Plage des Catalans: Beach fun around the Vieux Port of Marseille
The Plage des Catalans is one of the most popular beaches in Marseille, and for good reason. It is just a 15 minute walk from the Vieux Port.
This is the easiest beach for the both locals and tourists to get to from this area of the city. In addition, the sparkling blue water and soft sand make it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the incredible views. It is also a great place to people watch.
Where to stay
- €€€ – Escale Oceania Marseille
- €€€€ – New Hotel Le Quai
- €€€€€ – the Hotel C2
- €€€€€ – Sofitel hotel – with expansive views across the Vieux Port
The Beach
The beach is named after the Catalan fishermen who used to set off from nearby.
It isn’t the largest beach in Marseille, at only around 400 square meters, but it is the perfect place to catch some sun and soak up the local Mediterranean atmosphere.
It does get quite crowded during the summertime and when the weather is good. If you can’t get a spot on the beach, walk along the boardwalk, and you will find some quieter quais from where you can enter the water.
There’s a great view of the nearby islands of Château d’If and Frioule as well as snack stands and toilets available. If you’re feeling active, there’s also plenty of opportunity to go swimming.
And when you’ve worked up an appetite, make sure to try some a delicious apéro at the nearby Vallons des Auffes which is only 5 minutes away.
How to get to Catalans beach?
Address: Plage des Catalans, 13007 Marseille, with closest metro at Metro Vieux Port.
The roads around Catalans beach and the Vieux Port have been restricted to one-way access, and it is not the easiest to drive to, even for locals! One recommended way to get to the Vieux Port is by metro, Line 1, stop at Vieux Port.
A simpler solution that many tourists choose however is to stay around the Vieux Port.
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Where to stay in the area?
There are several top areas to stay around Catalans beach which is just a few steps away from the Vieux Port. Some recommended hotels are:
- €€€ – Escale Oceania Marseille
- €€€€ – New Hotel Le Quai
- €€€€€ – the Hotel C2
- €€€€€ – Sofitel hotel – with expansive views across the Vieux Port