Les Barquettes 2Les Barquettes 2
©Les Barquettes 2
An authentic break at sea

Excursion at sea on a barquette from Marseilles

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There are days like this that stay with you forever. Endless blue skies, the cries of gabians, and the sudden desire to get away from the burning asphalt and breathe a little. That’s exactly what my four best friends and I said to each other on a Tuesday in June. The idea? Spend half a day at sea on a barquette from Marseille. Something simple, authentic and deeply Marseillaise. We didn’t expect to fall so in love with this trip.

Published on 10 July 2025
Sophie Charvet
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The gentle call of the sea

With a 2pm departure, we meet up fifteen minutes before boarding near the Mucem, excited as kids. The boat is there, moored, all dapper with its varnished wood and pretty bright red colour. There will be eight of us on board, no more. A truly intimate outing, just the way I like it. No crowds, no big engines. Just us, the sea and this little floating jewel.

Our skipper for the day welcomes us with a smile and a little singing accent. He quickly explains the route – we’ll be sailing along the coast as far as the Vallon des Auffes, then heading for theFrioul archipelago. It didn’t take more than 10 minutes for us to feel like we were somewhere else.

As soon as we cast off, we slow down to 5 knots. Here, you forget about speed, and savour the time that seems to stand still as you watch the city gradually recede into the distance. The purr of the engine lulls us to sleep.

Les Barquettes 8Les Barquettes 8
©Les Barquettes 8
    Vallon Des Auffes ️ Massimomunicchi 36Vallon Des Auffes ️ Massimomunicchi 36
    ©Vallon Des Auffes ️ Massimomunicchi 36|Massimo Municchi
    Malmousque Jootlcm 5Malmousque Jootlcm 5
    ©Malmousque Jootlcm 5

      Marseille from the sea is something else

      I think it was when I reached the Vallon des Auffes that things really clicked for me. I may have known this picturesque little spot all my life, but seeing it from the sea is a different story. The sunlight on the facades, the fishing boats lined up in the little port, the people drinking on the terraces… Everything is softer, more real.

      We continue along Malmousque, with its fishermen’s cottages, then head out to sea. The closer we get to Frioul, the more turquoise the water becomes; the blue seems infinite. The Château d’If stands proud and majestic on our left. We pass close enough to see the ramparts and imagine the stories they have witnessed.

      Swimming, laughter and aperitifs on board

      The boat slows down again, approaching a quiet cove on the island of Frioul. The water is crystal clear, and you can make out the rocks below the surface. No need to hesitate, we all jumped into the water to great laughter.

      After the swim, it was time for an aperitif*. We had ordered an extra picnic basket before boarding – and frankly, it was the best idea of the day. Mezzés of the moment, soft homemade focaccia, anchovy paste & seasonal vegetables and a chilled organic rosé… Everything was simple, good, and perfect for this suspended moment. Sitting on the edge of the tray, our feet bare and our hair still wet, we toasted each other as we gazed at the beautiful city of Marseille in the distance.

      Les Barquettes 4Les Barquettes 4
      ©Les Barquettes 4
      Les Barquettes 5Les Barquettes 5
      ©Les Barquettes 5
      Les Barquettes 14Les Barquettes 14
      ©Les Barquettes 14
        Sortie Bateau, Coucher De Soleil En Mer ©jootlcm (rogné2)Sortie Bateau, Coucher De Soleil En Mer ©jootlcm (rogné2)
        ©Sortie Bateau, Coucher De Soleil En Mer ©jootlcm (rogné2)

          A timeless late afternoon

          It’s almost 5pm when we start heading back. We pass the Château d’If, then the Mucem, then Notre-Dame de la Garde in the distance, which seems to be watching over us. I realise that I haven’t looked at my phone once. And that’s quite a feat.

          We return to the port soothed, a little salty and a lot smiling. It wasn’t just a trip out to sea, but a truly suspended moment! One that smells of summer, friendship and the sea.

          If you’re looking for an activity that lets you get away from it all without going far, go for it. The barquette marseillaise is much more than just a boat. It’s an invitation to slow down, breathe and live fully in the moment. And frankly, it’s great fun.