Planning a trip to the South of France and want to visit a few beaches in Marseilles while you're in the area? Well, it'd be rude not to – right? While this Mediterranean port city may be better known for its ancient Greek and Roman history, Brutalist buildings and lively marina, there are certainly some stunning stretches of sand (and shingle) worth exploring here too. From bustling urban beaches to tranquil secluded coves, this segment of coastline offers something for every travelling type and occasion. Whether you're dreaming about afternoon strolls along the shore followed by romantic sunset swims or picture yourself scrambling down limestone cliffs to catch some waves – you can do it all here. Keep reading to learn more about our top picks for the best beaches in Marseilles.
1
Plages du Prado
Plages du Prado is the collective name for a number of smaller pebble beaches that stretch between Plage de David in the north and Plage de la Vielle Chapelle in the south. It is, without a doubt, one of the best beaches in Marseilles – especially if you’re travelling with youngsters. There’s a skate park, a rock-climbing wall, trampolines, fairground rides – the list goes on. Sports fans may recognise it as the venue for the 2008 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup too – why not take home the title of champion in your own game of beach football or volleyball while you’re here? There are also lots of different water sports for the whole family to try out and windsurfing is particularly popular here, thanks to the constant sea breeze. Stop for lunch at one of the restaurants, bars and cafes nearby if and when you want to grab a bite to eat or drink.
2
Plage de la Pointé Rouge
Further down the coast, on the outskirts of the city, is Plage de la Pointé Rouge – one of only a few sandy beaches in Marseilles. While it can get a little crowded, it’s an ideal spot for swimming, snorkelling, paddle boarding, and – on a windy day – surfing. There’s a very gentle slope into the sea here, as well as a first aid station and lifeguards on duty throughout the summer months. If you prefer to relax on the sand and catch some rays instead, you’re still in the right place – just make sure you bring a towel to lie on as there aren’t any sun loungers available to rent. Feeling hungry? Take a break from the sun and enjoy lunch with a view at one of the restaurants, cafes or bars overlooking the sea.
3
Calanque de Sormiou
The word calanque roughly translates to ‘cove’ – and Calanque de Sormiou is the biggest and most accessible cove in Calanques National Park which certainly makes for a memorable day trip. With its turquoise waters, curving pebble beach and white limestone massif, this postcard spot definitely deserves to rank on the list of the best beaches in Marseilles. But it’s not an outing for the faint-hearted – getting to the rocky coves and pine-topped inlets involves a fair bit of hiking and scrambling, so remember to pack your comfiest boots (along with a camera to capture the dramatic views). After the walk down, enjoy a refreshing dip (the water tends to be a little cooler than that in the city because of the freshwater spring that flows into it) catch some sun on the sand and pebble beach and consider renting a kayak to explore magical parts of the coastline that are inaccessible by foot. If you’ll be visiting in the summer months, it’s worth noting that access by car is restricted due to the risk of forest fires.
4
Plage des Catalans
“Is this the same beach that appears in chapter three of the famous book The Count of Monte Cristo?” we hear you ask. The answer is yes. This horseshoe-shaped stretch of sand lies close to the centre of Marseilles – just a 15-minute walk from the Old Harbour – making it the perfect place for a refreshing dip after exploring the city. If you’re after a little friendly competition, there are two beach volleyball courts and if you time your visit right, you may catch one of the international competitions held here which attract many spectators. You can only reach the beach via a flight of steps, so bear this in mind when planning your visit, and note that it can get busy quickly, so come early to bag yourself a sandy spot close to the water. The first one to spot the Frioul archipelago gets an ice cream.
5
Plage de l'Huveaune
Look for the replica of Michelangelo’s Statue of David and you’ll find this beach close by. It’s named after the small river Huveaune that borders the beach and flows into the sea, and is more commonly known as Épluchures Beach to the locals. The waters here are shallow and there’s a lifeguard on duty in the high season, so it’s a fantastic choice for families with younger children. Like many of the beaches we’ve covered so far, it’s an excellent spot for water sports when the wind is up, so keep an eye out for surfers (and, depending on the time of year, a few kites too).