La Pointe-Rouge, district and beach of Marseille

Pointe-Rouge is both a neighborhood and a beach in Marseille, located in the south of the city between Vieille-Chapelle and Montredon. It’s a must-see for visitors to the southern region, but also for locals who like to stroll or swim in the Mediterranean.

A tourist and residential district

Located in the south of Marseille, in the 8th district, the Pointe-Rouge district is a primarily residential district, with numerous single-family homes scaling the foothills of the Massif de Marseilleveyre. At the gateway to the Calanques, it’s also a tourist destination with a marina and a sand beach. Built between 1964 and 1972, this major marina offers 1800 berths and a batch of nautical activities (sailing, diving, canoeing, paddling, kite surfing, sea rowing, Polynesian pirogue…).

A true quartier animé, the Pointe-Rouge district brings together numerous restaurants, bars, cafés and clubs. If you want to have fun and party, this is undoubtedly one of the places not to miss in Marseille. Located near the campagne Pastré park, Pointe-Rouge gets its name from the color of the earth on the small cliffs between Pointe-Rouge and Madrague de Montredon.

A day at the beach at Pointe Rouge

Not far from the Prado seaside park lies the beach of Pointe Rouge, Marseille’s largest stretch of sand, protected from the winds. Very popular and mainly frequented in the summer season, it attracts a family audience. In summer, swimming supervision is provided by lifeguards. This beach offers a superb view of Marseille harbor and the Frioul Islands. For water sports enthusiasts, don’t hesitate to head to the Pointe Rouge port, which offers a variety of activities in the water.

Many restaurants and summer houses allow you to lunch or dine with your feet in the water, sip a cocktail or enjoy an ice cream. Other restaurants – further from the beach – also welcome bathers and tourists in the neighborhood. Continuing south, small coves host discreet and less crowded beaches such as Bain des Dames beach or the anse des Sablettes, perfect for holidaymakers in search of tranquillity. Relaxation guaranteed!

A breath of fresh air at Parc Pastré

Located between Pointe Rouge and Grotte Rolland, Parc Pastré – also known as Campagne Pastré – extends over 112 hectares of greenery featuring a splendid 19th-century bastide provençale built under the Second Empire. This bastide estate owes its name to a great Marseille family, the Pastré.

This natural space is one of the only ones to have resisted urban development and real estate promotion. A very large park with water garden and beautiful residences (lower part), it also represents a gateway to hikes in the Calanques National Park of Marseille (upper part). Various signposted hiking trails lead from Parc Pastré up to the massif de Marseilleveyre.

Today, Campagne Pastré – owned by the City of Marseille since the 1960s – is a place for walks, nature sports and a variety of activities (accrobranche, equestrian center, theater…). Away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, it offers adive into the heart of Provencal nature that remains pleasant for its points of shade on hot days.

Our suggested walk

5.6km

A stroll between land and sea at Pointe-Rouge

Access and practical information

The Pointe Rouge district is accessible by public transport, taking the bus line 19 towards Madrague Montredon (stops Vieille-Chapelle, Pointe Rouge and Tiboulen). Bus line 19 is accessible from metros 1 and 2 at station Castellane. The district is also served on its coastline by bus line 47 to the Vieille-Chapelle terminus.

To discover the south of the district, you can hop on one of the bus lines 44 and 45, which will take you to traverse Parangon and avenue André Zenatti. A sea shuttle linking the Vieux-Port to the Pointe-Rouge port is also accessible most of the year.

You can also reach the Pointe Rouge by car by taking the Corniche Kennedy or the avenue du Prado, then along the Prado and Escale Borely beaches. However, parking spaces are limited and traffic is heavy, especially when the weather is fine, especially during the summer months.

During your stay, don’t hesitate to visit the Marseille Tourist Office, Leisure and Convention Bureau on La Canebière, which will provide you with all the information you’ll need for a pleasant vacation.