Of course, it is possible to beat the heat in Marseille. In this article, I’ll introduce you to my favorite refreshing activities that will help you take a break from the heat. Discover these cool places and make the most of your day, even in hot weather!
Taking a dive at the beach
The Prado Beaches
142 Avenue Pierre Mendès France, 13008 Marseille
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This series of beaches, which the Vieille-Chapelle, Bonneveine and Borély are part of, is the largest beach in Marseille. As the most visited one, the Prado won’t disappoint you.
Besides, its 26 hectares of green spaces on the seafront make for an enjoyable place to relax.
Information on the Prado Beaches
The Beach of The Sormiou Calanque
Calanque de Sormiou, 13008 Marseille
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The beach of the Sormiou Calanque is particularly large for a rocky inlet beach. Besides, its waters are known to be colder than the average beaches of Marseille, making this beach the perfect place to cool down on hot steamy days.
Information on the beach of the Sormiou Calanque
The Beach of The Port-Pin Calanque
Calanque de Port-Pin, 13009 Marseille
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The beach of the Port-Pin Calanque owes its name to the many Aleppo pines present in the rocky inlet, making it one of the few tree-filled ones.
In the shade of the pine trees, this beach makes for an ideal place to lay down your towel and take a dive in its cool turquoise waters.
Information on the beach of the Port-Pin Calanque
Taking a dive at the swimming pool
The Natural Swimming Pool of the Vallon des Auffes
76 Cor Président John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 13007 Marseille
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The Vallon des Auffes is an open-air seawater basin that’s perfect for families thanks to its calm setting and its shallow waters that are safe for children.
Its charming surroundings are like a postcard and make for a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the fresh marine breeze.
Information on the Vallon des Auffes swimming pool
The Cercle des Nageurs de Marseille
Boulevard Charles Livon, 13007 Marseille
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Located on the Corniche Kennedy, the swimming pool of the Cercle des Nageurs de Marseille offers a panoramic view of the sea.
It has three basins: two indoor of 50 and 25 meters length, and one open-air seawater basin 25 meters long.
Information on the Cercle des Nageurs de Marseille (website in French)
Having Fun at the Water Park
The Aqualand of Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer
ZAC des PRadeaux BP 42, 83270 Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer
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Located only 40 minutes away from Marseille, the Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer Aqualand will undoubtedly satisfy both children and adults with its many slides.
Wave Island
800 allée de Beaulieu, 84170 Monteux
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Located one hour away from Marseille, Wave Island has more than 32 different attractions and water activities that are suited for families. A perfect place to have refreshing fun.
Trying out water sports
The Water Sports Center of Plongée Frioul
Île du Frioul, Marseille
The Plongée Frioul water sports center is located on the Frioul island only 10 minutes away from the Vieux-Port.
Away from the city noises, you’ll get to try a variety of water sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking and even sailing.
So many ways to discover the beauty and the riches of the sea while enjoying its cool waters!
Information on the water sports center of Plongée Frioul (website in French)
Flowboarding at Bouc-Bel-Air
Decathlon Village, Avenue des Chabauds, 13320 Bouc-Bel-Air
Only 15 minutes away from Marseille, the flowboarding activity at the Decathlon Village will make you experience intense thrills away from the sun.
Information and reservation for the flowboarding activity (website in French)
Enjoying the cold breeze of the night
Playing a game of boules in the evening
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Marseille is the birthplace of boules, therefore, there are many places where you can play this traditional game when the sun is setting:
At the Vieux-Port:
- Quai de Rive Neuve
- Quai du Port
At the beach:
- Prado Beaches
- Pointe Rouge Beach
At the park:
- Borély Park
- Longchamps Park
- Valmer Park
Going to the night market of the Vieux-Port
Vieux-Port de Marseille
Open from 11 am to 10 pm all summer, you can visit this place late in the evening.
You’ll find local craftsmen selling regional goods such as the emblematic Savon de Marseille, Provencal tablecloths, striped jerseys and tableware as well as culinary specialties!
Information on the summer market of the Vieux-Port
Spending an evening in music with ON AIR
Le Toit-terrasse, 41 Rue Jobin, 13003 Marseille
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From 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm, the Friche la Belle de Mai invites you to spend your evening in music every weekend of the summer!
On the program: reggae, disco, Raï, rap… there’s something for everyone to spend a lively evening in the cool breeze.
Information and reservation for ON AIR (website in French)
Relaxing while watching a movie with Ciné Plein-Air Marseille
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Free of charge and open to anyone, the movies of the open-air movie theater Ciné Plein-Air make for an ideal family outing to enjoy the night breeze.
The place varies from day to day. It can be at the Mucem Museum, the archeological site of the port antique or even at the Vieille Charité Center.
there are so many emblematic places in Marseille where you can watch your favorite movies in the open-air.
Information on Ciné Plein-Air Marseille (website in French)
Visiting the Mucem museum
1 Esplanade J4, 13002 Marseille
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Air-conditioned with seawater, the Mucem Museum uses an innovative way to ventilate its rooms.
Thus, you can visit its 45.000 m² of exhibitions split into three different sites in the cool.
Information and reservation for the Mucem museum
Singing at Back to Bac – Karaoke Box
24 rue Roux de Brignoles, 13006 Marseille
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Back to Bac is a karaoke with six private rooms of different sizes and atmospheres.
They’re all air-conditioned and equipped with a fridge filled with cold beverages, making it the perfect place to take a break from the heat while singing your heart out with your friends!
Information and reservation for Back to Bac (website in French)
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
