The real reason many Marseillais take the boat to Frioul is the water. Away from the city’s harbours, the sea around the islands is remarkably clear, over pale rock, sand and meadows of Posidonia seagrass. The coast is a succession of small beaches, pebble coves and rocky calanques, many within half an hour’s walk of Port du Frioul.
These are natural, unserviced beaches for the most part: no sunbeds, little or no shade, and limited facilities. That is the charm. Go prepared, go early in high summer, and you will swim in some of the loveliest water in the bay of Marseille.
What to see and do: Frioul Beaches & Coves
Plage de Saint-Estève
The best-known beach on the islands, a short walk from the harbour on Ratonneau: a sheltered bay of sand and fine shingle with shallow water, popular with families and busy on summer weekends.
Calanque de Morgiret
A narrow inlet on Ratonneau with clear water and rocks to swim from, a little further from the port and usually quieter than Saint-Estève.
Snorkelling
The rocky edges of almost every cove are good for snorkelling: look for fish over the rocks and the seagrass meadows. Several Frioul boat trips provide masks and snorkels.
Swim from a boat
If you would rather not walk, many cruises anchor in a Frioul cove for a swim — an easy way to enjoy the water with shade and drinks on board.
How to get to Frioul Beaches & Coves
- Shuttle from the Vieux-Port to Port du Frioul (about 30 minutes), then on foot to the beaches.
- Or book a cruise with a swim stop in the Frioul calanques.
Insider tips
- Shade is the scarcest thing on Frioul: a beach umbrella or a light sunshade is worth carrying.
- Water shoes help on the pebbles and rocks.
- There are no lifeguards on most coves: keep an eye on wind and swell, especially with children.
- Leave nothing behind — the beaches are inside a national park.
Best tours & tickets for Frioul Beaches & Coves
These well-reviewed experiences pair well with a visit to Frioul Beaches & Coves:
Small-group boat trip from €59 Marseille: Boat to Le Frioul, Château d'If, and Swim
The most-reviewed boat trip on this page. You leave from near the MuCEM and sail round the Château d'If and along the wild coves of the Frioul islands, with the story of the Count of Monte Cristo on the way, then stop to swim and snorkel. It circles the fortress rather than landing there — book an entry ticket separately if you want to go inside.
- Close-up views of the Château d'If from the water
- Swim stop in a turquoise Frioul cove
- Masks and snorkels provided; group limited to 11
Morning boat trip from €51 Cruise, Coffee and Swimming in the Calanques of Frioul
A morning cruise out to the Frioul archipelago with a swim in one of its coves and a light breakfast-style snack on board, back by the end of the morning — leaving the afternoon free for the city.
- Marseille seen from the sea in the morning light
- Swim stop in a Frioul cove
- Coffee or tea, juice and a small snack
Catamaran cruise from €72 Marseille: Catamaran to the Frioul Islands, Swimming and Snacks
A relaxed three-hour catamaran outing to the Frioul archipelago with a long stop at anchor for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding and snorkelling, and snacks served on board.
- Long anchorage in a Frioul cove
- Paddleboard and snorkelling
- Snacks on board
Catamaran cruise from €79 Marseille: Calanques Catamaran Tour & Stand-up Paddle
A lively catamaran trip that takes in the Vallon des Auffes, passes the Château d'If and anchors in the Frioul calanques, with paddleboards, snorkelling gear and a GoPro on board and a diving board on the roof. Over a thousand reviews and a 4.8 rating.
- Vallon des Auffes, the Château d'If and the Frioul calanques
- Stand-up paddle and snorkelling gear included
- Diving board on the catamaran roof
Evening boat cruise from €75 Marseille: Sunset Boat Cruise with Buffet and Wine
A sundown boat cruise with a Mediterranean buffet dinner on board and, before the sun sets, a swim by the calanques of the Frioul islands. Nearly 600 reviews with a 4.7 average.
- Swim stop by the Frioul calanques
- Mediterranean buffet on board
- Sunset over the bay
