Marseille’s beaches are many and varied, making them one of the top things to do in Marseille! Whether you’re looking for a spot a stone’s throw from the centre or a hidden cove in the countryside, the city of Marseille offers a wide variety of beaches. From the easily accessible urban beaches to the more secret coves of the calanques, each place has its own advantages. This article takes you on a tour of the most beautiful beaches in Marseille, to help you choose the next place to leave your towel.
The best urban beaches in Marseille
Marseille’s urban beaches are real meeting places, where locals and tourists come to cool off without leaving the city. Easily accessible, they offer sand, sun and a Mediterranean atmosphere, all with an uninterrupted view of the sea.
Pointe Rouge Beach
Welcome to Marseille’s largest sandy beach. Wide and shallow, the Plage de la Pointe Rouge is the perfect place to laze around or build sandcastles. There are no stubborn pebbles here, just comfort and a relaxed atmosphere. In summer, bathing is supervised and children (and adults) can enjoy water games and activities: rowing, kayaking, sailing…. There’s something for everyone! On the practical side, the beach is well equipped, with free lockers, showers and plenty of beachfront restaurants and bars. A small plus? An unbeatable view over the port of Marseille and the Frioul Islands, especially at sunset.
Catalans Beach
Just a 15-minute walk from the Old Port, the Plage des Catalans is the closest to the city centre, making it a real urban spot to meet up with friends after work or for a quick swim. It may be small, but it’s always lively! In summer, the atmosphere is electric as beach volleyball fans battle it out in front of the bathers. This historic beach, once popular with Marseille’s first bathers, still retains some traces of its past, such as the old Lazaretto. The beach is practical, with showers, free lockers and lifeguards on duty in summer. The only drawback is that it’s best to arrive early, as space is expensive!
Malmousque beach
More than just a beach, Malmousque is one of Marseille’s little treasures. Nestled between charming little streets, this rocky cove offers a very different experience from the large stretches of sand. There are no deckchairs or trendy beach bars here, just a quiet atmosphere and a picture-postcard setting: Provençal cottages, crystal-clear waters and a breathtaking view of the Frioul archipelago. Access to the sea is from the rocks, which adds a touch of charm. It is an ideal place for snorkellers, and is also home to a few fishermen. A place apart, where Marseille reveals its secret and authentic side.
Prophet’s Beach
This is the ultimate family beach. Located on the Corniche Kennedy, Plage du Prophète is one of the locals’ favourite bathing spots. With its fine sand, shallow waters and gentle slope, it’s a real playground for the kids… And a place for parents to relax! Protected by a dike, it offers a calm stretch of water, perfect for splashing around in peace and quiet. The atmosphere is always lively, with lively beach volleyball games and impromptu picnics at sunset. Equipped with showers, toilets and picnic areas, it has everything to please.
Discover all of Marseille’s urban beaches on the City of Marseille’s website.
The most beautiful wild and natural beaches of Marseille
Marseille’s beaches can also be wild and natural. They offer a real back to basics, where the raw beauty of nature blends with the tranquillity of crystal-clear waters. Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, these unspoilt spots are a paradise for lovers of relaxation, but also of more sporting outdoor activities.
Calanque de Sormiou
Welcome to a picture-postcard setting! Nestled between white limestone cliffs and a crystal-clear sea, the Calanque de Sormiou is a little wild jewel just a few kilometres from the city. There is no concrete here, just fragrant garrigue, quaint little houses and a small harbour that gives the place a charm from another time. To get there, you’ll have to walk a bit (or be lucky enough to get there by car in the off-season), but it’s well worth the effort. Hiking, climbing, swimming or kayaking, there’s something for everyone in this unspoilt environment. And if you fancy a gastronomic break overlooking the sea, there’s a restaurant where you can dine with your feet almost in the water.
Sugiton Cove
A little corner of paradise… that has to be earned! Accessible only on foot after a hike, this cove rewards walkers with breathtaking scenery: imposing cliffs, rounded pebbles and deep blue waters reflecting in the Mediterranean sun. The crystal clear water is ideal for swimming and snorkelling, and is home to a surprising variety of marine life. Thrill-seekers will also be delighted by the climbing walls, such as the famous Toits wall. A wild and unspoilt place, perfect for lovers of adventure and tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Calanque de Port-Pin
A small wonder nestled between cliffs and Aleppo pines, the Calanque de Port-Pin has an enchanting setting. Less impressive than some of its neighbours, it remains one of the most accessible and popular beaches in Marseille. Its warm sand, gentle slope and the shade of its pine trees make it an ideal place for a refreshing swim, especially for families. Accessible after a short walk from Port-Miou, it offers a perfect balance between unspoilt nature and easy access. An idyllic place to relax, swim or simply admire the deep blue Mediterranean. In the evening, head to Cassis for a drink and round off the day in style.
The beaches of Frioul
A short boat trip from the Old Port, the Frioul archipelago reveals beaches that look like the end of the world. With its limestone cliffs, turquoise waters and unspoilt vegetation, it’s a real change of scenery. The beach of Saint-Estève, the only one under surveillance, is fine sand and easy to access. For the adventurous, Tahiti’s calanque offers a wild and paradisiacal setting, perfect for escaping the crowds. You can also explore the archipelago on hiking trails, where history – with the iconic If Castle – meets nature. Whether you’re looking for a day of leisure or a sporting getaway, Frioul promises to be an ideal place to get away from it all.
And if you want to explore even more of Marseille’s natural beauty, check out our top 10 walks in and around the city.
