The 10 most beautiful beaches in Marseille

Activities
Nature

Marie

Published on 10/08/2025

The city of Marseille, bathed in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean, boasts an exceptional coastline of 57 kilometres. From the fine sandy beaches of the city centre to the wild creeks of the calanques, France’s second city offers a diversity of seaside spots that will delight all sun and sea lovers. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway with the family, a beach easily accessible from the Old Port or an adventure in the unspoilt calanques, Marseille promises unforgettable moments facing the Grande Bleue.

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1. The Prophet’s beach

Located on the legendary Corniche Kennedy, Plage du Prophète embodies the art of living in Marseille. This charming 200-metre-long beach of fine sand offers uninterrupted views of the Frioul islands and is a haven of peace just a stone’s throw from the city centre (Avenue Pasteur, 13007 Marseille, rated 4.2/5 on Google out of 1200 reviews).

Protected from the waves by a breakwater and from the Mistral wind by its geographical position, the shallow waters of the Plage du Prophète are particularly appealing to families with children. Equipped with a first-aid post, showers, cabins and a beach volleyball court, it offers all the services you need for a perfect day in the sun. Easy access is provided by bus line 83, stop “Prophète”, from the Vieux-Port or the Prado metro station.

See also the Marseille guide :

2. Catalans beach

Nestling in the 7th arrondissement, Plage des Catalans remains THE emblematic beach of Marseille. This 130-metre-long cove of fine sand, just a 15-minute walk from the Old Port, is the most accessible seaside spot in the city. (Rue des Catalans, 13007 Marseille, rated 3.8/5 on Google out of 2100 reviews)

Supervised in summer and equipped with beach volleyball courts, the Plage des Catalans has been attracting locals for generations. Facing south-east, it gets plenty of sunshine all day long, while its proximity to hotels, restaurants and shops makes it a destination of choice. To make the most of your discovery of the region, don’t hesitate to let yourself be guided by the Navaway itinerary, which will take you to the city’s most beautiful treasures.

3. Prado Bonneveine beach

Situated between the Borély and Vieille Chapelle beaches, the Prado Bonneveine beach, along with its sister beaches, forms the largest artificial seaside complex in Europe. This beautiful cove, with 540 metres of gravel, was created in the 1970s and is protected by two dykes, guaranteeing ideal bathing conditions. (Avenue Pierre Mendès France, 13008 Marseille, rated 4.0/5 on Google for 850 reviews)

Bordered by a lively pedestrian precinct, Bonneveine beach boasts a wide range of facilities, including beach volleyball courts, a skate park, restaurants and cafés. Its privileged position in the 8th arrondissement, close to the racecourse and Parc Borély, makes it the perfect place to relax after a day’s sightseeing in Marseille’s historic centre.

4. Prado Vieille Chapelle beach

The most southerly of the Prado beaches, La Vieille Chapelle has a surprisingly unique layout, with rocks, pebbles and grass in the background. This atypical 700-metre-long beach stretches right up to the Pointe Rouge and offers one of the best vantage points for admiring Marseille’s sunsets. (Avenue Pierre Mendès France, 13008 Marseille, rated 4.1/5 on Google out of 920 reviews)

Equipped with a skate park and a launching channel for kite-surfers, the Vieille Chapelle beach attracts a sporty and relaxed clientele. Its unique atmosphere and panoramic view over Marseille harbour make it a must for anyone wishing to visit Marseille in its most authentic guise.

5. The Pointe Rouge beach

With its 700 metres of fine sand, the Pointe Rouge beach lays claim to the title of Marseille’s largest natural beach. Situated near the marina of the same name, it enjoys a privileged position that protects it from the Mistral wind while providing exceptional sunshine. (Avenue de la Pointe Rouge, 13008 Marseille, rated 4.0/5 on Google for 1600 reviews)

Supervised and perfectly equipped, this family beach offers a wide range of water sports: kayaking, sailing and scuba diving. It is easily accessible by bus line 19 or the maritime shuttle from the Vieux-Port, which offers an original and refreshing approach. Sea lovers will love this getaway, which offers a different way of discovering Marseille, away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

Download the audio tour to discover Marseille on foot and on your own

Explore the city of Marseille like never before with our interactive itinerary of 25 points of interest. From the majestic Cathedral de la Major to the vibrant Panier district, via the emblematic Canebière, discover 2600 years of Mediterranean history. This itinerary for visiting Marseille will allow you to alternate perfectly between cultural discovery in the morning and seaside relaxation in the afternoon on the city’s most beautiful beaches.

6. The beaches of the Frioul archipelago

Just 20 minutes by shuttle bus from the Vieux-Port, the Frioul Islands boast beaches of exceptional wild beauty. The archipelago, made up of the Pomègues and Ratonneau islands, is home to turquoise-water coves that have nothing to envy the finest Mediterranean sites. (Archipel du Frioul, 13007 Marseille, rated 4.3/5 on Google out of 3200 reviews)

The Saint-Estève calanque beach on Ratonneau island and the Crine calanque on Pomègues island offer an idyllic setting for a day of total escapism. These unspoilt beaches, accessible only by boat, offer a chance to immerse yourself in the unspoilt nature of the Calanques National Park. The perfect opportunity to round off your urban exploration of Marseille with an unforgettable island break.

7. The beach in the Calanque de Sormiou

Considered one of the most beautiful beach-calanques in Marseille, Sormiou enchants with its perfect blend of fine sand, sculpted rocks and crystal-clear waters. This calanque is accessible by car (with summer restrictions) or on foot along a 3-kilometre path, and represents the quintessence of Marseille’s natural beauty. (Calanque de Sormiou, 13009 Marseille, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 2800 reviews)

A paradise for scuba divers, Sormiou is also home to a charming little fishing port and its colourful huts. Hiking trails leading to Cap Morgiou and the Cosquer cave complete the offer of this exceptional destination. To help you prepare for your visit and discover all the secrets of the region, the Navaway itinerary will guide you to the hidden treasures of the city of Marseille.

8. The beach in the Port-Pin cove

Nestling in a green Mediterranean setting, the Calanque de Port-Pin takes its name from the Aleppo pines that line its shores. This small 60-metre sand and pebble beach, accessible after a 1h15 walk from Cassis, offers a wild and unspoilt setting of striking beauty (Calanque de Port-Pin, 13260 Cassis, rated 4.7/5 on Google out of 1800 reviews).

The turquoise waters contrast with the white cliffs and lush vegetation to create a landscape worthy of the most beautiful postcards. Port-Pin is also a favourite with canoeists, who can follow the shoreline and admire this natural wonder from the sea. The calanque is a perfect illustration of Marseille’s rich natural heritage, complementing the urban treasures you’ll discover when visiting the historic centre.

9. The beach of the En-Vau cove

Often ranked as one of the most beautiful calanques in the world, En-Vau represents the apotheosis of Marseille’s natural beauty. This white pebble beach, framed by breathtaking 200-metre-high cliffs, is a spectacular sight that more than justifies the 1.5-hour hike required to reach it (Calanque d’En-Vau, Parc National des Calanques, rated 4.8/5 on Google out of 4,500 reviews).

Accessible only on foot, by boat or by canoe, En-Vau has preserved its wild and authentic character. The crystal-clear turquoise and emerald waters are perfect for swimming and snorkelling, while the rock-climbing trails attract climbers from all over the world. This pearl of Marseille’s calanques is the perfect nature getaway after exploring the city’s urban riches on our guided tour.

10. The beach in the calanque of Marseilleveyre

The Calanque de Marseilleveyre brings our selection to a close, with its arid landscapes of exceptional wild beauty. This beach of sand and pebbles, bathed in an almost desert-like atmosphere, offers a complete change of scenery just a few kilometres from Marseille city centre. (Calanque de Marseilleveyre, 13009 Marseille, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 950 reviews)

The typical Mediterranean vegetation, made up of aloes, prickly pears and succulents, creates a unique setting reminiscent of landscapes at the end of the world. Signposted footpaths allow you to explore this protected site and reach the nearby calanques of Mounine and Queyrons. The cabanons perched overlooking the sea add a touch of authenticity to this exceptional natural setting, perfect for rounding off a day exploring Marseille.

In conclusion, Marseille’s beaches offer a remarkable diversity to suit all tastes and desires. From easily accessible urban beaches such as Les Catalans and Le Prophète to the wild jewels of the En-Vau and Port-Pin creeks, the city of Marseille boasts an exceptionally rich coastline. Each beach tells a part of Marseille’s history, combining Mediterranean tradition with the preservation of nature. To fully discover these seaside treasures and place them in their historical and cultural context, explore our Marseille itinerary, which will take you from the narrow streets of the Panier to the quays of the Vieux-Port, before returning to these exceptional beaches for a well-deserved moment of relaxation overlooking the Grande Bleue.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the best beach in Marseille?

The Calanque d’En-Vau is often considered Marseille’s most beautiful beach, thanks to its turquoise waters, spectacular white cliffs and unspoilt wilderness. However, for a more accessible beach, the Plage des Catalans remains the emblem of Marseille, with its authentic charm and proximity to the city centre.

Which beach to choose with children in Marseille?

The Prophète beach is ideal for families with children, thanks to its shallow waters, summer supervision and full facilities (showers, cabins, playground). The Prado beaches also offer a wide range of family-friendly services and safe bathing areas.

How do I get to the calanques from Marseille?

The calanques are accessible on foot via hiking trails (1h to 2h walk), by boat from the Old Port, or by car to the access car parks (with summer restrictions). The Calanque de Sormiou is the most accessible by public transport, while En-Vau and Port-Pin require a hike from Cassis.

When should you visit Marseille’s beaches?

The best period is from May to October, with ideal temperatures and plenty of sunshine. July and August offer the best bathing conditions, but are also the busiest. To enjoy the beaches in complete tranquillity, opt for May-June and September-October.