Vallon des Auffes and Malmousque
A tiny harbour of fishermen's huts, then rocky coves for a clear morning swim.
Taste your first Marseille specialities here.
Coastal guide · Marseille
What to do in Marseille by the sea? From the Corniche to Les Goudes, step by step
A route along the whole southern coast, from Vallon des Auffes to Callelongue, written from Pointe Rouge, where we end our days facing the sunset.
Book a sunset table
In short
Follow the coast north to south: Vallon des Auffes, the Corniche, the Prado beaches, Borély park, Pointe Rouge, then Les Goudes and Callelongue at the gates of the calanques. Go in the morning or late afternoon and check the mistral. End the day at sunset, dining by the sea at Pointe Rouge.
Marseille reveals itself first through its coastline of rocks, beaches and tiny harbours running south to the calanques.
This guide follows it north to south, stage by stage, and ends at sunset at Pointe Rouge, where we are based.
The Marseille coast
Why explore Marseille by its coast
A city facing the sea
Within a few kilometres the coast shifts from monumental Corniche to family beaches, fishing villages and wild calanques.
Walking it means crossing several Marseilles in a single day.
When to go: seasons, mistral and gentle hours
Spring and autumn are ideal; in summer, go early or late.
When the mistral blows, prefer walks and viewpoints to swimming.
North to south1 2 3 4 5
The coastal route, step by step
Six stages, in the order the coast reveals them.
Corniche Kennedy
A long seaside promenade and its endless bench, facing the Frioul islands.
Discover the history of Pointe Rouge.
Prado beaches
Wide lawns and beaches for swimming and water sports.
Lunch nearby: a restaurant near the Prado.
Borély park and Escale Borély
A shady green break opposite the beaches.
A pleasant stop close to Escale Borély.
Pointe Rouge
Sandy beach, marina and boat trips, with a west-facing bay.
Read our guide what to do at Pointe Rouge.
End of the road
6 · End of the road
Madrague de Montredon, Les Goudes and Callelongue
The road narrows into a mineral landscape and the fishing village of Les Goudes.
Callelongue marks the end of the road and the start of the trails into the calanques.
Along the coast
Seaside activities to try
What to do along the way, depending on mood and weather.
Swimming and family beaches
Prado and Pointe Rouge beaches are the easiest with children.
Coastal walks and trails
The Corniche on foot, then the calanques trails beyond Callelongue.
Out at sea: kayak, paddle and fishing
L'Estéou's owner also takes small groups fishing, on booking and weather permitting.
All about our sea fishing trip and how a fishing trip unfolds.
West-facing sunsets
The Corniche, Pointe Rouge beach and Les Goudes rocks are the best spots.
Three ways to do it
Plan your ideal seaside day
Cool mornings, shade at noon, sea in the afternoon, sunset in the evening.
With family
Morning
Swim at the Prado beaches.
Noon
Picnic in Borély park.
Afternoon
Pointe Rouge beach.
Evening
Early dinner on the terrace.
As a couple
Morning
Swim in a Malmousque cove.
Noon
Vallon des Auffes, then the Corniche.
Afternoon
Les Goudes and Callelongue.
Evening
Sunset dinner at Pointe Rouge.
With friends
Morning
Kayak, paddle or fishing trip.
Noon
Swim at the harbour.
Afternoon
Beach volleyball at the Prado.
Evening
A big shared table on the terrace.
At sunset
Where to end the day: dinner by the sea
At Pointe Rouge, l'Estéou is a seafront restaurant at Pointe Rouge with a terrace facing the sunset.
Catch of the day landed in the morning by the owner and his fishermen friends, homemade aïoli and wood-fired pizzas. Rated 9.6/10 on Google. Open Tuesday to Saturday (Sunday: 12pm-2pm), 10am to midnight, closed on Monday.
See also our terrace restaurant and the catch of the day.
Book on the terrace
Before you go
Practical tips for following the coast
Getting around the coast
Car, bike or public transport: start early in summer.
Details in our guide how to get to Pointe Rouge.
What to bring, and mistral days
Water, sun protection, proper shoes and a light layer. On mistral days, avoid exposed coves.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What to do in Marseille by the sea in one day?
Follow the coast north to south, from a morning swim to a sunset dinner at Pointe Rouge.
What is the most beautiful coastal walk in Marseille?
The Corniche Kennedy, or the wilder road from Les Goudes to Callelongue.
Where to watch the sunset over the sea in Marseille?
The Corniche, Pointe Rouge beach and the rocks of Les Goudes.
Can you reach the calanques along the coast?
Yes, the coastal road ends at Callelongue, where the trails begin.
Where to dine facing the sea after a day on the coast?
At l'Estéou, Pointe Rouge, Tuesday to Saturday (Sunday: 12pm-2pm), 10am to midnight (closed Monday).
Further reading
Extend the walk: terrace, fishing, Pointe Rouge and Marseille flavours.
Book your table
Tuesday-Saturday · 10am to midnight · Sunday 12pm-2pm · Closed on Monday