Escape to the French Mediterranean and discover coastal hidden gems at these top five beaches in Marseille.
Did you know Marseille gets 2,900 hours of rays a year? Known as France’s sunniest city, Marseille borders the Mediterranean Sea and offers a warm climate, making it a dream destination for water sports enthusiasts and beachgoers. It is also a great destination if you want to rent a bareboat charter and go island hopping. Whether you love diving, sailing, lying under a beach umbrella, or swimming in easy waves, you can engage in plenty of activities and maximize your fun while exploring the beaches in Marseille, France. These are our picks for the top five beaches in Marseille.
Plages du Prado
Pages du Prado is an artificial beach that stretches over 2.1 miles, making it one of our top beaches in Marseille. It features rocky and sandy areas and grassy regions at the periphery.
Once here, you can rent a boat and tour the nearby islands and Calanques to satisfy your adventurous spirit or go swimming. Afterward, you can consider visiting the park within the beach’s surroundings and enjoy the manicured gardens and the stately chateau.
As one of the best beaches in Marseille, don’t be surprised if you find Plages du Prado overcrowded, especially during summer. You’ll find food stands and restaurants offering delectable cuisines just yards from the shore if you’re hungry.
Calanques are rocky coves with steep natural limestone cliffs forming miniature fjords along the coast around Marseille.
Plage du Prophète
Do you want a family-friendly beach? Plage du Prophète is the way to go.
Situated below the waterside promenade and the La Cornicle Road, Plage du Prophète has lifeguarded swimming areas, fine sand, and calm waves ideal for everyone. After sunning on the sand and dipping in the waves, stroll along the 3-mile Corniche pedestrian pathway. This lets you soak in astounding views of the Frioul Islands, the Château d’If, and other Marseille breathtaking sceneries.
Frioul archipelago, Marseille, France. Photo by Paul Hermann via Unsplash
Plage des Catalans
A trip to Marseille can’t be complete without visiting the minimalistic Plage des Catalans beach.
This is one of our top picks for the best beaches in Marseille because of its many family-friendly activities. It features multiple volleyball courts, making it an ideal spot for sports enthusiasts or families wanting some fun, out-of-the-water exercises.
Around the beach, you’ll discover numerous casual food stands and waterfront restaurants. These are ideal spots for you to catch some lunch or dinner after a long, fun-filled day.
Pomègues Island Beaches of Marseille
Have snorkeling and diving fever? We recommend Pomègues Island, consisting of a clutch of islands, multiple beaches, and inlets.
Besides its clear blue water that provides perfect diving opportunities, you can also stroll or hike through the lush openings as you admire the beautiful landscape.
Calanques National Park
The Calanques National Park stretches for more than 12 miles between Marseille and La Ciotat, meandering through cliffs to create dramatic sea caves. If you love picturesque cliffside walks and views of unspoiled natural beaches, then you need to make time to be here.
Popular Calanques and beaches on the island include:
- Calanque de Sormiou: The cove is rich in marine life, there is a large, white sand beach, and an underground freshwater spring cools the water. Various climbing trails around the Calanque offer breathtaking views. Restaurant Le Château, open from April to October, serves up Provençal cuisine with those views.
- Calanque de Sugiton: This small cove, accessible by about a one-hour climb downhill, gives you panoramic views all across the park. You can take a few relaxing dips in the azure waters of the beach before beginning the (longer) climb back uphill.
Calanque de Sormiou, France. Photo by Jeremy Bezanger via Unsplash
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Exploring the Beaches of Marseille on Your Vacation
The beaches of Marseille have diverse terrains and features that ensure there is something fun for everyone. You can opt to take a dip into the warm coastal water of the beaches, take strolls enjoying the surrounding nature, or go fishing. Be sure to check out Wander for more things to see and do when you visit France. We also have more suggestions for great beach vacations.
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