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The Catalans beach

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Nestled in the 7th arrondissement of Marseille, Catalans Beach is undoubtedly the most accessible of all, with direct access from the city center. Very popular with the locals and travelers alike, the latter is located in the Pharo district, a stone’s throw from the Old Port. Known for its Beach Volleyball courts, this family and tourist beach is the perfect place for picnics and evenings on the beach in summer. There are a number of restaurants and bars close to the beach. Come without further delay and discover one of the best-known beaches of Marseille for moments of relaxation under the Marseille sun.

An exceptional beach

Catalans Beach is a small fine sand beach, typical of the Mediterranean region. It offers a magnificent view of the sea and Frioul islands. The beach is lined with rocks and has a promenade along the sea, providing a picturesque setting for its visitors.

In terms of facilities, you will find showers, toilets, changing rooms and lockers to store your belongings safely. In addition, there are several nearby restaurants and cafes where you can eat.

However, note that the Catalans beach is very popular, especially during the summer months and sunny weekends. It can become quite crowded, but there is usually room for everyone. It is recommended to arrive early to find a comfortable place.

As with all beaches, it is important to respect safety rules and pay attention to sea currents. Catalans beach is supervised by lifeguards during the summer period, from 9:30 am to 7 pm.

Catalans beach is a place of relaxation appreciated by locals and visitors. It offers a pleasant setting to enjoy the sun, swim in the Mediterranean Sea and recharge your batteries.

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    ©Musée Subaquatique de Marseille, MSM, Plage des Catalans. Le Musée Subaquatique de Marseille est une installation « multi-artistes » de 10 œuvres située à 100 mètres au large de la plage des Catalans et immergée à 5 mètres de profondeur.|G.Ruoppolo, wallis.fr, MSM

      Activities

      Catalans beach in Marseille offers various water activities for those who want to enjoy the sea and water.

      Bathing

      Catalans beach is ideal for swimming. You can relax in the clear waters and enjoy the Mediterranean sea. However, it is important to pay attention to currents and follow safety instructions.

      Stand-up paddleboard (SUP) 

      Le stand-up paddle boarding is a popular activity at Catalans beach. You can rent a paddle board and explore the calm waters along the coast. It’s a fun way to enjoy the sea while exercising.

      Beach Volley

      Take advantage of the beach volleyball courts at Catalans beach to kick a ball with your friends while enjoying the gentle Mediterranean sun and smell of the sea.

      Snorkel to see the underwater museum

      Catalans beach offers clear waters and is home to interesting marine life. You can snorkel to admire the seabed, observe fish and visit theunderwater museum of Marseille, 100 meters from the beach, where you can discover different sculptures at a depth of 5 meters.

      How to access the Catalans Beach

      To get to Catalans Beach in Marseille by bus, you can use lines 82, 82S and 83. Bus lines 81 and 82 can also take you near the beach. These lines connect different districts of Marseille and pass through stops near the beach. Consult the schedules  and precise routes of these lines to find the one that best suits your departure point. Bus line 83 connects Catalans beach to Marseille city centre. You can take this bus from several stops in the centre, such as the Old Port. Bikes and e-scooters for rent all around the Old Port can also be taken to lead you to the beach.

      To get to the Catalans beach in Marseille by car, we recommend to use the Pharo car park, located close to the Catalans beach, about 5 minutes on foot. This is a paid parking lot with limited capacity. However, it can be quite busy during peak periods. If you can’t find a space at the Pharo car park, you might consider parking at the  Vieux-Port La Criée, or Vieux-Port Estiennes d’Orves car parks. It is recommended to check the prices and opening hours of the car park before going there.

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