Discover hidden gems on the top five beaches of Marseille.
Did you know that Marseille receives 2,900 hours of sunshine a year? Marseille is France’s most sunny city. It borders the Mediterranean Sea, and has a warm climate. This makes it an ideal destination for beachgoers and watersports enthusiasts. You can also hire a bareboat and hop islands. Marseille’s beaches offer a variety of activities, whether you enjoy diving, sailing, relaxing under an umbrella or swimming in the waves. Here are our top five picks of the best beaches in Marseille.
Plages du Prado
Pages du Prado, a 2.1 mile long artificial beach in Marseille, is one of the best beaches. The beach is a mixture of rocky and sandy areas with grassy areas at the edges.
You can hire a boat to explore the nearby Calanques and islands or swim. You can also visit the nearby park to see the beautiful gardens and chateau.
Plages du Prado is one of the most popular beaches in Marseille. Don’t be surprised to find it crowded, particularly during the summer. If you are hungry, there are plenty of food stands and restaurants that offer delicious cuisines right on the beach.
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Calanques, or rocky coves, are formed by steep limestone cliffs that form miniature fjords around Marseille.
Enjoy the stunning beauty of the Calanques in Marseille, France. Unsplash Photo by SHM
Plage du Prophete
You want to go to a beach that is family friendly? Then Plage du Prophete should be your choice.
Plage du Prophete, located below the waterside promenade, has calm waves, fine sand and lifeguarded areas for swimming. The Corniche pedestrian path is a 3-mile-long walkway that you can stroll on after sunbathing and swimming in the waves. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Frioul Islands and the Chateau d’If.
Frioul archipelago, Marseille, France. Photo by Paul Hermann on Unsplash
Plage des Catalans
The Plage des Catalans is a minimalist beach that’s a must-see on any trip to Marseille.
It is one of the top beaches in Marseille due to its family-friendly atmosphere. The beach has multiple volleyball courts and is a great place for families or sports enthusiasts who want to do some fun exercises out of the water.
You’ll find a variety of casual food stands, waterfront restaurants and other eateries on the beach. You can enjoy a meal here after a fun-filled, long day.
Pomegues Island Beaches in Marseille
Do you have a snorkeling or diving fever? Pomegues Island is a collection of islands with multiple beaches and inlets.
You can enjoy the stunning landscape while you stroll through the lush, green openings.
Calanques National Park
Calanques National Park is a 12 mile long park that meanders through the cliffs, creating dramatic sea caves. You should visit this park if you enjoy scenic cliffside walks, and unspoiled beaches.
Popular Calanques on the island include
- Calanque de Sormiou : This cove has a lot of marine life. It also has a white-sand beach and ice cold water from an underground spring. The Calanque offers breathtaking views from the various climbing trails. The restaurant Le Chateau is open from April until October and serves Provencal food with these views.
- Calanque de Sugiton : This small cove is accessible after a steep climb of about an hour. It offers panoramic views across the entire park. Take a dip in the clear waters of the beach and then begin the climb uphill.
Calanque de Sormiou, France. Photo by Jeremy Bezanger on Unsplash
Explore the beaches of Marseille during your vacation
Marseille beaches have a variety of terrains and features, so there’s something for everyone. Take a dip in the warm water, go for a walk and enjoy the nature or even try fishing. Wander has a lot of things you can do and see when you travel to France. Also, we have some more ideas for fantastic beach vacations.