11 Beachfront & Seaview Hotels in Marseille, France We Keep Recommending Everyone
Beachfront hotels in Marseille go two ways giving you the best views of the majestic waters- ones with views of the 2500+ year old of the Port and ones that genuinely sit on sandy beaches and look out to the sea.
Hotels in Paris With Views of Eiffel Tower
Founded
600 BC
Distance from Paris
536 miles
Distance from Lyon
203 miles
Must Try
Bouillabaisse
Airport
Marseille-Provence
Hotels in Marseille have had a rich cultural history that predates the existence of most French cities. When most of France was still forming, the city functioned as the primary port into the Mediterraneans for the import of goods. That geographic advantage brought in trade and with it came voyagers who looked for good places to rest and have their butter. This is also why the city’s coastline, now lined with beachfront hotels in Marseille, developed the way it did- close to a working port, rather than the long, open beaches found further west along the French Riviera.
For 2,600 years, Marseille’s coastline was built for trade and tourism followed along. In 2024 alone. almost 19.5M+ visitors toured the city
Marseille has more coastline than most travelers realize, and that means more decisions when it comes to beachfront hotels in Marseille. Some rest of a cliff over the sea, others exist along the sandy beach, while some simply rest their balconies against the views of the sea. Each, of course has its own rhythm. Here’s what to know before you book and 11 promising hotels annong tourists who truly know their way on a foreign land.
2
Highways
TGV
Rail to Paris & Lyon
UTC+01:00
Time
365 sq. mil
Area
The Calanques of Marseille
Notre-Dame de la Garde’ basilica
Palais Longchamp
The Cosquer Cave
The Old Port
First Time Visitor? Best Areas To Stay in Marseille
- La Corniche- Beachfront and Sea view hotels and family-friendly stays
- Vieux Port- Amazing water views and great for city breaks in Marseille.
- Cours Julien- Best for nightlife in Marseille
- Saint Victor- Close to all sights in Marseille
- La Joliette- Best for city breaks in Marseille, along with families
You’d finally understand why people splurge on a Sea View Room
Hotels Near Marseille Beach, You Would Not Want To Leave
52 Cor Président John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Les Bords de Mer
19 Rooms
Starting- $502
17 Rue des Braves Anse de Maldormé
Le Petit Nice Passedat
18 rooms
Starting €1,411
200 Cor Président John Fitzgerald Kennedy
nhow Marseille
150 Rooms
Starting- 227 EUR
Les Bords de Mer
As beautiful as Marseilles is, it is not traditionally renowned as a beach destination. If you are planning a postcard-perfect French beach, you would prefer Nice, Cannes, or Saint Tropez. Most know it as a place of commerce and culture, but then Les Bords de Mers comes into debate. The hotel has unparalleled sea views. Surely, the others on our list have astonishing vistas as well, but the fame of Les Bords de Mer makes it an instant numéro uno for the best beachfront hotels in Marseille. Plage des Catalans is nearby. But even that won’t help you with the queue; you must come in early before the rest of the brigade arrives.
The hotel only has 19 rooms, all of which have perfect sea views. Like most other beachfront hotels, this too has clean white interiors befitting a calming experience. Château d’If, the prison of Count of Monte Cristo, also appears in your views from the hotel. The hotel has also installed a small pool in its premises, but it is just long enough to swim in. If that doesn’t fill your hearts, you can just as easily pass your time at the heated pool. Come summer, this would not be a big problem; you would anyway be sipping on your cocktails on the second rooftop. No need to step outside for food. The restaurant is perched right above the sea and has some of the best Provençal cuisine with amazing local seafood.
Le Petit Nice Passedat
Baker and lover of the arts and his wife, Germain Passedat, bought two properties in this then hidden spot on the rocky Malmousque coast. Later, he combined the two properties and renamed the estate as Lupitinis. Throughout the 20s and the 30s, the hotel had operated as a secluded inn for the elite. Soon, avant-garde painters, poets, and actors flocked in to enjoy the Mediterranean feel in Europe. One thing that you will notice at the hotel is that every bed will always face a window. In fact, it was a must for Gerald Pasadette, third-generation owner. He truly believed that to enjoy a well and sound vacation, the first thing you need to see in the morning is the sea. The white walls and the wood furnishings are jazzed up by simple details like frescoes of Mediterranean plants and trees.
For years, the family has owned and operated the resort. From the yesteryears, Michelin stars have been added, renovations have been made, but the resort has never lost its camaraderie. Drops. It is for this experience that Gerald himself lives in one of the suites.
nhow Marseille
nHow is situated along the beaches at the Prado, which is two miles south of central Marseille. While the previous two hotels had been sitting off cliffs, the nHow sits on beautiful sands overlooking Roucas-Blanc’s bay. The city is barely a 30-minute bus ride away, but this hotel is also very suited for solitude-lovers who want to enjoy time in introspection. You’ll only need a walk of 10 minutes to get to the nearest beach, and along the way might also find some nice restaurants and bars.
The most interesting aspect of the hotel has to be its structure- an “Upside Down” topography, if you can call it that. This is because the hotel sits against the cliffs below the elevated Cornish Kennedy Road. This creates a reverse layout. When you arrive from the city street level, you enter a glass pavilion reception hall, which is actually the 3rd floor. To get to the guest rooms and other amenities, you will need to take the lifts or stairs downward. The ground floor, in fact, sits beside the Mediterranean Sea. Pet parents are going to love the hotel rooms; there are distinct pet stays available with beds and bowls.
Le Rhul
Le Rhul has been serving visitors in Marseille since 1948 by the same family for three generations. The building is modest- three storeys perched on a cliff edge, with multiple rules oriented to face the sea. The hotel overlooks a small inlet known as Anse de la Fausse Monnai. But that is not why this three-star hotel is only famous for. Since the 70s itself, the hotel became a key figure in establishing the Marseille Bouillabaisse Charter. A small group of connoisseurs had become rather frustrated that most restaurants had fallen into the tourist trap and were serving cheap and frozen fish soup under the name Bouillabaisse. Thus, a new rule was formed at LeRhul; all the fish sourced for Bouillabaisse must be local rock fish and should be exceptionally fresh.
The seaside hotel offers 13 unique rooms, each with its own set of decoration and vibe. If you are traveling with family, you can also request at the reception desk to appoint a baby bed in your room. For children over twelve years, the reception also provides an extra bed. All the rooms have a TV, a work station, furnishings on the balcony, and a dresser. While there are three types of rooms, standard, superior, and privilege, you will need to book the latter to get a private terrace with a sea view. You can order breakfast to your room, which mostly includes pastries, jams, breads, and juices. This will cost you around €9.80 per person
Hôtel Peron
The 3-Star hotel lies in the beautiful La Corniche District- and in close vicinity to attractions like Les Terrasses du Port Shopping Mall and and Little Trains of Marseille. Almost all of the 21 rooms in the building have a view of the sea from its balcony. The Château d’If vistas are simply heavenly to look at the first thing in the morning. One thing we loved about this hotel is its luggage rooms. If you fly in Marseille early in the morning, you can check in your luggage and continue with your Marseille itinerary by the time check in starts (at 3 PM).
All the rooms have a designated sitting area and a dressing area on a clean, carpeted-floor. The staff is also amenable and more than happy to make adjustments for a comfortable accomodation. If you are traveling with a child on your trip to Marseille, you can have an extra bed installed for your kid (must be under the age of 4) for €5. More than one extra bed will not be possible for the dimensions of the room.
Marseille Beach Hotels
Best for: Street art, alternative music venues, indie boutiques
Beachfront Hotels in Pointe Rouge & La Madrague de Montredon You’d Want to Shift to France For
Pointe Rouge has some of the best beaches in Marseille and a marina that is bustling with activities. The hotels are obviously lavishly appointed and families often gravitate towards the area to pick a room or a cute restaurant. You’ll often find tours and activities in Marseille in the area like sailing schools, paddleboard rentals, and beach clubs. La Madrague de Montredon is knows for its Calanques coastline with rockier terrains and fishing villages scattered all around. The area is particularly amazing for people going on hiking to Calanques National Park.
13 Bd Molinari
Villa Valflor
Quaint hotel along the Point Rouge with stunning views of the Sea.
Starting $205
28 Bd Delpin
B&B Ô Planier
4-star hotel in a central location and a short walk from the École Militaire metro station.
Call for rates
22 Bd la Calanque de Samena
La Petite Calanque
Stunning terrace views of the Massif des Calanques
Call for rates
01
Breakfast Options available on the premises
Villa Valflor
Villa Valflor does not have a regal history; it was not a castle or a fortress, but the backstory is as personal as any. The elite of the area had secondary country houses set up on the southern coast. Valflor, in particular, was commissioned by Madame Molinari. A woman of esteem and honor, she was so renowned that the street of the villa is named after her family- Rue Molinari. The hotel is located right near Point Rouge and has well-appointed rooms. All the rooms are air-conditioned. The quaint hotel also offers breakfast, and the reviews for it are absolutely perfect. Staff are fluent in English and very welcoming to Non-French people.
02
Airport Pick up and Drop Off Services
B&B Ô Planier
Ô Planier is a bed and breakfast at 28 Bd Delpin. This quaint little place has just 5 rooms on the property, but runs a cosy space for renting in Marseille. The property is completely pet-friendly at a small fee, so you can make it a proper family vacation. You will need to contact the B&B beforehand, though, to make the necessary adjustments. If you are looking to go on a self-guided bike tour in Marseille, the staff will also hook you up with bicycle rentals. The public area also has a little library with select books that you can rent for a light reading time.
03
Century-old house with modern amenities
La Petite Calanque
La Petite is one of the calmest stays you will find in Marseille. The property is quite small, 3 guest rooms- one of which is a suite for 4 people. There is an additional cottage that can be rented in the available seasons. The hotel is right in the heart of the Calanques National Park; axiomatically, the greenery is all around. The seashouse has the complete charms of the old architecture- high ceilings, antique floors- all within the comfort of a family home. Food options are nearby; just a few minutes’ walk, and you will find many local restaurants and cafes serving the best Bouillabaisse in Marseille.
The Best Views of the Old Harbor in Marseille
Beachfront Hotels in Vieux-Port That’d Make You Stay 3 Nights Extra
Hotels in Vieux Port have one advantage of looking at the Old Port that has pre-existed most of the current civilization. The lovely yatch marina is one of the best places to be in Marseille. Visitors have always marvelled at the Mediterranean experience in the food and the culture. Most corners of the area serve the most delectable Bouillabaisse. Exit the hotel and you will have entire fish markets and waterfronts to explore.
34 Quai du Port
Hôtel Écologique BelleVue Marseille
Overlooks Marseille’s waterfront promenade and routes.
€176
18 Quai du Port
Hôtel La Résidence Du Vieux Port
Retro Chic vibes of the 1950s with views of the Bailica and Old Port.
€ 390
36, boulevard Charles Livon
Hotel Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port
Views of Old Harbor in a cute Marine-themed room.
$1,159.79
01
Buy 2 nights, get 1 free in Winters
Hôtel Écologique BelleVue Marseille
Hotel Belle-Vue has 100 years of history in its kitty. Yona Etienne, who had been a part of the community for 20 years, acquired the hotel in the Prache family. Under her, Bellevue became the first hotel in Marseille to be awarded the Green Key label. Remnants of its past as a sailor’s hotel still linger in the building. The to floorm a framework designed from ship masts that adorn the interiors. The bar-restaurant La Caravelle has the best jazz club vibe in the city.
02
Suite La Notre Dame for Waterfront Views
Hôtel La Résidence Du Vieux Port
Hotel Duquesne is my favorite 4-star hotel in Paris. You would expect a beige and cream hue from this Parisian stay, but the colours in the hotels- the blue in the wall, curtain, and furnishing make for an excellent reprieve. In their Superior rooms, where you find the best Eiffel Tower views, the hotel has added the most comfortable beds and walk-in rain showers. If your kids have tagged along or you are travelling in a trio, the Superior Triple Room stands as the best pick. Along with the double bed, you also get a single bed. From here, divin sights of Duquesne and Lowendal await.
03
Assistive listening devices & Braille signage
Hotel Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port
The Marseille Sofitel is an exceptional hotel with a well-lit and luxurious Marine-themed room. The mattresses are comfortable, pillows are fluffy; there sits a couch in the hotel; and you’ll find a TV mounted to your wall- all signs of a comfortable hotel room. What sets Sofitel Marseille apart is its culture; every year Sofitel Marseille Vieux-Port organizes a gastronomy and cultural rendezvous. These literary dinners are held on the top floor of the hotel where the view is the most premium. At such congresses, a book-signing session is held for a reknowned author. Even the restaurant Le Trois Forts and Le Carre serve gourmet Mediterranean dishes.
When To Visit Paris
☀️
12°C-28°C
Mediterranean
Cool-mild winters with moderate rainfall
🌤️
4 °C- 12 °C
Coldest Months
Coldest Months
🌧️
19 °C-30 °C
Hottest Months
Hottest Months
🌥️
2,897 hours
Hours of Sunshine
Greater than the national average
Honorable Mention- Tuba Club - Cabanons and Restaurant
While we did not add Tuba Club in our primary picks, it deserves a mention as one of the best hotels in Marseille. The hotel is not an old piece either, it opened back in 2020 and has been gathering a big chunk of Marseille Tourism in its kitty. It was once a prime place for diving; in fact Tuba literally means snorkel in English. RIght near the route to Parc national des Calanques, the hotel has coveted views. For the best ones, choose one of the rooms in the Villa. All of the rooms at the club overlook the water. The best part of the club has to be its fishing hut-styled restaurant. It’s quaint and close to the rooms with a seating space for around 80 people.
Notre-Dame de la Major, Marseille
Best Places To Visit in Marseille A Trip Would Be Incomplete Without
Being the oldest city in France, Marseille has had a history that is a derivative of many cultures. Before Paris ever became the Capital, Marseille had been a place of the most important commercial activities in the country. That gave it a head start. Unlike others, Marseille flourished looking towards the Mediterranean. Merchants from Greece, Rome, North Africa, and the Levant engaged in trade and left their own markings on the ethos of the city. Here are a few spots that you must visit in Marseille to understand its existence as a French city imbued with Provençal and Mediterranean spirits-
Notre-Dame de la Garde
Modest dressing for women and no hats for men
The Basilica on the hilltop has been a site of pilgrimage for more than 800 years now. Fishermen, sailors, and citizens would look up to the Virgin Mary for safe passage on the sea and protection from calamities. The 11.2m golden statue is now found in the 41 m tall bell tower, holding a baby Jesus. Thousands of ex-votos, or offerings, hang from the vaults and linings in gratitude for protection and safety. Make sure that you go for a walk along the outdoor esplanade; it has the best panoramic views of the city, including Vieux Port, Frioul, and Château d’If. While the hill is just a 30-minute hike from Old Port, you can opt for the Petit Train de Marseille, which will drop you at the foot of the Basilica.
Free
Entry
Massif des Calanques
Established in 2012 with land, sea, and peri-urban spaces.
The Massif de Calanques is an underrated hiker’s favorite. The landscape is crisscrossed with color-coded trails, the most difficult of which is the GR 98-51. The path traverses the entire massif from Marseille to Cassis. Massive limestone cliffs are scattered all through the area. These were the product of tectonic shifts and glacial melting. You must visit the Calanque de Sormiou. It is the largest and most popular. The water is remarkably turquoise along the beach. Scattered through are small cabanons of generational fishermen. Some of these don’t even get electricity or running water.
Free
Entry
Marseille Cathedral
Massive Domes up to 70 meters in height
The home base of the Bishop of Marseille sits on the edge of the port district. The architecture tells you just how much wealth Marseille had during the 19th century. The construction coincided with a massive economic influx, when Marseille was the gateway to the French colonial empire. In fact, Napoleon III laid the first foundation stone himself. The exterior is astonishing; you will find zebra-like facades of green Florentine marble and white stone. The interior misses no marks either; it is so huge that it can hold up to 3,000 people at a time.
Free
Entry
Abbaye Saint-Victor
Medieval Fortress like Church
The Abbey was founded in the 5th Century by John Cassian on the south side of the Old Port. At first glance, the stone structure looks more like a medieval fortress than a church. That is because it doubled as both. Owing to its geography, Marseille was often susceptible to naval raids and pirates, so crenellated towers were added. When war arrived, it would function as a military fortress. The underground crypt has been preserved over the ages and still feels like an archaeological excavation. Deep inside, you will find the Black Madonna- a 14th-century statue carved from dark walnut wood. While you are here, make sure you try a pastry or two at Le Four des Navettes, the oldest bakery in the city. The traditional navettes, boat-shaped cookies, are delectable.
Free/ $2.50
Free without the Crypts
Château d'If
Former prison near the Bay of Marseille
The isolated fortress of Château d’If sits on the smallest island in the Frioul archipelago, just 1.5km offshore. Americans often associate it with Alcatraz, but the Château somehow feels brighter. This fortress, too, however, was used as a high-security prison surrounded by difficult waters for about 400 years. The fortress is also memorialized in Alexandre Dumas’s classic 1844 novel, The Count of Monte Cristo. Even today, you can visit Edmond Dantès’ “Cell”. Go to the lower cells, and you will realize how there was a hierarchy even in the sins of people. The dungeons had no windows and were so disease-ridden that they were reserved for the poor. Wealthier prisoners could buy upper-level rooms with windows and fireplaces.
€7
Adult Tickets
Le Panier
One of the most happening streets in Marseille
If there is one thing that will make you feel rooted in Marseille’s culture, it is Le Panier. The area is one of the oldest parts of town, founded by Greek over 2,600 years ago. The steps along the streets curve up to the hillside of Marseille’s Vieux Port. There are tables for two laid around the staircases. This part would probably feel more unhurried than any in Marseille. Take your time discovering streets, architecture, hanging lanterns, and other adornments on the street.
Free
Access
Top Things To Do and Places To Visit in Marseille With Guided Tours
Half-Day Tour of Marseille Shores by Electric Bike
French Riviera views along the pretty Corniche Kennedy
$86.35 per person
Marseille Tour from Cruise Port
Includes Aix-en-Provence with Round-trip port transit.
$80.51 per person
Full Meal of Local Tastes by Do Eat Better
Small-group, lunchtime walking tour through the Old Town
$86.35 per person
Marseille Walking Tour
Cover Cathédrale La Major, Le Panier, and more neighborhoods
$42.00 per person
Chateau d'If sailing cruise
Visit the Friuli Islands with coffee breaks at a cove.
$92.18 per person
Catamaran cruise in the Frioul
Snorkeling in clear waters and a buffet lunch with wine and drinks.
$282.38 per person
Traveller Warnings
Ever since Marseille won the European Capital of Culture award in 2013 for its divrsity and heritage, tourists have been flocking in this multicultural metropolis. While it was once deemed as gritty, it is now trendy in the right ways. There are a few unwritten rules to live by as a tourist in Marseille.
For instance, taxis at the airports are extremely expensive- some even cost twice as much as Uber. Instead, we prefer the Shuttle that take you to Saint-Charles train station in the city center in under 30 minutes. These shuttles cost around $12 one-way and run every 10 minutes. A lot of peopel like to rent a car in Marseille, but we strongly prefer bicycle rentals. Most bicycles sweep through the busy streets in a swoosh and you can also navigate through the traffic better. The traffic, incidentally, is infuriating.
FAQs
A 3-day itinerary to Marseille is optimal. This will help you visit most of the places and enjoy local food and culture.
The seaside hotel nhow Marseille has around 150 rooms and is available for booking in the summers.
La Petite Calanque has a suite that can accomodate 4 people. A family with 2 kids can easily have a perfect vacation here.
One of the best boutique hotels in Marseilles on the Mediterranean is Les Bords de Mer. The Art Deco hotel is a stunning property just over the water edge. Tuba Club is also a great option. The canon style boutique hotel is an amazing find.
Booking platforms like Booking.com give good discounts on your hotel rooms. Almost every hotel has a website of it’s own and you can also book through their platform.
You can easily rent a bike in Marseille with ListNRide. You can also pick one at the Bicycle Rental Kiosks, courtesy of Marseille Tourism from one of the 130 stations that have over a 1000 velocipeds. For this, you will need a subscriber card, which costs €5 per year and a €1 per week.
The bouillabaisse is obviously popular but you will need to find an authentic place. Alongside, locals are supremely fond of supions à l’ail, garlic-sautéed squid and moules gratinées, mussels topped with garlicky breadcrumbs
Yes, you can absolutely drink tap water in Marseille. It has, in fact, one of the cleanest tap water in France.
