Sink your feetinto the warm sand, play games with locals or watch a tapestry of kites flyingin the Mediterranean sky at Marseille’s most popular beach.
At the end of a long day, there’s no better way to relax than with acool drink and a slow stroll along Prado Beach’s wide promenade. If you’vestill got energy to burn, the idyllic stretch of coast offers plenty of action-packedactivities for you: try windsurfing, kayaking or snorkelling in the clearwater.
For much of the 20th century, Marseille lacked the beach-town reputationthat many towns on France’s southern coast were famous for, and it wasn’t untilthe 1970s that development provided access to this stretch of coastline. Today,Prado Beach holds its own alongside the most sublime beaches in Europe and the parklandadjacent is popular with visitors and locals. Visit the park on the weekend tojoin the locals relaxing in the open spaces or playing sports on the beach.
Hit the water with your sailboard, kayak or snorkel in hand to make themost of the perfect beach conditions. Rent equipment from the vendors along thepromenade. Get active on dry land at the stadium that overlooks the beach. Playbeach rugby and volleyball or rent a BMX bike to use the course.
Take a walk through the 64 acres (26 hectares) of Parc Balnéaireimmediately next to the beach. Hugging the coast, the park is home to a skate parkand a replica of Michelangelo’s famous statue, David.
Head to the beach in September to see the sky fill with colour as around100,000 kite-makers and flyers swarm on Marseille for the annual Festival ofthe Wind. From the top of the Ferris wheel on the nearby Borély Beach you’llhave a magnificent view of the coast and the kites hanging above it.
Prado Beach is located approximately 20 minutes by bus from Marseille’sold port. During summer an hourly shuttle boat runs between the beach and theport. Once you’re here you’ll find bathrooms, changing areas and wheelchairaccessible facilities. A fee applies for activities within the stadium.
