The Prado beaches
In the heart of Marseille, the Prado beaches stretch along the corniche, offering a spectacle where the blue of the Mediterranean meets the dynamism of the city. A true leisure hub, this seaside ensemble attracts families, athletes, and relaxation enthusiasts alike, making it one of the most popular areas to escape urban hustle while remaining close to activity centers.
The Prado beach
Created in the 1970s to develop kilometers of untapped coastline, the Prado beaches have now become a must-visit destination for many locals and tourists. The metro construction work at the time produced the embankment necessary for the development of the 22 hectares reclaimed from the sea. In the end, the Prado seaside park spans 26 hectares and 3.5 kilometers of coastline and is visited by over 3.5 million visitors per year.
It is the largest beach in Marseille, even though one could speak more of a succession of beaches over kilometers between that of David (so named because of the eponymous statue), to Vieille Chapelle. Each area attracts a more or less different audience, but the main clientele consists of regulars, families, and younger people.
The vast lawns that border the sea are a paradise for Sunday footballers, children, and adults alike, delighted to enjoy a vast green space just steps from the sea. Beware, as the place is crowded in summer, being the easiest to access by public transport. But it is possible to find quieter spots than others. Feel free to wander a bit before laying out your towel for the day. The Skatepark or Bowl is renowned worldwide, and skating enthusiasts flock there as a pilgrimage.
How to access the Prado beaches?
By bus
Bus 19 from "Rond Point du Prado", or Bus 83 from the Old Port (Prado Nord stop only).
By car
Head towards "Prado", then towards "Les plages". To come by car, paid parking lots are located all along the beaches.
We recommend:
- Prado Nord
- Prado Sud
- Anse de Bonneveine
- La Vieille Chapelle
- La Plage Borely
- La Plage de l'Huveaune
The former Roucas Blanc Beach is the first one you encounter when arriving via the Corniche and before the statue of David. Like its "little sister," it has everything needed for relaxation and leisure while being supervised and equipped with sanitary facilities.
It's a gravel beach that attracts many families in the morning and a younger crowd in the afternoon. It's not uncommon for sports events to take place on the adjacent lawns.
