How far is Mallemort from the sea?
Mallemort is an inland Provençal village, not a coastal town. The nearest Mediterranean beaches are about a 45 to 60-minute drive away. The closest coastline is the Côte Bleue, with beaches like Sausset-les-Pins and Carry-le-Rouet accessible in under an hour by car.
Is Mallemort a good base for a beach holiday?
Mallemort is an excellent base if you want to combine a classic Provence countryside holiday with occasional beach days. It's perfectly situated for exploring the Luberon and Alpilles regions, with the advantage of being able to drive to the coast for a day trip. However, if your priority is to spend every day at the beach, a town directly on the coast would be more suitable.
Can you swim in Mallemort itself?
While Mallemort is on the Durance River, swimming in it is generally forbidden and considered dangerous due to strong currents and water releases from the local dam. For swimming, residents and visitors typically use private or resort pools, or travel to nearby lakes or the coast. Some campsites and resorts, like Pont Royal, have extensive water parks and pools.
What are the closest beaches to Mallemort?
The closest Mediterranean beaches are on the Côte Bleue (Blue Coast), approximately 45-55 km away. Popular choices include Plage de Sainte-Croix and Plage du Verdon near Martigues, and the beaches of Sausset-les-Pins. A closer option for a lake-beach experience is the Étang de Berre, though the Mediterranean beaches are more popular for their classic coastal scenery.
Are there resorts in Mallemort with their own beach or water park?
While there are no natural beaches, the Pierre & Vacances Pont Royal resort is well-known for its extensive aquatic area. It features a large wave pool, slides, and a man-made 'beach' area with sand, offering a comprehensive water-based experience without leaving the resort.
Is it better to go to the beaches of the Côte Bleue or the Camargue from Mallemort?
It depends on the experience you want. The Côte Bleue, to the south, offers a mix of sandy beaches and rocky coves (calanques), with charming seaside towns. The Camargue, to the southwest, features vast, wild, and windswept sandy beaches like Plage de Piémanson, set within a unique nature reserve. The Côte Bleue is generally a bit quicker to reach and more developed for tourism.
What is the best way to get to the beaches from Mallemort?
The best and most practical way to get to the beaches from Mallemort is by car. Public transport options are limited and often require multiple transfers, making the journey significantly longer. Having a car gives you the flexibility to explore different beaches and coves along the coast.
Are the beaches near Mallemort sandy or pebbly?
You can find both. The Côte Bleue has a mix: Plage de Sainte-Croix near Martigues is known for its white sand, while many of the calanques (rocky inlets) have pebble beaches. The beaches in the Camargue, like those near Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, are characterized by long stretches of fine sand.
Are there family-friendly beaches near Mallemort?
Yes, many beaches on the Côte Bleue are great for families. Plage de la Couronne and Plage de Sainte-Croix are popular choices as they are sandy, supervised in the summer, and often have amenities like toilets and snack bars. The beaches at Cassis are also family-friendly, though they can be very crowded.
What is the Étang de Berre and can you swim there?
The Étang de Berre is a large saltwater lagoon located between Mallemort and the sea. While it's much closer than the Mediterranean, its history of industrial pollution means water quality can be a concern. However, significant cleanup efforts have been made, and there are now designated, supervised swimming beaches like Plage de la Romaniquette in Istres where the water quality is monitored.
Do you need to pay for parking at the beaches?
Parking can be a challenge, especially in July and August. Many popular beaches have paid parking lots, and free street parking fills up very early in the morning. For some of the Calanques, road access is restricted in summer, requiring you to park further away and walk or use a shuttle.
When is the best time to visit Mallemort for beach trips?
For combining countryside exploration with beach days, June and September are ideal. The weather is warm and sunny, perfect for swimming, but the coastal roads and beaches are less crowded than in the peak months of July and August. Daytime temperatures in Mallemort itself are also more moderate.
