Beaches & Waterfront Activities in Marseille, France

Marseille, France, Marseille, Outdoor & Adventure, Beaches & Waterfront Activities

Beaches & Waterfront Activities in Marseille, France

1. Plage des Catalans

A bustling urban beach with vibrant atmosphere and clear waters.
  • Urban Beach Experience: Located in the heart of Marseille, offering a unique blend of city life and sea.
  • Activity Hub: Surrounded by bars, restaurants, and water sports rentals for an active vacation.
  • Sandy Beach: The only sandy beach in Marseille, popular among locals and visitors alike.

2. Calanque de Sormiou

A picturesque cove with turquoise waters and stunning limestone cliffs.
  • Natural Beauty: One of the most beautiful calanques (inlets) in Marseille, ideal for photography.
  • Pristine Environment: A peaceful and unspoiled location, perfect for a serene beach day.
  • Access Challenges: Reachable only by boat or a steep hike, but the effort is worth it.

3. Plage de Rade du Vieux Port

A charming pebble beach nestled alongside Marseille's historic old port.
  • Historical Surroundings: Ideal for those who appreciate history, with the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica nearby.
  • Food and Drink Options: Numerous cafes and restaurants offering local cuisine just steps away.
  • Pebble Beach: Beautifully maintained pebble beach with clear waters and sun loungers.

4. Plage de la Batraclane

A family-friendly beach offering water sports and a relaxed atmosphere.
  • Family Orientated: Safe waters for swimming, lifeguards on duty during summer.
  • Water Sports: Equipment rental available for activities such as paddleboarding and kayaking.
  • Local Vibes: A popular spot among locals, offering a genuine Marseille experience.

5. Plage de la Pomme

A secluded pebble beach with crystal-clear waters and stunning views.
  • Seclusion: Less crowded than other beaches, providing a peaceful retreat.
  • Stunning Views: Offers breathtaking views of the Château d'If and Frioul Islands.
  • Accessible by Boat: Reachable only by boat, adding an adventure to your beach day.

6. Plage du Prado

A lively pebble beach with a vibrant nightlife scene.
  • Nightlife Hub: Beachfront bars and clubs offer an exciting nightlife experience.
  • Active Beachgoers: Ideal for those seeking a more energetic beach atmosphere.
  • Water Sports: Equipment rental available for activities such as jet-skiing and kitesurfing.

7. Plage des Magnan

A quiet pebble beach with panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills.
  • Quiet Retreat: Less crowded than other beaches, perfect for those seeking tranquility.
  • Stunning Views: Offers breathtaking views of Marseille and the Frioul Islands.
  • Accessible by Bus: Easily reachable by bus, making it convenient for travelers.

8. Calanque de Port-Miou

A picturesque cove with crystal-clear waters and a nearby marina.
  • Natural Beauty: One of the most stunning calanques in Marseille, perfect for photography.
  • Marina Atmosphere: Ideal for boat-watching and enjoying the yachting lifestyle.
  • Access Challenges: Reachable only by car or a challenging hike, but the effort is worth it.

9. Plage de la Palombière

A family-friendly beach with a playground and picnic areas.
  • Family Orientated: Offers a children's play area, making it perfect for families.
  • Picnic Possibilities: Provides picnic areas, encouraging visitors to enjoy a packed lunch.
  • Clean Waters: Known for its clean and calm waters, ideal for swimming.

10. Plage de la Bocca

A lively pebble beach with water sports and a variety of restaurants.
  • Water Sports: Equipment rental available for activities such as jet-skiing and parasailing.
  • Food and Drink Options: Numerous cafes, restaurants, and snack bars nearby.
  • Active Beachgoers: Ideal for those seeking a more energetic beach atmosphere.

11. Plage de l'Estaque

A peaceful pebble beach with stunning views of the Château d'If.
  • Peaceful Retreat: Less crowded than other beaches, perfect for those seeking tranquility.
  • Stunning Views: Offers breathtaking views of the Château d'If and Frioul Islands.
  • Artistic Atmosphere: Once an artists' colony, retaining a rich artistic heritage.

12. Plage de la Galleon

A family-friendly beach with a playground and volleyball courts.
  • Family Orientated: Offers a children's play area, making it perfect for families.
  • Sports Activities: Volleyball courts available for beach sports enthusiasts.
  • Clean Waters: Known for its clean and calm waters, ideal for swimming.

13. Plage des Catalans Plage Nord

A peaceful extension of the popular Plage des Catalans, offering a more relaxed atmosphere.
  • Relaxed Atmosphere: Less crowded than the main Plage des Catalans, perfect for relaxation.
  • Sandy Beach Extension: An extension of the sandy beach at Plage des Catalans.
  • Nearby Amenities: Close proximity to bars, restaurants, and water sports rentals.

14. Plage des Catalans Plage Sud

A lively extension of the popular Plage des Catalans, offering a vibrant atmosphere.
  • Vibrant Atmosphere: Ideal for those seeking a more energetic beach experience.
  • Sandy Beach Extension: An extension of the sandy beach at Plage des Catalans.
  • Close Proximity to Amenities: Close proximity to bars, restaurants, and water sports rentals.

15. Plage du Rond Point du Prado

A lively pebble beach with a vibrant nightlife scene and water sports.
  • Nightlife Hub: Beachfront bars and clubs offer an exciting nightlife experience.
  • Water Sports: Equipment rental available for activities such as jet-skiing and kitesurfing.
  • Active Beachgoers: Ideal for those seeking a more energetic beach atmosphere.