Swimming in Marseille - The Beach at Pointe d’Endoume

🌊 The Beach at Pointe d’Endoume!

This is one of those hidden gems only real Marseillais know about — and even then, not all of them! A quiet, almost secret little spot, far from the crowds of Prado or Catalans.

📍 So, where exactly is it?

Pointe d’Endoume is located in the 7th district of Marseille, between Corniche Kennedy and the little cove of Maldormé, just a stone’s throw from the Vallon des Auffes and Saint-Victor Abbey. It’s a preserved, peaceful place, nestled in the heart of the Endoume neighborhood, with a village feel in the middle of the city.

🏖️ A beach unlike any other

Here, no white sand or tropical vibes — instead, you’ll find sun-warmed flat rocks, stone steps that descend into turquoise water, and little nooks perfect for laying out your towel, old-school style. Locals love this spot for:

• diving straight off the rocks,
• swimming in crystal-clear water,
• watching the sunset over the Frioul islands, pastis in hand 🍹.

🐙 100% Marseillais atmosphere

You’ll hear the local accent all around, the old-timers swimming at 7 a.m. sharp, teens doing flips off the rocks… and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a shy octopus hiding in the cracks.

Want a fun fact? Just next door was a tiny cove called “the Well of Love”, once frequented by couples looking for a bit of privacy... 👀

🪖 Marseille’s most unusual beach entrance: through the Foreign Legion!

Yep, to get to the Pointe d’Endoume beach, you need to follow a small hidden path… right alongside a military base!
You’ll walk under the rehabilitation center of the French Foreign Legion, where injured legionnaires recover. While they’re doing push-ups in the sun, you’re heading down toward the sea, the rocks, and pure tranquility.

👉 Striking contrast: military discipline up above, dolce vita Marseille-style down below.

🧭 How to get there?

• 🚲 By bike: a gorgeous ride from the Old Port (perfect with a NAVIA bike 😉),
• 🚌 By bus: line 83, stop Endoume or Bompard,
• 🚶‍♀️ On foot: strolling through the charming backstreets of Endoume.

⚠️ Guide’s tips:

• Come early in the morning or late in the afternoon to have the spot to yourself,
• Bring water shoes or grippy sandals, the rocks can be slippery,
• And don’t forget your mask and snorkel — the marine life here is like a mini natural aquarium 🐠.