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

Mazan Beaches

Overview

While Mazan is a charming Provençal village, it is located inland, offering a perfect base for exploring the countryside, vineyards, and Mont Ventoux. For beach lovers, the Mediterranean coast is an easy day trip, typically about a 90-minute drive away. This unique position allows visitors to enjoy the best of both worlds: the rustic tranquility of Provence and the sun-drenched shores of the sea, all within the same holiday.

The coastline accessible from Mazan offers a wonderful diversity of beach experiences. To the west lies the Camargue, a vast natural park known for its wild, untamed landscape and long, sandy shores. Further east, the Côte Bleue and the Calanques National Park present a more dramatic coastline, with picturesque coves, limestone cliffs, and a mix of sand and pebble beaches nestled in sheltered bays.

Our editor's picks highlight the variety available for a day trip. Experience the quintessential port town atmosphere at Plage de la Grande Mer in Cassis or witness the iconic, picture-perfect cliffs of Calanque d'En-vau. For a quieter day, the sandy shores of Plage de St Croix on the Côte Bleue are a local favorite, while Prado Beach near Marseille offers a lively hub of activity. Beyond these, the vast sands of Plage de l'Espiguette in the Camargue are also well worth a visit. For more ideas, explore our complete guide to the region's best beaches.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Are there beaches in Mazan?

No, Mazan is a traditional Provençal village located inland, about 7 kilometers east of Carpentras. The nearest beaches are on the Mediterranean coast, which requires a drive of about an hour and a half.

How far is Mazan from the sea?

Mazan is approximately 80-100 kilometers (about 50-62 miles) from the nearest Mediterranean beaches. The drive to coastal areas like the Côte Bleue or the Camargue typically takes around 90 minutes without heavy traffic.

Is Mazan a good base for a beach holiday?

Mazan is an excellent base if you want to experience both the Provençal countryside—with its vineyards, markets, and famous Mont Ventoux—and take occasional day trips to the sea. It is not ideal for a holiday where you want to be at the beach every day due to the required driving time.

What are the closest beaches to Mazan?

The closest beaches are on the Côte Bleue (Blue Coast), west of Marseille. Towns like Carry-le-Rouet and Sausset-les-Pins offer a mix of pebble and sand coves. Also at a similar distance are the wild, expansive sandy beaches of the Camargue Regional Natural Park.

Should I go to the Côte Bleue or the Camargue for a beach day?

Choose the Côte Bleue for charming port towns, clearer water, and rocky coves (calanques) that are great for snorkeling. Go to the Camargue for vast, untamed sandy beaches, a wilder atmosphere, and unique nature, including the chance to see flamingos and white horses.

Do I need a car to visit the beaches from Mazan?

Yes, a car is essential. There are no direct public transport links from Mazan to the coastal areas, and a car gives you the flexibility to explore different beaches and coves, which are often not accessible otherwise.

Are there places to swim near Mazan besides the sea?

Yes, there are several freshwater swimming options closer than the coast. Lac de Monteux and Lac des Salettes in Mormoiron are popular local lakes with supervised swimming areas in the summer. You can also find spots for a refreshing dip in the Sorgue river.

What is the best time of year for beach trips from Mazan?

The best times are late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September). During these months, the weather is warm, the sea is pleasant, and you'll avoid the peak summer crowds and intense traffic of July and August, making the drive to the coast much more enjoyable.

Are the beaches near Provence sandy or pebbly?

You can find both types. The Camargue coast is known for its long, wide, fine-sand beaches. The Côte Bleue and the Calanques near Cassis and Marseille feature more coves and inlets with a mixture of sand, gravel, and smooth pebbles.

What is the Mistral wind and how does it affect a beach day?

The Mistral is a strong, often cold, wind that is common in Provence. It can make a day at the beach very unpleasant by whipping up sand and making the sea rough. It's always a good idea to check the wind forecast ('le vent') before driving to the coast.

Is it realistic to do a day trip to the Calanques National Park from Mazan?

A day trip to the famous Calanques near Cassis is possible but makes for a very long day, with at least 1.5 to 2 hours of driving each way. Furthermore, access to the Calanques can be restricted by foot or car in summer due to high fire risk. A boat tour from Cassis or Marseille is often a better option.