Come to the spectacular Prado Beach to cool off and enjoy a drink by the sparkling sea or take a leisurely stroll along the promenade. For more energetic pursuits, choose from a range of activities including windsurfing, kayaking or snorkeling.
Marseille has not always been regarded as a beach destination. Prado Beach and many of the other beaches down the coastline were created as part of a project in the 1970s to give residents easy access to the water. The beach and adjoining parklands have become a hit with locals and travellers alike who flock here to partake in the activities and relax in wide open spaces.
In summer, take to the water on a sailboard, kayak, or with a snorkel and fins, all of which can be rented along the promenade. The beachside stadium offers a year-round programme of sports and activities, from beach rugby and volleyball, to BMX.
Take a break from the beach with a pleasant walk through the adjacent Parc Balnéaire, a 26-hectare (64 acre) strip of parkland along the Mediterranean coastline. Here you’ll find a skate park and a replica of Michelangelo’s David statue.
Visitors in September can’t miss the beach’s annual Festival of the Wind, attended by over 100,000 kite-makers and enthusiasts from all over the world.
Make a day of your trip by visiting other nearby attractions such as the Ferris wheel at Borély Beach or the magnificent Borély Park.
Prado Beach is located 20 minutes south of the old port by bus. In the summer months, catch a ride on the hourly boat shuttle service to Prado from Vieux Port.Prado Beach offers plenty of public bathrooms and changing facilities and is very disability-friendly. A small fee is charged for stadium-hosted summer activities.
