beaches near ports of Cannes/Marseille?

[FinneganGirl]

I have spent most of my day searching for information, and cannot find what I'm looking for so I'm really hoping someone can help me with this question.

 

We will have two stops in France on our upcoming June cruise, Cannes and Provence/Marseille. By this point in our vacation, I think my family (DH and I and 4 kids) will really need some down time and a beach visit would be perfect.

 

Can anyone recommend a nice beach for the day in relative proximity to either of these ports?

 

Thank you!

[Hlitner]

You are in luck for a beach day (if the weather is good). There is a relatively nice sandy beach located a short walk from the tender pier in Cannes. When you get off the tender you simply walk a couple of blocks keeping the water on your left (as you walk). There is a sandy beach which is one of the few in the area that is public and free. Since its located adjacent to the old port (and only a couple of minutes from the tender pier) there are plenty of nearby cafes (they line the old port opposite the marina) for a nice lunch. Can't help you with Marseille since we always use that port as a gateway port to Provence.

 

Hank

[FinneganGirl]

Yay! Thank you so much Hank!

[Hlitner]

YW. That particular beach is called Plage du Midi.

 

Hank

[AngloinProvence]

The cruise terminals in Marseille are to the north/west of the city in a big, built-up port area with no beaches. You have two choices

 

(1) Head towards the beaches to the south of Marseille. You'd have to get the shuttle into the Old Port, then a public bus. Here's a guide to and map of this string of beaches, with details of how to get to them: http://www.marseille-provence.info/marseille-marseilles/what-to-see-tourist-attractions/200-the-beaches-of-marseille.html

 

(2) The other option is to head for the beaches west of Marseille, along the Blue Coast. This has the advantage of being on the "right" side of the city for the cruise terminals. On the other hand, the only one that's easily reached is Corbieres, a big, urban, artificial beach - quite pleasant but very busy. It can be reached by number 35 bus.

 

Other beaches along this strip can be reached by the Blue Coast train. The best family beach west of MRS is the Plage du Verdun, but for that you'd need a car. More details of these beaches: http://www.marseille-provence.info/marseille-marseilles/what-to-see-tourist-attractions/261-the-beaches-of-the-blue-coast.html