secluded coves of Île Verte to other local spots waiting to be discovered. For a complete guide to every bay and cove, be sure to explore our full list of the best beaches in La Ciotat.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Are the beaches in La Ciotat sandy or pebbly?

La Ciotat offers a diverse range of beaches to suit different preferences. You'll find large, family-friendly sandy beaches like Grande Plage and Plage Lumière located close to the city center. For those who prefer a more rugged, natural setting, there are beautiful pebble beaches nestled in coves, such as the Calanque de Figuerolles and the beaches within Calanque du Mugel.

Grande Plage

Plage Lumière

Is La Ciotat a good destination for a family beach holiday?

Yes, La Ciotat is considered an excellent destination for families. Beaches like Plage Lumière and Grande Plage have gentle slopes and shallow waters, making them safe for children. Many of these beaches are supervised in season, offer playgrounds, and have amenities like toilets and showers. Plage Lumière is also a designated 'Handiplage,' with facilities for visitors with disabilities.

Plage Lumière

Grande Plage

When is the best time to visit La Ciotat for swimming?

The main swimming season in La Ciotat runs from June to October, when the sea temperature is generally comfortable, not dropping below 20°C (68°F). For the warmest water, plan your visit from late June to late August, with average sea temperatures peaking around 22.5°C (72.5°F) in August. July and August are the busiest months, so consider June or September for pleasant weather with fewer crowds.

How do the beaches in La Ciotat compare to Cassis?

La Ciotat and Cassis both offer stunning coastal scenery, but their beach experiences differ. La Ciotat is known for its long, accessible sandy beaches right in town, making it very convenient for families and those looking for a classic beach resort feel. Cassis is more famous for its dramatic calanques with small, often pebble-filled beaches that require more effort to reach. While La Ciotat also has beautiful calanques like Figuerolles and Mugel, it provides a wider variety of easily accessible, larger sandy options compared to Cassis.

Where is the best area to stay for easy beach access?

For direct access to the main sandy beaches, consider staying in accommodation along the promenades east of the Old Port, near Plage Lumière or Grande Plage. You'll find hotels and apartment rentals with sea views in this area. For proximity to the charming Old Port and a short walk to the calanques, staying closer to the port itself is a great option. Aparthotel A Deux Pas de L'Eau and Hôtel Rose Thé are popular choices on the beach side.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Plage Lumière

Grande Plage

Can you get to the beaches without a car?

Yes, many of La Ciotat's most popular beaches are easily accessible without a car. The main sandy beaches like Plage des Capucins, Plage Lumière, and Grande Plage are within walking distance of the Old Port and city center. Local buses, such as line 40, run along the seafront, providing access to beaches further out like Plage de Saint-Jean. The calanques of Mugel and Figuerolles are also reachable on foot from the port, though it involves a walk of about 20-30 minutes.

Plage Capucins

Plage Lumière

Grande Plage

What are the Calanques in La Ciotat and are they good for swimming?

The Calanques in La Ciotat are stunning rocky inlets with pebble beaches and crystal-clear turquoise water, making them excellent for swimming and snorkeling. The two most famous are the Calanque de Figuerolles, known for its dramatic orange-red rock formations, and the Calanque du Mugel, which is nestled within a botanical park. Both offer a more natural and secluded swimming experience compared to the main town beaches.

Are there private beaches with sunbeds and restaurants in La Ciotat?

Yes, La Ciotat has several private beach clubs ('plages privées'), primarily located along the main sandy beaches. Establishments like La Vague and KS 13 offer sunbed and umbrella rentals, along with seaside restaurants and bar service. This allows you to enjoy a more comfortable and serviced beach day. Some restaurants in the calanques, like Chez Tania in Figuerolles, also offer a unique dining experience right by the water.

People Also Ask

How do you get to Île Verte and are there beaches there?

You can reach Île Verte (Green Island) via a 15-minute shuttle boat that departs regularly from the Old Port of La Ciotat. The island is the only wooded one in the department and offers a peaceful escape. It has three small, charming beaches, with Calanque Seynerolles being a favorite among visitors for its beauty and excellent snorkeling opportunities.

What's the parking situation like near the main beaches?

Parking can be challenging, especially during the peak summer months of July and August. There are paid parking lots near the main beaches, such as the Parking du Mugel for the calanques and lots near the marina for the sandy beaches. It's recommended to arrive early in the day to find a spot. For beaches like Plage Lumière, parking is available along the boulevards and in adjacent streets, but it fills up quickly.

Plage Lumière

Are La Ciotat's beaches non-smoking?

Yes, La Ciotat is a pioneer in this area. Plage Lumière was famously the first non-smoking beach in France. Many of the main public beaches in La Ciotat, including Grande Plage and Plage des Capucins, are designated as non-smoking to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone.

Plage Lumière

Grande Plage

Plage Capucins

Which beach is best for snorkeling?

The calanques are the best spots for snorkeling in La Ciotat due to their clear waters and rocky seabeds, which attract abundant marine life. Calanque de Figuerolles and the coves around Île Verte, particularly Calanque Seynerolles, are highly recommended for their excellent underwater visibility and the chance to see fish, sea urchins, and starfish.