Where to swim in quiet places near Marseille?

Alone, as a couple, with family or friends, your stay in Marseille will certainly rhyme with swimming in the sun. But where are the most peaceful places to swim in the city of Marseille? Between creeks, beaches and seaside resorts, which one will make you fall in love?

The Calanques between Marseille and Cassis, a must-see or a secret

Stretching over 20 kilometres between Marseille and Cassis, the Calanques are full of peaceful places for those in search of tranquillity. Between land and sea, these havens of peace give access to the turquoise beaches of the Mediterranean sea.

Venture into the numerous creeks and Calanques that the National Park massif offers. These little corners of paradise cannot be missed and are mainly accessible on foot. It is advisable to get information before going there and to bring good walking shoes.

If you go to the Frioul Islands, you will certainly find a small secret cove just waiting for you, but beware, these little secret spots are often rocky and not recommended if you have small children.

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The Côte bleue, from fishing villages to wild creeks

To the north of the city of Marseille, between Marseille and Martigues, the creeks and coves of the Côte Bleue offer several quiet swimming spots. Initially, they were inhabited by farmers and fishermen before being transformed into coastal villages following the creation of the Marseille-Miramas railway line in 1915.

Our advice for visiting the Côte bleue? Move away from the villages and seaside resorts to reach the wildest creeks. To swim in these coves (which have inspired film-makers such as Marcel Pagnol and Robert Guédiguian), wear suitable sandals to avoid injuring yourself by walking on the pebbles or sea urchins scattered along the rocky bottom.

If you want to go to the Côte bleue, nothing could be easier! The famous Côte Bleue train is the best way to visit. A tourist attraction in its own right, it offers a spectacular panorama of steep cliffs, viaducts and clear waters. Tip: when departing from Marseille, sit on the left-hand side of the train to fully enjoy the plunging views of the calanques and bathing spots.

The vast, wild beaches of Camargue

Not even 2 hours drive from Marseille, the Camargue beaches are perfect for travellers looking for a quiet spot. These huge beaches stretching for several kilometres will give you the impression of travelling out of time.

The 6-kilometre long Piémanson beach has fine, endless sand and dunes with rare plants. It is well known for sea kayaking. There is little risk of being disturbed during your swim, as there are no restaurants, bars or grocery shops around this place.

Another quiet beach is the Beauduc beach which stretches over 7 kilometres of fine sand. Located in the south-east of the Camargue between Arles and Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, Beauduc is a natural site belonging mainly to the Conservatoire du Littoral. The access road is somewhat perilous, but there is no doubt that you will find the peace you are looking for once you arrive!

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When Marseille takes on the air of a seaside resort

Why go away from Marseille for a swim, when the city takes on the air of a seaside resort as soon as the sun comes back out. To take advantage of the calm of Marseille’s beaches, you can go there in the morning.

Several beaches follow one another along the Corniche Kennedy: Les Catalans, le Prophète, l’Anse de la Fausse Monnaie welcome you with a breathtaking view of the Frioul archipelago and the hills of the Côte bleue.

Below the Corniche Kennedy, the Prophète beach generally welcomes families. Suitable for young and old alike, this beach gives access to shallow water in which children can walk. For the more sporty, a beach volleyball court is freely accessible. Fancy a meal with a view of the sea? Go to Chez Marco, a restaurant not to be missed for aperitifs on the beach or for picnics at the water’s edge.

Further south, between David and the Pointe-Rouge, there are also many beaches. In the morning, the beaches of Escale Borely, which are not very busy, offer you a real haven of peace. A great way to start the day!