Marseille boasts 57 kilometers of coastline and one of the greatest diversity of seaside resorts in the French Mediterranean. From the family-friendly Prado beaches to the wild coves of Les Goudes, and the urban beach of Les Catalans, just a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Belle-Vue, coves accessible by swimming, Frioul islands 30 minutes by shuttle: this comprehensive guide lists the 12 main beaches of Marseille with their transport access, their atmosphere and practical advice 2026, from your room facing the Old Port.
Marseille beaches: how to choose according to your day
- Quick swim near the hotel → Les Catalans (10 min walk from Belle-Vue)
- family day → the Prado beaches (David or Borély, shallow water)
- Seaside village atmosphere → Pointe Rouge or Les Goudes
- Nautical sports → the mouth of the Huveaune (paddleboarding, kitesurfing, windsurfing)
- Open sea and clean water → the Frioul archipelago
- Nature and coves → Sormiou or Morgiou (National Park)
- Secluded coves → Malmousque, Maldormé, Bain des Dames, Abri Côtier
How to get to the beaches from the hotel Belle-Vue
The hotel Belle-Vue is located on the Port quayside, in the heart of the Old Port. bus stops 60, 83 and 19 are less than a 5-minute walk away, and the Vieux-Port metro station (line 1) is right across the street. The car is rather a hindrance in summer (full car parks, traffic jams on the Corniche) — we recommend public transport or walking to the nearest beaches.
- bus 83 : Corniche → Catalans, Prophets, Prado, Pointe Rouge (main axis)
- bus 19 Old Port → Pointe Rouge → Verrerie → Bain des Dames → Les Goudes terminus
- bus 22 Summer shuttle to Sormiou (July-August, from Rond-Point du Prado)
- Maritime shuttle Old Port ↔ Frioul / Pointe Rouge / Goudes (departures from Quai des Belges)
The 12 beaches of Marseille: a detailed guide
1. Les Catalans — the closest urban beach to Belle-Vue
À 10-minute walk from the hotel Belle-VueThis is the closest beach to the Old Port. Small (90m long), urban, with an entrance fee of around €2, and supervised from June 5th to September 1st. It's where locals come for a dip during their lunch break. Walking route: Boulevard Charles Livon, Pharo, then down to the beach. The + : its underwater museum accessible to swimmers equipped with mask and snorkel (gallery of works submerged at a depth of 5-7 m).
2. The Prophets — Corniche atmosphere
On the Corniche Kennedy, a mix of sand and rocks, very popular day and night in summer. Access: bus 83, "Prophète" stop. Supervised from June 5th to September 1st. Baroque-Marseille atmosphere, with café terraces in the immediate vicinity.
3. Le Prado Nord (Grand Roucas) — events and family
Gravel beach on the large southern harbor, part of the Gaston Defferre seaside park. A popular venue for sporting events (World Pétanque Championships on the adjacent lawns, rowing races). Access: bus 19 or 83, "La Plage" stop. Lifeguards on duty from June 5th to September 1st.
4. Prado Sud (David Beach) — the most accessible for people with reduced mobility
Neighboring Grand Roucas, David beach is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility (Ramp, water wheelchair, accessible restrooms). Lovely evening walks. Access: bus 19 or 83, "La Plage" stop. Supervised from June 5th to September 1st.
5. La Pointe Rouge — fine sand and seaside village
One of Marseille's few fine sandy beaches, with shallow water—ideal for children and a popular spot for windsurfers. Beach huts, grilled fish terraces, and restaurants right on the water. Access: bus 19, "Pointe Rouge" stop, or the ferry from the Old Port (25 minutes, faster and more scenic in summer). Lifeguards on duty from June 5th to September 1st.
6. La Verrerie — occasional surf spot
Located past Pointe Rouge, this pleasant beach is very popular in summer and evenings. It's an interesting spot for surfers when the wind conditions are right (east winds are rare). Access: bus 19, "Verrerie" stop. Unsupervised.
7. L'Escale Borély (Borély + Bonneveine) — kites and walkers
Two beaches side by side, Escale Borély and Bonneveine beach, adjoin Huveaune beach. A popular spot for kite flyers (thanks to the strong winds), joggers, and walkers. Access: bus 19, "Les Gatons Plage" stop. Lifeguards on duty from June 5th to September 1st.
8. Mouth of the Huveaune River — water sports center
At the far end of the Prado seaside park, the Huveaune nautical base We offer paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and children's Optimist dinghies. Rentals are available by the hour or day, and lessons are available for beginners. The spot is windy when the Mistral wind blows—perfect for sailing, but more challenging for swimming.
9. The Coastal Shelter (Anse des Phocéens) — discreet after Pointe Rouge
Small, hidden beach, accessible by stairs (not practical with a stroller). Narrow, but the water is beautiful, and it's not crowded. Access: bus 19, "Verrerie" stop. Unsupervised.
10. The Ladies' Bath — view of the harbor
A small beach of sand and pebbles, lined with typical beach huts, offering superb views of Marseille harbor and the islands. Located after Pointe Rouge. Access: bus 19, stop "Bain des Dames". Unsupervised.
11. Anse des Sablettes (Colombet beach) — small and quiet
Pebble and sand beach, not very touristy. Access: bus 19, "Grotte Rolland" stop. Unsupervised.
12. Monkey Bay — the last one before the calanques
A family-friendly beach just past the village of Les Goudes, popular with scuba divers (clear waters, abundant marine life). It's the gateway to the Calanques National Park. Access: bus 20, terminus "Les Goudes", then a 10-minute walk. Unsupervised.
Secluded coves: Malmousque, Maldormé, Endoume
To completely avoid the crowds, here are three addresses known only to locals:
- Malmousque Cove Pebble cove, 10-minute walk south of Les Catalans. Unsupervised, no services, local fishing atmosphere.
- Maldormé Cove (below Roucas-Blanc): rock bath, view of Endoume-Frioul, magical at sunset
- Valley of the Auffes : not a beach in the strict sense but a small, secluded harbor where you can take a dip among the fishing boats
Swimming in the calanques: Sormiou and Morgiou
To switch to nature mode, head to the Sormiou and Morgiou coves, in the Calanques National Park. Turquoise water, white limestone cliffs, few facilities but a cabin-restaurant in Sormiou (reservation essential).
- From June 1 to September 30 Road closed to cars. Access on foot from the Cayolle car park (45 min, moderate elevation gain) or seasonal bus 22
- What is needed 1,5 L of water per person (no resupplies), closed shoes (slippery limestone), mask and snorkel
For a complete excursion, see our 2026 guide to the Calanques National Park.
Beaches of the Frioul Islands — the open sea option
A half-hour shuttle ride from the Old Port (Quai des Belges, a 3-minute walk from the hotel) and you're out at sea: the beaches of Frioul (in particular Sainte-Estève on Pomègues and the Crine beach The beaches on Ratonneau offer cleaner water than the mainland beaches, coves accessible on foot from the port, and unique lighting on the harbor. Sainte-Estève beach is supervised from June 5th to September 1st.
Water quality, safety, mistral wind: what you need to know in 2026
- Water analyzed All season long on supervised beaches. Classified beaches Blue Flag 2026: Prado, Catalans, Pointe Rouge, Frioul
- Mistral Winds can reach speeds of over 80 km/h even in July — check the weather forecast before you go. The sea will be choppy and cold in strong mistral winds.
- Water temperature Temperatures: 18-22°C in June, 22-25°C in July-August, 21-24°C in September. May and October are possible for experienced swimmers.
- jellyfish Sporadic presence in June-July depending on the winds — the Mes Calanques app reports these episodes
- Naturism : not allowed on Marseille's public beaches (unlike some Cassis coves)
FAQ — Marseille Beaches from the Hotel Belle-Vue
Which beach is closest to the Old Port?
The Catalans beach, a 10-minute walk (1 km) from the hotel Belle-VueIt is the only urban beach accessible without transport from the Old Port.
Do you need a car to enjoy the beaches?
No, and it is strongly discouraged. Les Catalans (on foot), Le Prado (bus 83), La Pointe Rouge (bus 19 or shuttle), Les Goudes (bus 20) and Frioul (shuttle) are all accessible by public transport.
Which beach should you choose with young children?
Prado (David or Borély) or Pointe Rouge are good choices for shallow water, fine sand, and lifeguard supervision. Avoid undeveloped coves with children under 8.
Is there a beach accessible to people with reduced mobility?
Yes — David du Prado beach (access ramp, water wheelchair, adapted restrooms).Hotel Belle-Vue It is also equipped for disabled access..
What is the best season for swimming in Marseille?
The "comfortable" season runs from mid-June to mid-September. In May and October, the water is still cool (18-20°C) but perfectly bearable for experienced swimmers. The mistral wind can be chilly even in the middle of summer.
Is it possible to rent equipment on site?
Yes, at the Huveaune water sports center (paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing, kitesurfing) and at several spots at Pointe Rouge (paddleboarding, dinghy sailing). Booking recommended in July and August.
Book your seaside holiday in Marseille
The hotel Belle-Vue is the ideal location to combine city and beach: rooms facing the Old Port, bar-restaurant La Caravelle on the ground floor for returning from the beach, bus stop 83 is 200 meters away and the sea shuttle is 3 minutes away. Book your room.
