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

Marseille Beaches

Overview

Marseille offers a unique beach experience, blending the energy of a historic port city with a diverse and rugged coastline. It is a destination for those who want more than a typical resort town, combining accessible city beaches with the wild, natural beauty of the Calanques. This variety means you can enjoy a quick swim near the city center or embark on an adventure to a secluded, rocky inlet, all in the same trip.

For an easy swim just a walk from the Old Port, Plage des Catalans is the essential city beach. Further south, the expansive Prado Beach serves as Marseille's all-purpose hub for sports and sunbathing, while Plage de la Pointe Rouge offers a lively, local atmosphere perfect for water sports. Families often gravitate to the shallow waters of Plage du Prophète. For a truly breathtaking scene, the iconic Calanque d'En-vau stands out as a must-see natural wonder, renowned as one of the most picture-perfect coves in the region.

The Calanques are Marseille's crown jewels, a national park of dramatic limestone cliffs framing coves with crystal-clear water. Reaching these stunning swimming spots often requires a hike or a boat trip, rewarding the effort with an unforgettable dip in a natural setting. Marseille's coast is dotted with many such gems, from popular sandy stretches to quieter rocky shores. For a complete look at all the options, be sure to explore our full guide to the best beaches in Marseille.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Marseille a good destination for a beach holiday?

Marseille can be an excellent beach holiday destination, but it offers a different experience than a typical resort town. The city itself is a bustling port with a rich history and vibrant culture. You'll find city beaches like Plage des Catalans, which is just a short walk from the Old Port, and the larger Prado beaches further south. However, Marseille's most famous coastal features are the Calanques, a series of stunning rocky inlets with crystal-clear water, which are more like natural coves than traditional sandy beaches and often require a hike or boat trip to access.

Plage des Catalans

Prado Beach

Are there sandy beaches in Marseille?

Yes, Marseille has several sandy beaches, which is a notable feature since much of the coastline is rocky. The most popular sandy options include the Plages du Prado, which are a series of large, man-made beaches, Plage de la Pointe Rouge, and Plage des Catalans. Plage du Prophète is another favorite, especially for families, because of its shallow water. These beaches are popular with both locals and tourists and can get quite busy, especially in the summer.

Prado Beach

Plage de la Pointe Rouge

Plage des Catalans

Prophet's Beach

What are the Calanques and can you swim there?

The Calanques are a series of dramatic, steep-walled inlets and coves carved into the limestone cliffs between Marseille and the town of Cassis. They are a national park and one of the region's most stunning natural attractions. You can definitely swim in the Calanques, and the water is often incredibly clear and turquoise. However, reaching them usually requires hiking, sometimes for an hour or more, or taking a boat. Some of the most popular Calanques for swimming include Sormiou, Sugiton, and En Vau. Be aware that these are natural, wild areas with few to no facilities.

Calanque d'En-vau

How do you get to the beaches and Calanques from the city center?

To reach the city beaches like Plage des Catalans, you can often walk from the Old Port. For beaches further south, like the Prado beaches or Pointe Rouge, the bus network is very efficient. Bus 83, for example, runs along the coast from the Old Port. Reaching the Calanques can be more complex. Some, like Sugiton, are accessible via a bus followed by a significant hike. For others, you might drive to a designated parking area (which can be restricted in summer) and then hike. Boat tours from the Old Port are a popular and easy way to see and swim in several Calanques without the strenuous hike.

Plage des Catalans

Prado Beach

Plage de la Pointe Rouge

Can you stay in a fisherman's hut (cabanon) on the beach?

Yes, staying in a traditional 'cabanon' is a unique Marseille experience. These small, historic fishermen's huts are found in some of the coves and beaches, such as Anse des Phocéens or Plage de la Bonne Brise. Some of these have been converted into holiday rentals, often available on sites like Airbnb. It offers a chance to experience the local beach culture and enjoy the seaside with a unique charm, though they are often rustic.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Is the water in Marseille clean and safe for swimming?

Generally, the water at Marseille's beaches is considered safe for swimming, and the city monitors water quality regularly, especially during the summer. However, after heavy rainfall, runoff can sometimes affect the water quality, leading to temporary swimming bans on certain beaches. It's always a good idea to check for any posted advisories or flags at the beach before entering the water. The water in the Calanques, being further from the city's direct runoff, is typically very clean and clear.

What's the best time of year to go to the beach in Marseille?

The best time for a beach holiday in Marseille is typically from late spring to early autumn, from May to September. During these months, the weather is warm and sunny, and the sea has had a chance to warm up to comfortable swimming temperatures. July and August are the hottest and most crowded months. For a good balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds, consider visiting in June or September.

Which beaches are best for families with children?

For families, Plage du Prophète is often recommended because its waters are very shallow for a long way out, making it safe for young children. The Plages du Prado are also a good choice as they are large, have lifeguards, and are close to parks and amenities. Pointe Rouge beach is another sandy option that is popular with families.

Prophet's Beach

Prado Beach

Plage de la Pointe Rouge

People Also Ask

Marseille vs. Nice: which is better for beaches?

Marseille and Nice offer very different beach experiences. Nice's beaches are famous for their pebble shores and the iconic Promenade des Anglais, offering a classic French Riviera resort feel. Marseille's beaches are more varied, with a mix of sand, pebble, and rocky coves (the Calanques). While Nice is more of a polished beach resort city, Marseille offers a more rugged and diverse coastal experience, combining city beaches with wild, natural inlets. The choice depends on whether you prefer a traditional, glamorous beach scene or a more adventurous and varied one.

Are there quiet, less crowded beaches in Marseille?

Yes, to find quieter spots, you generally need to head away from the main city beaches. The small coves around Malmousque and Anse de la Fausse Monnaie offer a more local, secluded feel with rocky platforms for sunbathing and swimming. Additionally, exploring the Calanques National Park will lead you to more remote coves, although the most famous ones can still be popular. Visiting any beach on a weekday or during the shoulder seasons (May, June, September) will also mean fewer crowds.

What is the vibe at the beaches? Is there a party scene?

The vibe varies greatly between beaches. The city beaches like Prado and Catalans are lively and bustling with families, groups of friends, and people playing volleyball. In the evenings, especially in summer, people often gather for picnics and aperitifs on the beach. While there are beachside bars and restaurants, particularly at Escale Borély near the Prado beaches, Marseille is not known for a wild, party-beach scene in the style of Ibiza. The atmosphere is generally more relaxed and family-oriented.

Prado Beach

Plage des Catalans

Plage Borély

Do I need water shoes for the beaches in Marseille?

It's a good idea to pack water shoes, especially if you plan on exploring the Calanques or the rocky coves like Malmousque. Many of the Calanques have pebble beaches or rocky sea access where water shoes will make your experience much more comfortable. Even on the sandy beaches, they can be useful if you're not used to the texture of coarse sand or small pebbles mixed in.