Vallon des Auffes Beach in Marseille - France

Our opinion on the Vallon des Auffes Beach

Vallon des Auffes Beach in Marseille is located at 5 minutes from Catalans beach going toward Prado. It is easily found thanks to the monument to the dead that we find just before the overpass. The beach is below. It is not a beach, but rather a swimming space (it seems that swimming is tolerated but a sign indicates is is prohibited – the fishermen here said that we can swim without a problem...). The site is breathtaking. Behind the overpass is the little harbor Vallon des Auffes with fishing boats and charming homes. Are we in Marseille? Oui!

The swimming area is found behind the harbor and overpass, on the left. Swimmers us the rocks and quays for laying out. We find a ladder to reach the water.

You can get here by using the stairs next to the viaduct. For the beach, take the wooden path along the cliff. The zone is protected from waves. It is difficult to park here (as is usually is in Marseille), it is ideal to take the bus (stop at Vallon des Auffes) or come by foot from the Vieux-Port (Old Harbor) which takes about 20 to 25 minutues.