The beaches of Marseille.
The coast of Marseille extends from south to north in a half-moon shape. In Marseille itself, you can swim at around 15 public beaches with lifeguards. And on the Côte d’Azur, small rocky bays alternate with long stretches of sandy beach. There are also numerous flat slabs of rock that protrude above the water. The largest sandy beaches, the “Plage du Verdon” and the “Plage de Sainte-Croix”, are located on the peninsula of La Couronne. At Sausset-les-Pins you will even find a seaside promenade for walking by the beach. Its sandy beaches combined probably form the longest beach on the Côte d’Azur.
Hiking in the Calanques National Park.
Between Marseille and Cassis, one of the most attractive and unspoilt landscapes in France is to be found: the Calanques. The fjord-like bays are surrounded by impressive limestone cliffs, and the turquoise Mediterranean invites you to take a swim or go kayaking. You can explore the well-signposted hiking trails of the newest national park in France easily on foot.
Discover Marseille on foot.
Take time and stroll around the streets of the lively Mediterranean metropolis on a city walk. On five marked circular trails, you can discover the old Marseille, for example, or the artists’ quarter of L’Estaque. Another trail shows you the modern architecture of the city and the highly recommended MuCem, “Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations”.
By bike through Provence.
Would you like to discover Provence in a pleasant way from Marseille by bike? Ride past fields of lavender and olive groves, Roman ruins and attractive countryside at the foot of Mont Ventoux. Or cycle through the rolling hills of Vaucluse and the famous winegrowing areas of the Côte du Rhône.
Vallon des Auffes.
Vallon des Auffes, with its old fishing harbour and the fishermen’s huts, is located just a few minutes from the city centre of Marseilles. In the narrow alleyways named after fish, you will find a choice of restaurants from simple pizzerias to gourmet eateries. In summer, a pool invites you to swim, and on the harbour wall you can enjoy the sun with a view of the Château d’If, or jump boldly right into the sea.
