5 Exquisite Beaches Near Marseille That Are Perfect For A Fun Day Out In 2024!

When compared to some other beaches on the French Mediterranean coast, the majority of beaches between La Madrague and La Point Rouge harbours are pristine and perfect for a wide range of water sports and activities than the ones in Marseille. Be it surfing, sailing, or sunbathing, there are the beautiful Cassis beaches to the southeast, and some of the most popular beaches near Marseille France dot the French Mediterranean coast in Toulon and continue along the French Riviera.

Top 5 Beaches Near Marseille

Striking a perfect balance between the natural wonder and great features along with modern conveniences, gear up to have a fun day out at some of these best beaches near Marseille on your next holiday in France.

• Plages Escale Borely
• Plage de la Grande Mer
• Calanque Port Pin
• Calanque d’En Vau
• Plage des Catalans

1. Plages Escale Borely

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Located roughly two miles south of the city center, Plages Escale Borely is one of the best beaches near Marseille Port. It is one of the most popular beaches along this part of the coast for people who enjoy sailing and windsurfing. Along this stretch, you will find a wide variety of bars, cafés, and restaurants where you can enjoy delicious food and cocktails. You can also do some shopping in the boutiques and souvenir shops nearby apart from relaxing and enjoying under the sun, indulging in water sports and more while in Marseille.

Things To Do: sailing and windsurfing 
Famous For: array of bars and cafes around

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2. Plage de la Grande Mer

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This is the main beach of Cassis, a small town that is not far from Marseille. This gorgeous beach is within walking distance of the town center. Plage de la Grande Mer is one of the beautiful best beaches near Marseille that is perfect for families and those looking for a relaxing under the Mediterranean sun. You can sunbathe, swim, and enjoy a variety of other activities on this popular Cassis beach.

Things To Do: sunbathing and swimming
Famous For: gorgeous views

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3. Calanque Port Pin

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This is undoubtedly one of the best Cassis beaches around Marseille. Pristine and absolutely breathtaking, Port Pin is one of the beaches you must visit during your stay in Marseille. It is located about an hour’s walk away from the town’s center. It is the smallest of the three Calanques – the areas of sheltered inlets. The beaches that pepper this area, like Port Pin, are quite difficult to access, but it is worth the trip as you can enjoy a day in a largely unspoiled beach without having to worry about large crowds.

Things To Do: swim, stroll around
Famous For: least crowded beach

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4. Calanque d’En Vau

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Another wonderful Cassis beach, d’En Vau is without a doubt one of the most spectacular beaches near Marseille. It is no surprise that it is one of the most famous of the Calanques beaches. One of the most popular things to do in this part of France is climbing the steep, jagged cliffs, and hiking to the beach from Cassis. It is a two-hour brisk walk from the center of the town and at the end of the path, you can enjoy a swim in its amazing turquoise waters.

Things To Do: Jagged cliffs, hiking, climbing
Famous For: hiking, turquoise waters

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5. Plage des Catalans

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Dotted with lively and cheap bars on the shores, Plage des Catalans is one of the best beaches to enjoy sailing and boating at its best. Cruise through rolling hills and boulders that adorn the beach and this beach can easily be reached from the city centre in just 25 minutes by walk. Spend a quiet evening, sunbathe on a bright sunny day, stroll along the coastline, and do much more on Plage des Catalans that happens to be one of the best beaches near Marseille.

Things To Do: Sailing and boating
Famous For: Activities and Cruises

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Best Time To Visit The Parc National des Calanques

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If you are looking for nice beaches near Marseille, you should make sure that your itinerary includes the Parc National des Calanques, or the Calanques National Park, as it has some of the most pristine beaches. The best time of the year to visit is between October and June and if your plans include swimming in the crystal clear waters of the Calanques, you should plan your trip for early October or May and June. This is when the sea is warm enough for a nice swim.

There are alternatives if you happen to visit during summer. It means less walking and a totally different perspective of this part of France. You can take a boat to the Calanques from Marseille or Cassis, and arrive at your destination by sea. You will not be able to get off the boats, but you will still see the awe-inspiring and steep cliffs that rise from the sea.

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Beaches To Visit Near Marseille Airport

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Travelers can also visit the beautiful beaches near Marseille airport that dot the area along Cote Bleue. Be it the Côte d’Azur, Port de Niolon, La Plage des Marettes, or the Calanques d’Ensues la Redonne, all these beaches are located at a distance of about 11 kilometres from the Marseille Airport.

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Best Time For Photography

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If you are hiking to the Calanques, it is important to get an early start as shadows start to take over once the afternoon begins. You should start at around 10 AM from Port Miou, which means that you can arrive at d’En Vau at around 11 AM. You will get plenty of time to take amazing photographs and capture all the vibrant colors with strong sunlight in the sky. In the afternoon light, the sea will begin to sparkle from above and this also happens to be a fantastic time to take photographs as well. But you should make sure to carry a polarizer to minimize any unwanted glare.

Further Read: Top 6 Things To Do In France That May Sound Cliché But Are Totally Inevitable

While there are many beaches nearby aside from the ones within the city, all of these beaches near Marseille have something unique to offer their visitors. Whether you are looking to enjoy a leisurely time relaxing under the Mediterranean sun or go on a hiking adventure, these amazing beaches have just what you need on a perfect holiday in France . Get going now!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Beaches Near Marseille

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