These 7 Marseille beaches are easily accessible by public transport

Marseille, metropolis and seaside resort

France’s largest port and second largest city, Marseille is also a seaside resort, with beaches on the outskirts of the city and in the splendid scenery of the calanques. For a dip in the blue waters of the Mediterranean, or for a host of water sports activities, you’re spoilt for choice. From the north to the south of the city, certain beaches are easily accessible by public transport or self-service bicycles from the city center. Whether you’re a Marseillais or a visitor, forget about the car, traffic jams and the hassle of finding parking, thanks to our 7 favorites!

1. The Prado beaches

Stretching from the mouth of the Huveaune to the Roucas Blanc nautical base, the Prado beaches are partly protected by a seawall and bordered by a park with extensive lawns and a playground. During the summer season, you’ll find a first-aid post, sanitary facilities, showers, lockers and a snack bar. Water sports centres offer introductory courses in sailing, stand-up paddling and sea kayaking. There’s a vacation atmosphere here, and Marseille takes on the air of a seaside resort. After a dip in the Mediterranean or a dip in the sun, you can take a seat on the terrace of a café or restaurant on the Promenade Georges Pompidou, or stroll through the lanes of the nearby Parc Borély.
Public transport: take the metro (M2) to Rond Point du Prado station, then bus 19 to Madrague de Montredon or bus 83 to Mucem Saint-Jean. Get off at the Plage du Prado stop.
Bike: drop off or rent a bike at Prado Borély and Promenade Pompidou Amiral Muselier stations.

2. L’Escale Borély

With its cafés, restaurants and vast esplanade, L’Escale Borély is a pleasant place to spend a day by the sea. You can lay your towel on the sand or pebbles, have lunch, dinner or sip a cool drink on the terrace, while letting the kids play in the playground. L’Escale Borély’s beaches are supervisedduring the summer season, and include lockers, sanitary facilities, showers and a beach volleyball court. Skateboarders can take advantage of the Bowl de Marseille skate park, whose reputation extends far beyond Marseille’s borders, and which hosts international competitions every year.
Public transport: take the metro (M2) to Rond Point du Prado station, then bus 19 towards Madrague de Montredon. Get off at Escale Borély.
Bike : drop off or rent a bike at Escale Borely Pointe Rouge station.

3. Pointe-Rouge

This beautiful stretch of sand lies to the south of the Prado seaside park. The Pointe-Rouge beach attracts families, who enjoy wind-sheltered waters, the presence of a lifeguard station and a splendid view of Marseille harbor and the Frioul islands. Several water sports and sea excursions are available from the fishing and yachting harbor just a few meters away. Restaurants welcome you for lunch or dinner, either indoors or on the terrace overlooking the sea.
Public transport: take the metro (M2) to Rond Point du Prado station, then bus 19 towards Madrague de Montredon. Get off at the Pointe Rouge stop.
Maritime shuttle: from April 27 to September 29, 2024, a maritime shuttle runs between the Old Port and the Pointe-Rouge port.

4. Plage du Prophète

Family-friendly, the Plage du Prophète awaits you on the Corniche Kennedy, below the panoramic road linking Marseille’s historic center to the southern suburbs. The sea slopes gently and bathing is supervised in summer, allowing children to enjoy the water in complete safety. In the evening, the Plage du Prophète is a popular picnic spot for its magnificent sunsets. Looking for a moment of peace and quiet? You can take advantage of the lower traffic levels in the mornings.

Public transport: From the Vieux-Port, take bus 83 towards Métro Rond Point du Prado. Get off at Le Prophète.
Bicycles: Drop off and pick up your bike at Corniche le Prophète station.

5. Corbières beaches

North of Marseille, the three Corbières beaches await you just outside the Estaque district. Shallow and partly shaded, they are made up of fine sand and pebbles, with sanitary facilities, showers, lockers and a first-aid post. There’s also a water sports center where youngsters can try their hand at a wide range of water sports. You can easily reach the Estaque district by bus, renowned for its restaurants, friendly atmosphere and picturesque charm.

Public transport: take the metro (M2) to Joliette station, then bus 35 towards Plages de Corbières. Get off at the terminus.
Maritime shuttle: from April 27 to September 29, 2024, a maritime shuttle runs between the Vieux-Port and l’Estaque. You can take bus 35 from the Estaque port.

6. Les Goudes and Callelongue

A former fishing village at the gateway to the calanques, Les Goudes has become a popular destination for bathing. The small coves are ideal for swimming, and promise a different atmosphere from Marseille’s developed beaches. There are no sanitary facilities or first-aid posts here, just wild landscapes set against the backdrop of the sea, islands and harbor. Snacks and restaurants await you in the village of Les Goudes.
We also invite you to continue on to the Calanque de Callelongue, the last village to be reached by the coastal road running south from Marseille. From Callelongue, you can reach the Calanque de Marseilleveyre in about 1 hour’s walk. This wild cove is home to a few fishermen’s cottages and an amazing restaurant.

Public transport: take the metro (M2) to Rond Point du Prado station, then bus 19 towards Madrague de Montredon to the terminus. Then take bus 20 towards Callelongue. Get off at Les Goudes or at the Callelongue terminus, depending on your destination.
Maritime shuttle: from June 1 to September 1, 2024, a maritime shuttle runs between the Vieux-Port and the Port des Goudes.

7. Sugiton calanque

In the heart of the Parc National des Calanques, Sugiton is one of the most popular natural sites for Marseilles residents and holidaymakers alike. Here, you can enjoy a grandiose, unspoilt ambience and crystal-clear waters, in the heart of an unspoilt landscape. Made up of high cliffs of white rock, hills carpeted with garrigue and islets lapped by the waves, this veritable paradise is well worth a 45-minute walk. You’ll also need to bring plenty of water, as there are no refreshment or water points at the end of the calanque. During peak periods, access to the calanque de Sugiton is subject to compulsory reservation and is free of charge. Public transport: take the metro (M2) to Rond Point du Prado station, then bus 21JET or bus B1 towards Campus de Luminy. Get off at Parc national des Calanques.