Of course, everyone knows about the calanques of Cassis and the Côte Bleu, accessible by train from Marseille...but you can also enjoy the beach from the city of Marseille itself!
Book a train ticket
Book a train ticket
Despite Marseille’s large size, it is still possible to take a dip in the sea. Here are five places to take a break from the city and enjoy the waterfront.
The Plage du Prophète
The sandy Plage du Prophète is very popular with locals. Athletes work out there in the morning, families appreciate it for its natural wading pool and lifeguards, and young people go there to play beach volleyball in the evening...
The Plage des Catalans
The Plage des Catalans is close to the Old Port. This sandy beach has a volleyball court that makes it particularly popular with families and young people. There is a concessions stand offering refreshments directly on the beach, as well as a few restaurants just across the street.
The Prado Beaches
The 3.5 km of beaches covered in gravel and edged with grass are also known as the “Prado seaside park”. They have volleyball courts and lifeguards on duty. Right next to the beach is the Escale Borély, a shopping centre with restaurants, shops and other activities.
At the Fête du Vent, which takes place each September, you can join hundreds of other people in flying your kite on the beach.
Bus lines 19 and 83
The Plage de la Pointe Rouge
If you go a bit farther from Marseille, beyond the beaches of the Prado, you can find the Plage de la Pointe Rouge, which is sheltered from the wind. It has beachfront restaurants and shops, paddle boats and kitesurfing classes—everything you need to relax and enjoy yourself! This is one of the best places to enjoy an evening meal with your feet in the sand or take advantage of the mild climate with a pleasant walk on the beach.
The Plage de la Vieille Chapelle
The pebble beach of Plage de la Vieille Chapelle is home to the cleanest water in Marseilles. It is fairly exposed and quite narrow, and people come here for the waves and crystal-clear waters. You’ll be well within your depth. In the evening, you can see fishermen with their poles in the water.
The beach disappears in winter.
