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

Meyreuil Beaches

Overview

Meyreuil offers a unique base for exploring the diverse beaches of Provence. While the town itself is inland, nestled in the quiet countryside, it is just a 30 to 45-minute drive from the Mediterranean Sea. This makes it an ideal location for visitors who wish to combine a peaceful retreat with exciting day trips to the coast. The region's shoreline is incredibly varied, featuring everything from the dramatic rocky coves known as calanques to wide, sandy shores perfect for relaxing.

Our guide highlights some of the most essential beach experiences in the area. For unforgettable scenery, the iconic Calanque d'En-vau is a breathtaking reward for those willing to make the hike. In the heart of a picturesque fishing village, Plage de la Grande Mer in Cassis provides a classic Provençal seaside experience. For a fun family day out, the expansive Prado Beach is Marseille's largest and most popular coastal park, offering vast lawns and sandy stretches. Meanwhile, Plage des Catalans is the perfect spot for a convenient swim, located just a short walk from Marseille's vibrant city center.

The coastline accessible from Meyreuil caters to all tastes, with a mix of pebble coves and fine sand beaches. Beyond our main picks, you can find beautiful sandy spots like Plage de Sainte-Croix, which is renowned for its white sand and family-friendly atmosphere. Whether you are seeking dramatic landscapes, a lively city beach, or a quiet stretch of sand, the region has much more to offer. For more ideas, be sure to explore our complete list of the area's best beaches to find your perfect seaside escape.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Are there any beaches in Meyreuil itself?

No, Meyreuil is an inland Provençal town and does not have any coastal beaches. It is located near Aix-en-Provence, about 30-45 minutes away from the Mediterranean Sea. The closest coastal beaches are near Marseille and the Côte Bleue.

Is Meyreuil a good base for a beach holiday?

Meyreuil can be a good base if you prefer staying in a quieter, countryside location while still being able to take day trips to the sea. It is ideal for travelers who want to combine exploring the Provençal landscape, like Montagne Sainte-Victoire, with occasional beach visits, rather than a holiday centered exclusively on the beach.

What are the closest beaches to Meyreuil?

The closest beaches to Meyreuil are approximately a 30-45 minute drive away. These include the city beaches of Marseille, such as the Plages du Prado, and the beaches along the Côte Bleue (the coast west of Marseille) in towns like Carry-le-Rouet. The famous coves (calanques) and beaches of Cassis are also a popular and relatively close option.

Do you need a car to visit the beaches from Meyreuil?

While public transport options like buses and trains exist to connect Meyreuil to larger hubs like Aix-en-Provence and Marseille, having a car is highly recommended for flexibility and ease of access to the best beaches. Many coves and less-crowded spots, especially in the Calanques National Park, are difficult to reach without a vehicle. Roads to some calanques like Sormiou and Morgiou are often closed to traffic in high season, requiring a hike from a parking area.

Are there any freshwater swimming lakes near Meyreuil?

Yes, for a closer and different swimming experience, Lac de Peyrolles is a popular option located about a 20-25 minute drive from Meyreuil. It's a large, man-made lake with managed beaches, supervised swimming areas in the summer, water sports, playgrounds, and picnic areas, making it a great alternative to the sea, especially for families.

Which is better for a day trip from Meyreuil: Cassis or La Ciotat?

The choice depends on your preference. Cassis is a picturesque, smaller fishing village famous as the gateway to the stunning Calanques National Park; it's often considered more charming but can be very crowded. La Ciotat is a larger, more industrial town but has wider, sandier beaches and a beautiful botanical garden, Parc du Mugel. For dramatic scenery and hiking, choose Cassis. For a more relaxed beach day with more space, La Ciotat might be better.

How do you get to the Calanques National Park from Meyreuil?

The best way is by car, driving towards Marseille or Cassis, which are the main entry points to the park. From Meyreuil, you would drive about 30-40 minutes. Be aware that car access to specific calanques like Sormiou and Morgiou is often restricted in spring and summer. Alternatively, you can drive to Cassis and hike into Calanque de Port-Miou and Port-Pin, or take a boat tour from the Cassis harbor. Public transport requires taking a bus or train to Marseille and then another local bus to the park entrances, which can be time-consuming.

Calanque de Port Pin

What are the beaches like near Meyreuil: sandy or pebbly?

You can find both. For wide, sandy beaches, the Plages du Prado in Marseille are a top choice. The beaches on the Côte Bleue, like in Carry-le-Rouet, also offer sandy options perfect for families. In contrast, many of the famous Calanques and the main beach in Cassis (Plage de la Grande Mer) are composed of pebbles ('galets').

Plage de la Grande Mer

What are the best family-friendly beaches accessible from Meyreuil?

Plage du Prado in Marseille is excellent for families, offering vast sandy areas, playgrounds, and calm waters. Along the Côte Bleue, Plage du Rouet in Carry-le-Rouet is another great sandy option with easy parking. Plage de Sainte-Croix in Martigues is also praised for its white sand and suitability for children. These are generally preferred over the pebble beaches or hard-to-access calanques for those with young kids.

Prado Beach

Plage du Rouet

Plage de St Croix

When is the best time to visit the beaches to avoid crowds?

To avoid the biggest crowds, it's best to visit during the shoulder seasons: May, June, and September. The weather is still warm and pleasant for swimming, but you'll find fewer people than in the peak months of July and August. If you must visit in summer, going on a weekday and arriving early in the morning is the best strategy to secure a good spot.

Are there quieter, less-touristy beaches near Meyreuil?

Yes, to find quieter spots, explore the coves of the Côte Bleue, west of Marseille, or drive further east past La Ciotat. The Calanques accessible only by hiking, such as Calanque d'En-Vau, are naturally less crowded due to the effort required to reach them. Anse du Bain des Dames in Marseille is also known as a quieter spot favored by locals.

Calanque d'En-vau

Low / High	15.1°C/29.7°C
Feels Like (High)	25.6°C

Sea Temperature	21.0 °C
Wave Height	1.3 m

Rain Chance	0%
Rainfall	0 mm
Rain Duration	0 h

Sunrise / Sunset	06:21/21:07
Sunshine Hours	13.3 hrs
UV Index	7.45
Cloud Cover	28%

Speed	27.9 km/h
Gusts	58.7 km/h
Direction	NW

Meyreuil Beaches

Overview

Editor's Pick

Calanque d'En-vau

Plage de la Grande Mer

Prado Beach

Plage des Catalans

People Also Ask

Are there any beaches in Meyreuil itself?

Is Meyreuil a good base for a beach holiday?

What are the closest beaches to Meyreuil?

Do you need a car to visit the beaches from Meyreuil?

Are there any freshwater swimming lakes near Meyreuil?

Which is better for a day trip from Meyreuil: Cassis or La Ciotat?

How do you get to the Calanques National Park from Meyreuil?

What are the beaches like near Meyreuil: sandy or pebbly?

What are the best family-friendly beaches accessible from Meyreuil?

When is the best time to visit the beaches to avoid crowds?

Are there quieter, less-touristy beaches near Meyreuil?

Beaches for Every Taste

Sand Beaches in Meyreuil

Nudist Beaches in Meyreuil

Explore More Local Beaches

Calanque de Port Pin

Plage du Rouet

Plage de St Croix

Meyreuil Beaches Map

Meyreuil: Weather Today

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