The 5 best straw huts around Marseille

Between the Mediterranean Sea and wild creeks, the area around Marseille is full of exceptional paillotes where you can savour the pleasures of Provençal life. These waterfront restaurants offer idyllic settings for sampling local specialities while soaking up the southern sunshine. From La Ciotat to Carry-le-Rouet, via Cassis and Sausset-les-Pins, discover the 5 best paillotes around Marseille that will turn your beach days into unforgettable moments. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed atmosphere, fine cuisine or a panoramic view of the Mediterranean, these establishments will satisfy all your desires for a Mediterranean getaway.

Also in the Marseille guide :

• Activities in and around Marseille
• Best hotels in Marseille
• Most beautiful beaches in Marseille

1. Santa Maria – La Ciotat

Nestling on the Corniche Arène Cros in La Ciotat (Boulevard Beau Rivage, 13600 La Ciotat, rated 4.2/5 on Google out of 850 reviews), Santa Maria is one of the most popular paillotes around Marseille. This exceptional paillote offers a breathtaking view over the bay of La Ciotat and the cliffs of Cap Canaille, creating a striking natural backdrop for your waterfront meals.

Le Santa Maria offers lunch in a relaxed, typically Provençal atmosphere. Its two terraces facing the Mediterranean let you make the most of the southern sunshine while savouring a menu with a southern flavour. The transat-salad option, a real must at the restaurant, is a firm favourite with holidaymakers in search of authenticity. In the evening, the straw hut is transformed into a magical place to enjoy a cocktail as the sun sets over the Grande Bleue.

Open every day from 9am to midnight, Santa Maria perfectly combines Mediterranean cuisine with an exceptional setting. Let yourself be tempted by this unique experience, which makes this straw hut a must when visiting Marseille and the surrounding area.

2. La Baie des Singes – Marseille

A true Marseille institution, La Baie des Singes (Cap Croisette, 13008 Marseille, rated 3.8/5 on Google out of 1200 reviews) sits majestically in Marseille’s calanques. Run by the same family for three generations, this family-run hut embodies the authentic soul of the Cité Phocéenne.

Specialising in fresh, wild-caught fish, La Baie des Singes serves up an authentic bouillabaisse that will delight fans of traditional Provencal cuisine. The picturesque setting, nestling in the heart of the calanques, offers an exceptional panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea. This waterfront paillote also has a private beach where you can extend your culinary experience with a moment of relaxation on a deckchair.

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Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner, La Baie des Singes welcomes you to an exceptional setting where the culinary traditions of Marseille are perpetuated with passion. It’s the place to be if you want to experience the authentic paillotes around Marseille.

3. Le Grand Large – Cassis

In the heart of Cassis, Le Grand Large (Plage de Cassis, 13260 Cassis, rated 3.6/5 on Google out of 877 reviews) welcomes you right on the beach, just a few steps from the town centre and the picturesque port. This paillote enjoys a privileged location, making it one of the most beautiful paillotes around Marseille.

Le Grand Large boasts a terrace overlooking the sea and a varied Mediterranean menu featuring fresh seafood. The restaurant also offers lovingly prepared sushi, combining Provençal traditions with contemporary touches. Its private beach, equipped with deckchairs, allows you to extend your culinary stay with a moment of relaxation overlooking the crystal-clear waters of Cassis.

This straw hut also offers a private room for your events, allowing you to organise exceptional receptions right on the water. Reservations by telephone only on 04 42 01 81 00. Le Grand Large is an ideal stop-off point on your exploration of the Côte d’Azur, and the perfect complement to your discovery ofMarseille on the Navaway itinerary.

4. Zanzibar – Sausset-les-Pins

Set on the Baumettes beach between Carry-le-Rouet and Sausset-les-Pins, the paillote Zanzibar (46 avenue de l’Europe, 13960 Sausset-les-Pins, rated 3.8/5 on Google out of 370 reviews) offers an idyllic setting where the warm sand caresses your feet while you savour the Mediterranean specialities.

This straw hut with character transports you into a relaxed atmosphere typical of Provence. Its sea-facing terrace lets you enjoy the soothing sound of the waves while savouring generous cuisine with a southern flavour. The establishment is particularly appreciated for its exceptional setting and attentive service, which contribute to creating a memorable culinary experience.

Zanzibar is perfectly in tune with the Mediterranean art of living, offering an ideal gourmet break after a day exploring the area around Marseille. The perfect place to extend your urban explorations guided by the Navaway app while savouring the simple pleasures of Provencal life.

5. La Paillote César – Sausset-les-Pins

Located at 17 Avenue du Général Leclerc in Sausset-les-Pins (13960 Sausset-les-Pins, rated 4.1/5 on Google out of 215 reviews), La Paillote César completes our selection of the best paillotes around Marseille. This family-run establishment welcomes you to a magnificent seaside setting.

La Paillote César boasts an ideal seaside location and particularly friendly and professional staff. Its limited but carefully prepared menu guarantees fresh produce and quality home-cooked food. Generous dishes and tasty cocktails, served with a smile, make this paillote a warm and authentic address.

Open Monday to Sunday from 8am to 10pm, La Paillote César also offers DJ nights on Fridays, adding a festive dimension to your dining experience. La Paillote César is an excellent base for exploring the Côte Bleue and enjoying the friendly atmosphere that characterises the best paillotes in the Marseille region.

In conclusion, these 5 exceptional paillotes offer you a complete panorama of the gastronomic and seaside pleasures on offer in the Marseille area. From the authentic family atmosphere of La Baie des Singes to the panoramic views from Le Santa Maria, the elegance of Le Grand Large, the relaxed atmosphere of Zanzibar and the conviviality of La Paillote César, each establishment offers its own interpretation of the Mediterranean art of living. These paillotes are the perfect complement to your guided discovery of Marseille, allowing you to extend your urban explorations with moments of relaxation and indulgence overlooking the Grande Bleue. Whether you’re a fan of traditional bouillabaisse, fresh seafood or simply looking for an exceptional setting to enjoy a cocktail at sunset, these paillotes will turn your days into unforgettable memories of eternal Provence.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit the paillotes around Marseille?

The ideal season is from May to September, with a preference for June and September, which offer perfect weather and fewer crowds. Most straw huts are open from March to October, depending on the weather.

Do I need to book in advance?

Reservations are strongly recommended, especially in high season (July-August) and for evening meals. Some establishments, such as Le Grand Large, only accept telephone reservations.

Are these straw huts accessible by public transport from Marseille?

Yes, La Baie des Singes can be reached directly from Marseille. For the other paillotes, there are regional bus services from Marseille to La Ciotat, Cassis, Carry-le-Rouet and Sausset-les-Pins. However, the car is still the most practical way of exploring all these paillotes.

What budget should you allow for a meal in one of these straw huts?

Expect to pay between €25 and €60 per person, depending on the establishment and the type of meal you choose. La Baie des Singes and Le Grand Large charge higher prices (€45-55 on average), while La Paillote César and Zanzibar offer more affordable prices (€25-35).