Malmousque cove

Malmousque cove is a kind of creek located in the 7th district of Marseille. This place arouses curiosity thanks to its originality. Close to the Old-port, from Malmousque, we can see the famous ‘île des pendus‘ just in front of it. The cove doesn’t have any sand, only a cement pier. You can swim however it is a very deep water that’s why we cannot recommend it for children or untrained people.

A bit of history

A history and many anecdotes are related to the marseillaise cove. At the beggining, it used to be a fishermen’s port where there was a friendly atmosphere. In 1610, a decree was established “chemin de Malmousque” ( Malmousque lane).

Some come to observe the famous “rocher des pendus” ( rock of the hangmen), visible from its pier. It owes its name to Alfonso V Aragon who took revenge on the allies of Louis III in 1423 by having a dozen of his notables hanged there.

The Calanque kept its wild side until the end of the 19th century which is not very surprising.Indeed, it is located on a steep path. After building new housing around the cove, it was once again frequented.

At this time, a lot of people from Marseille were going there to bask on the rocks when the weather was good. Some take advantage of swimming and enjoying the view. According to the season, the creek can be very crowded. For more tranquility, it would be better to avoid the summertime. Walking access is quite hard. Although the place is really worth it!

Entrée du port de Malmousque à Marseille

Bateaux et cabanons devant le petit port de Malmousque à Marseille

The district of Malmousque

An authentic district in Marseille

Housing around the cove of Malmousque shows little beautiful houses charismatic of a charming provence village. Streets are quite narrow and vegetation is very intense. This area is noticeable thanks to the scenary with small houses and very colorful buildings.

If you want to go to the creek, take the opportunity to visit the area of Malmousque which really is worth it ! You can find many activities such as : restaurants, coffee shop terraces and walks. Real treasures are hidden in Malmousque.

Walking along the lanes, you will find gorgeous bridges with seaviews. You can also see the island of Endoume and Gaby from Malmousque, the little pebble creek. If you have children, there are some swimming areas. Be careful because the depth of the water can change very quickly depending on the areas.

Just relax in this little paradise in the city centre and take time to see the little fishermen’s houses from the Corniche. The seaview is breathtaking, an ideal place to take beautiful pictures and why not have a family picnic?

Nearby Malmousque, you will be able to see other beaches such as ‘la Pointe d’Endoume’, the cemented beach in the Vallon des Auffes or even the Petit Nice small creek.

Good to know

A guided tour in Malmousque is suggested by the Tourist office of Marseille and will give you the opportunity to learn more about the little fishermen’s port, a real balcony on the sea!

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Malmousque Port

The Malmousque port is rather small and has only 55 places. This port is managed by the ‘Société Nautique des goélands de Malmousque’. We can often see fishermen along the port but also people from Marseille who gather on the rocks to enjoy the landscape and the sun. There is little room, but in spite of that, it is very popular though.

For those who decide to walk along the rocks via the cement pier, they will be facing the most beautiful houses of Marseille: ‘Les bains de Mer chauds‘, former Thalasso Centre fully restored.

Access to the cove

To get to the Malmousque creek, you need to walk. Cars are not passing though this area. You need not to be afraid of crossing the tiny streets in order to get to the rocks. The journey can be somewhat acrobatic, but at the end of it, it is worth it! The cove is located to the North of the peninsula, on the edge of the Corniche Kennedy more precisely.

Fun fact : a few available parking spaces can be found along ‘chemin du génie‘ near the military bathing. Be careful even if these parking spaces are not very well known, they are wanted.

If you don’t have a car, the 83 bus can take you there. You will need to stop at ‘la fausse monnaie‘ stop.

Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur region is full of gorgeous places to discover for unique stays. Marseille has the honor of hosting many of them, between amazing beaches, creeks ans its cliffs, come to discover treasures of Marseille.

Places to discover

The districts of Marseille

Bateaux et cabanons dans le port des Goudes

“Les Goudes” village

Ruelles fleuries dans le quartier du Panier

The district of ‘le Panier’

Marseille inspires you

Vue sur le fort saint jean et le vieux port

The ‘Vieux-Port’ (Old Port)

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