10 Best Beach Destinations In and Around Marseille, France

France has something for everyone regarding finding the perfect beach destination. From rocky coves and sheltered bays to vast expanses of sand, there’s a beach for every taste and mood. Here are ten of the best beaches in and around Marseille, France.

 

Les Calanques

Les Calanques are a series of stunning limestone cliffs that overlook the Mediterranean Sea in Marseille, France. The area is popular with hikers, as numerous trails wind their way through the cliffs and provide incredible coast views. Les Calanques is also a popular spot for rock climbing, as the cliffs offer a challenging and varied terrain.

In addition to the area’s natural beauty, Les Calanques is also home to several historical sites, including the ruins of a Roman villa and a 13th-century castle. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous hike or want to enjoy the incredible views, Les Calanques are sure to impress.

How To Get There: The best way to enjoy the Les Calanques is to take a boat tour from Marseille. These tours typically depart from the Vieux Port, offering stunning coast views as you cruise past cliffside villages and secluded beaches. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even stop for a swim in one of the sheltered coves.

Hiking is another great way to reach the Les Calanques, and plenty of trails suit all fitness levels. The most popular route is the Sentier du Littoral, which follows the coastline for around 8 kilometers. No matter how you reach the Les Calanques, you’re sure to enjoy this stunning natural area.

Les Calanques
Les Calanques

 

La Ciotat Beach

La Ciotat beach in Marseille, France, is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches I have ever been to. The water is crystal clear, and the sand is soft and white. The beach is also surrounded by cliffs, which make it very private and quiet. We recommend this beach to anyone looking for a relaxing place to swim, sunbathe, or enjoy the scenery.

How To Get There: Getting to La Ciotat Beach is relatively easy. To get there by car, take the A55 motorway from Marseille and follow the signs for La Ciotat. The journey should take about 45 minutes. If you are taking public transport, several buses run from Marseille to La Ciotat. The journey takes around 1 hour. Once you arrive at La Ciotat, plenty of parking options are available. You can also find several hotels and vacation rentals in the area.

La Ciotat Beach
La Ciotat Beach

 

Plage de la Pointe Rouge

Plage de la Pointe Rouge is one of the most popular beaches in Marseille, France. The sparkling water and soft sand make it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the incredible views. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby, so you can take a break from swimming to enjoy some delicious food. Plage de la Pointe Rouge is the perfect place to spend a day in Marseille, whether you’re looking to relax or have some fun in the sun.

How To Get There: Looking for a breathtaking beach destination in France? Then head to Plage de la Pointe Rouge Marseille France! This stunning beach is located just a short drive from the city of Marseille, making it the perfect getaway for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The best way to get to Plage de la Pointe Rouge is by car, and plenty of parking spaces are available close to the beach.

Plage de la Pointe Rouge
Plage de la Pointe Rouge

 

Corniche Kennedy

The Corniche Kennedy is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Marseille, France. The scenic route offers stunning views of the city and its harbor and is a great place to take a walk or go for a run. The cornice was built in the early twentieth century and was named after US President John F. Kennedy in 1963. Today, the Corniche Kennedy is a popular spot for locals and visitors and a great place to enjoy the best of what Marseille has to offer.

How To Get There: There are many ways to get to Corniche Kennedy in Marseille, France. The easiest route is to take the A55 motorway from the city center by car. Exit at Joliette and follow the signs for the Corniche. Alternatively, take the metro to Vieux Port station and walk along the quayside until you reach the Corniche.

From there, it’s a short walk to the public gardens, where you can enjoy stunning views of the city and harbor. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a boat ride out to sea! Corniche Kennedy is worth visiting no matter how you choose to get there.

Corniche Kennedy
Corniche Kennedy

 

Prado Beach

Prado Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Marseille, France. The beach is just a short walk from the Old Port and features a wide range of amenities. There are plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas for visitors to use, and there are also several restaurants and cafes nearby. The water at Prado Beach is clean and clear, and the sand is soft and white. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, or relax on the beach. Prado Beach is the perfect place to spend a day in the sun.

How To Get There: To get to Prado Beach, follow the signs from the Vieux Port. The walk takes around 15 minutes, or you can take the bus or metro if you don’t fancy the walk. Once you arrive at the beach, you can hire a sun lounger or parasol or find a spot on the sand to soak up the Mediterranean sun. There’s also a lovely cafe if you fancy something to eat or drink, making Prado Beach the perfect place to spend a day in Marseille.

Prado Beach
Prado Beach

 

Plage des Catalans

The Plage des Catalans are one of the most popular beaches in Marseille, France. Located in the city’s 8th arrondissement, it is just a short walk from the Old Port and many of its top attractions. With its Mediterranean atmosphere and stunning views of the Calanques, the Plage des Catalans is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun.

The beach is also famous for swimming, sunbathing, and paddleboarding. In addition to its natural beauty, the Plage des Catalans are also home to several restaurants, cafes, and bars. As a result, it is the perfect place to spend a day or evening with friends or family.

How To Get There:  The best way to reach Plage des Catalans is by taking the metro. The closest stop is Estrangin-Prefecture, and from there it’s just a short walk to the beach. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also take a bus or taxi. Whatever you choose to get there, Plage des Catalans is sure to take your breath away.

Plage des Catalans
Plage des Catalans

 

Pointe-du-Gardieu Beach

Located in the southern French city of Marseille, Pointe-du-Gardieu Beach is a hidden gem that is well worth a visit. Nestled at the foot of a cliff, the beach offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.

The water is clean and clear, and the sand is white and soft. Many amenities are also nearby, including restaurants, cafes, and shops. Best of all, the beach is usually less crowded than other beaches in the area. Whether you’re looking to relax or explore, Pointe-du-Gardieu Beach is sure to please.

How To Get There: This secluded beach is located just outside Marseille, and it can be reached by taking a short hike from the parking lot. The trail is well-marked and winds through a fragrant forest before opening up to the stunning coastline.

Pointe-du-Gardieu Beach
Pointe-du-Gardieu Beach

 

Notre Dame du Mont Beach

Notre Dame du Mont beach in Marseille, France, is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean sun. The sparkling blue water and soft sand make it a perfect place to swim, sunbathe, or stroll. The beach is also convenient to the city center, so getting to and from your hotel or rental apartment is easy.

But the best part of Notre Dame du Mont beach is the stunning views of the cityscape. From the beach, you can see all of Marseille’s landmarks, including the massive Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, the Hôtel de Ville (city hall), and of course, the Vieux Port (Old Port). Whether looking for a relaxing day by the sea or an exciting adventure in the city, Notre Dame du Mont beach is the perfect spot!

How To Get There: This lovely beach is located just a short walk from the city center, making it easy. To find the beach, head towards the Old Port area and look for the big red and white striped lighthouse. The beach is located just beyond the lighthouse.

Notre Dame du Mont Beach
Notre Dame du Mont Beach

 

Vallon des Auffes Beach

Vallon des Auffes is a beautiful beach located in Marseille, France. The beach is well known for its clear turquoise waters and stunning city views. Visitors can enjoy many activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and windsurfing.

Several restaurants and cafes are also located nearby, making it the perfect place to spend a day in the sun. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family-friendly vacation, Vallon des Auffes is sure to please.

How To Get There: To reach Vallon des Auffes beach, take the metro to Vieux Port station. From there, it’s a short walk down Rue Saint-Ferréol to the water. The beach is just past the large white rocks forming a breakwater. Once you reach the sand, turn left and follow the path until you reach the staircase leading down to the beach. Don’t forget to enjoy the view of Marseille’s Old Port while you’re walking!

Vallon des Auffes Beach
Vallon des Auffes Beach

 

Calanque d’En Vau

Calanque d’En Vau is one of the most popular beaches in Marseille, France. The sparkling azure waters and dramatic cliffs make it a popular destination for swimmers, sunbathers, and hikers alike. Calanque d’En Vau is just a short drive from the city center, making it a convenient getaway for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Marseille.

Just a few steps from the beach, visitors will find several restaurants, cafes, and shops selling souvenirs and beach gear. There are also several hotels in the area, making Calanque d’En Vau the perfect base for exploring all Marseille offers. Whether you’re looking for a day of relaxation or an adventure-filled getaway, Calanque d’En Vau is sure to exceed your expectations.

How To Get There: While getting to Calanque d’En Vau can be tricky, it is well worth the effort. The best way to reach the village is by boat. Several companies offer day trips from Marseille, and the ride takes about an hour.

Calanque d'En Vau
Calanque d’En Vau

 

In conclusion

So, whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family-friendly vacation, Marseille has something to offer everyone. With its stunning beaches, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant city center, Marseille is sure to charm and delight visitors of all ages. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Marseille today!

 

Simply France
Simply France

We are here out of a desire to help and of course out of a great love for France. Our goal is to help you find everything you are looking for under one roof, to get the most out of your vacation in France, without having to travel all over the web.

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