Where to go paddleboarding in Marseille & in the Calanques (Cassis) – Complete Guide.
- Jan 9
- 6 min read
Or rent your Stand-up Paddleboard in the Calanques of Marseille?
Between limestone cliffs , turquoise waters and small coves, Marseille and the Calanques National Park are a dream playground for stand up paddle (SUP) .
From Pointe Rouge to Port-Miou , via Les Goudes , Sormiou , Morgiou , Sugiton and En-Vau , there is an alternation of easy launching, coastal walks and spectacular panoramas.
Remember: leave early in the morning when there is no Mistral wind, stay close to the shore and respect the Park regulations .
Where to go paddleboarding in Marseille & in the Calanques (Cassis) – Complete Guide.
The best spots & itinerary ideas
Pointe Rouge → Prado beaches (Marseille 8th arrondissement)
Who is it for? Beginners, families. Why here? Easy launch, often calm waters in the morning , clear beach landmarks, and easy return. Typical loop (1–2 hours) : coastal path between the Prado beaches, with short swimming/snorkeling breaks.
Les Goudes → Marseilleveyre
Who is it for? Intermediate. Why here? Wild scenery, cliffs, and crystal-clear water just a stone's throw from the city . Route (2–3 hours) : Launch at Les Goudes, paddle along the coast to Marseilleveyre , and return to the same point. Note : The sea is more open when the Mistral wind is blowing.
Sormiou & Morgiou
Who is it for? Intermediate/advanced divers. Why here? Iconic coves, clear waters , vertical cliffs. Park note : anchorages are strictly regulated to protect Posidonia seagrass meadows ; follow the signs and buoys. Calanques National Park+1
Sugiton (access restricted in summer)
Who is it for? Experienced divers / guided outings. Why here? Emerald cove in a rocky amphitheater. Land access : reservation required and free on certain summer days to limit overcrowding; check the 2025 dates on the official website of the Park. Calanques National Park+1
Cassis – Port-Miou → Port-Pin → En-Vau
Who is it for? Intermediate/experienced sailors (catch possible after 11 am). Why here? The picture-postcard sequence: harbor-cove, pebble beach, rocky cirque. Key rules : anchoring prohibited at En-Vau and Port-Pin ; never hold onto the yellow buoys (300m zone / prohibited areas). Calanques National Park+1
When to go? (weather, wind, seasons)
Ideal time : early morning (less wind, less traffic).
Wind : the Mistral (NW) can raise a short chop; prefer sheltered areas (Pointe Rouge, Port-Miou) or postpone if necessary.
Season : May → September = great for temperature, but crowded in the calanques in the middle of summer.
Official forecasts : consult the Marine Weather service of Météo-France (tab "coast/ports"). Météo-France+1
Essential rules of the Calanques National Park
Anchoring & Posidonia : deployment of eco-friendly moorings and prohibitions in certain coves (e.g., En-Vau , Port-Pin ). Objective: to protect the Posidonia seagrass meadows . Calanques National Park
Buoys & markings : Yellow buoys = boundaries (300m zone / areas prohibited to navigation or anchoring) → do not hold onto . White buoys = eco-moorings (use defined locally). Calanques National Park
Sugiton : access by reservation on certain days during the summer of 2025; number of visitors limited to preserve the site. Calanques National Park
Where to go paddleboarding in Marseille & in the Calanques (Cassis) – Complete Guide.
Safety tips & checklists
Weather window : if the wind picks up, shorten or cancel . Always check the official marine weather forecast before setting off. Météo-France
Equipment : buoyancy aid vest, leash , dry bag (charged phone + mapping app), water (1.5–2 L/person), cap, sunglasses, sunscreen.
Navigation : keep your distance from the walls, respect the 300m zone , give priority to boats without maneuverability (divers, freedivers).
Environment : no anchoring on seagrass; no littering; quiet music; no fires or BBQs in/near the park. Calanques National Park
Fires & Massif Access : Land access to the massif may be restricted depending on the fire risk (prefectural decrees, daily access map). Bouches-du-Rhône+2bpatp.paca-ate.fr+2
Prices & formats (indicative)
Free rental 1–2 h : expect to pay around €12–20/h depending on spot/season.
Guided walk 3–4 h : around ~€50 / person.
Adventure/multi-activity day : often ~€80/person. 💡 Tip: book in advance in July-August (morning slots are in high demand).
Regulations — the essentials you need to know (Calanques & sea)
300m Zone : Most rental paddleboards (< 3.5m) are beach equipment → daytime use only , limited to 300m from shore (no mandatory equipment, life jacket strongly recommended). Marked swimming areas: paddling prohibited . Ministry of Ecological Transition+1
Beyond 300 m : possible up to 2 nautical miles only if (a) your SUP is not a beach craft (> 3.5 m, compliant) and you are wearing basic safety equipment (50 N buoyancy aid, etc.), or (b) as part of an activity supervised by an approved organization with a mandatory life jacket. Ministry of Ecological Transition
Buoys & markings : yellow buoys = boundaries (300m zone, areas prohibited for navigation/anchoring) → do not hold onto ; white buoys = eco-moorings. Calanques National Park+1
Anchoring & Posidonia (Park) : Anchoring is prohibited in certain iconic coves ( En-Vau , Port-Pin ) to protect the Posidonia seagrass meadows ; use only the designated areas/anchorages. Calanques National Park
Sugiton in summer : land access by reservation on certain dates to limit overcrowding; check the Park's calendar. Calanques National Park
Wildfires & access restrictions : Depending on the fire risk , the Prefecture may restrict access to the mountains (including the Calanques); consult the official daily map before going. Bouches-du-Rhône+1
Weather : Prepare your outing with the Météo-France Marine Weather Forecast ; avoid the Mistral wind and choose early morning hours. Météo-France
Quick comparison of zones (for a fast choice)
Starting area | Level | Strengths | To watch |
Pointe Rouge (Marseille) | Beginner → Intermediate | Easy launch, water often calm early | Thermal/mistral wind in the afternoon |
Les Goudes → Marseilleveyre | Intermediate | Wild landscape, close to the islands | Sea more open if windy |
Sormiou / Morgiou | Intermediate → Confirmed | Large coves, panoramic views | Anchoring rules, summer occupancy |
Cassis: Port-Miou → Port-Pin/En-Vau | Intermediate → Confirmed | "Postcard" itinerary | Anchoring prohibited upon arrival, crowded |
Water quality & swimming
Official bathing water quality : consult the national map (annual rankings by site); for Cassis , the municipality also publishes its test results. Health+1 Bathing Area
Responsible swimming : favour authorized and supervised areas ; after heavy rain, be careful.
Useful official resources
Calanques National Park – Regulations at sea, anchorages & buoys (anchoring prohibited at En-Vau/Port-Pin; yellow/white buoys, Posidonia seagrass). Calanques National Park+1
Calanques National Park – Sugiton 2025 Reservation (dates & details). Calanques National Park+1
Météo-France – Marine Weather (ports/areas) to prepare for your outing. Météo-France+1
Prefecture 13 – Access to forest areas (decrees, daily map). Bouches-du-Rhône+2bpatp.paca-ate.fr+2
Bathing water quality – Ministry of Health (+ Cassis town page). Healthy Bathing+1
FAQ – Paddleboarding in Marseille & the Calanques
Where to launch a paddleboard in Marseille/Cassis?
The easiest launching points are Pointe Rouge (Prado beaches), Les Goudes → Marseilleveyre and, on the Cassis side, Port-Miou (sheltered access to Port-Pin/En-Vau in very calm seas).
Can you reach En-Vau by paddleboard?
Yes, in very calm seas and for intermediate/advanced level only. Stay away from the cliffs, no anchoring at En-Vau/Port-Pin, respect buoys and park regulations.
What rules apply to paddleboarding in the Calanques?
Respect the 300m zone , navigate during daylight hours , do not hold onto yellow buoys and no anchoring on seagrass . Some coves are off-limits for anchoring (e.g. En-Vau, Port-Pin).
Best time to paddle?
Early morning , without the Mistral wind : smoother water, less traffic. Ideal season: May → September (summer = crowded, book in advance).
What to do if the Mistral wind is forecast?
Postpone the outing or choose a sheltered area (Pointe Rouge/Port-Miou) and shorten the duration. In case of strong winds: cancel .
How much does it cost to rent a paddleboard in Marseille/Cassis?
Expect to pay around €12–20 per hour for self-guided rental, around €50 for a 3–4 hour guided walk , around €80 for a multi-activity day (2025 estimates).
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, especially in July and August , and for early morning slots . Booking online or by phone avoids waiting and guarantees equipment.
Are there any special permits required (Sugiton, park)?
Land access to Sugiton is by reservation only on certain days during the summer. At sea: respect the regulations (buoys, moorings, seagrass) and the instructions of the authorities.
What equipment should I bring?
Buoyancy aid vest , leash , dry bag (charged phone), 1.5–2 L of water per person , hat, sunglasses, sunscreen. Lightweight wetsuit at the beginning/end of the season.
Paddleboarding with children or beginners: where to start?
Prefer Pointe Rouge/Prado or Port-Miou → Port-Pin in very calm seas: sheltered areas, coastal navigation and easy returns.
Can we bring a dog on the paddleboard?
According to rental companies: small/medium dogs are often accepted. Notify us in advance, a suitable vest is recommended, and stay in quiet areas.
Where to park near the spots?
Pointe Rouge/Prado : beach parking; Les Goudes : limited spaces (arrive early); Port-Miou : parking regulated depending on the period, plan ahead or take the shuttle/walk.
What information should I check before leaving?
Marine weather , possible restrictions on access to the mountains (fire risk) and, if necessary, the bathing water quality published by official bodies.
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