Marseille · Pointe Rouge · 13008
What to do in Pointe Rouge, between beach, harbour and open sea
An early swim, a stroll along the pontoons, a trip out to the calanques and an aperitif facing the setting sun: Pointe Rouge is lived all day long, right by the water. Here is our guide to enjoying it, seen from l'Estéou's terrace.
Book a table
A seaside neighbourhood facing the open water
At the southern tip of Marseille's coastline, in the 13008, Pointe Rouge brings together in one place everything that makes the seafront special: a wide sandy beach, one of the city's largest marinas, a lively water-sports base and the gateway to the calanques within a paddle's reach.
People come to swim, to launch a boat, to walk along the water or simply to sit down as the sun dips into the Mediterranean. Whether you have a morning or a whole day, there's always something to do facing the open sea.
Five ways to enjoy Pointe Rouge
Swim at the beach
Pointe Rouge's wide beach is one of southern Marseille's favourite swimming spots: sand, clear water and an open view over the bay, from the first summer swim to fine late-season days.
Wander the harbour
Sailing boats, fishing boats and pointus line the pontoons. A walk around the marina, coffee in hand, remains the best way to feel the pulse of the neighbourhood.
Get on the water
The water-sports base offers paddle, kayak, sailing and diving. Pointe Rouge is an ideal launch point to explore the coast by paddle or beneath the surface.
Head to the calanques
From the harbour, the coast turns wilder towards Callelongue and the first calanques: turquoise coves, limestone cliffs and clear water just a short way off.
Dine facing the sunset
At day's end, you settle on a terrace to watch the sun sink into the sea, a plate of fish and a glass of rosé before you. The finest finale to a day in Pointe Rouge.
Beach, swimming and seaside spirit
On the land side, Pointe Rouge is first of all its beach: a wide stretch of sand loved by the people of Marseille as soon as the sun is out, with its water-sports base, its guinguettes and its village-by-the-water feel.
Between two swims, you can walk the shore as far as Escale Borély and the Borély park, or settle on a terrace for a lunch facing the bay. A setting that invites you to slow down, from morning to evening.
The magic hour
Golden hour, when Pointe Rouge lights up
Few things beat the sunset at Pointe Rouge. The light grazes the sea, the harbour turns orange and the terraces come alive. It is the hour for an aperitif facing the water, a grilled fish and a shared glass: the unmissable moment of an evening on the southern coast.
Trips out to sea and gateway to the calanques
Pointe Rouge is also a departure point for heading out to sea: a boat trip, a fishing session or a simple crossing to the neighbouring calanques. A few minutes of sailing and you leave the city for turquoise coves ringed by white cliffs.
To extend the experience of the sea, l'Estéou offers moments built around fishing and the catch of the day. Here are a few pages to plan your visit to 1 Avenue de la Pointe Rouge.
Keep exploring
Read and explore around Pointe Rouge
The neighbourhood is as much told as it is lived facing the sea. Carry on with our other pages before booking your table at l'Estéou.
Frequently asked questions about Pointe Rouge
What can you do in Pointe Rouge in a day?
In the morning, a swim at the beach then a walk around the marina. In the afternoon, a paddle, kayak or diving session at the water-sports base, or a trip out to the calanques. At day's end, an aperitif and dinner on a terrace facing the sunset, for example at l'Estéou.
Can you swim at Pointe Rouge?
Yes. Pointe Rouge has a wide sandy beach, one of the busiest in southern Marseille, with clear water and an open view over the bay. It's one of the favourite swimming spots on the 13008 coast.
How do you reach the calanques from Pointe Rouge?
From the harbour, the coast runs towards Callelongue and the first calanques. You can reach them by boat, by kayak or on foot along the coastal paths. A few minutes of sailing takes you to turquoise coves ringed by limestone cliffs.
Where can you watch the sunset at Pointe Rouge?
The harbour terraces offer an open view over the sea, ideal at golden hour. At l'Estéou, at 1 Avenue de la Pointe Rouge, you dine facing the open water as the sun dips into the sea.
Where can you eat after a day in Pointe Rouge?
l'Estéou welcomes you at 1 Avenue de la Pointe Rouge, on a seafront terrace, Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to midnight. Catch of the day, grills and seafood follow the arrivals. Book online or call +33 6 02 05 65 46.
Book your table
Tuesday, Sunday · 10am to midnight · Closed on Monday