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Cassis has four official swimming areas: La Grande Mer, Le Bestouan, Le Corton, and L’Arène.
With a mix of sand, gravel, pebbles, and secluded coves, each one caters to a different need.
Whether you’re a family or a couple looking for peace and quiet -or a diver- here’s how to choose the beach in Cassis that’s right for you.
From our campsite Youcamp Village in Aubagne, you can easily reach all of them in about 20 minutes by car via the A50.
Key takeaways:
| Beach | Best for | Beach surface | Lifeguards |
| Grande Mer | Families | Sand & pebbles | Lifeguards on duty in summer |
| Bestouan | Couples | Pebbles | Lifeguards on duty in summer |
| Corton | Nature lovers | Pebbles | No lifeguards |
| Arène | Divers | Pebbles and rocks | No lifeguards |
For families: La Grande Mer, the supervised beach in the town center
La Grande Mer is Cassis’s main beach, perfect for families with children. Located right in the center of the town, near the harbor, it stretches close to 200 meters of sand mixed with gravel. Lifeguards are on duty all summer long, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. This beach also holds the Blue Flag certification. Younger children can splash around near the shore while older kids rent pedal boats, kayaks, or windsurfing boards right on the beach.
Practical information: free access in the city center; showers and restrooms available for a fee; drinking water station; and wheelchair access. Park at the Savon parking lot (payment required), which fills up quickly in the summer. Lifeguard supervision is available 7 days a week from June 15 to September 1.
For Couples: Le Bestouan and Its Crystal-Clear Waters
Le Bestouan appeals to couples looking for a more intimate setting. This small pebble cove stretches out at the foot of a stone wall, with crystal-clear water and a view of Cap Canaille. Like La Grande Mer, it has been awarded the Blue Flag certification. Since it’s smaller, it fills up quickly—so be sure to arrive early in the morning. “Le Bestouan’s water stays crystal-clear even in peak season; we’re happy to send curious visitors there with a mask and snorkel,” says the team at Youcamp Village campground.
Practical info: this pebble beach is equipped with restrooms, a drinking water fountain, and wheelchair access. The Bestouan parking lot (payment required) is nearby. Be sure to bring water shoes—the pebbles can be slippery.
Nature: Le Corton and L’Arène, the secluded coves
Le Corton and L’Arène are perfect for hikers and underwater enthusiasts. These two pebble coves remain secluded and unsupervised. Le Corton stretches for about 400 meters along the shore facing Cap Canaille. L’Arène, a more secluded and rocky cove, is a diver’s paradise: its fish-rich seabed makes it a renowned snorkeling spot. To venture further into even more turquoise waters, the neighboring calanque is accessible on foot, as described in our guide to the Port-Miou calanque.
Practical info: Neither of these beaches is supervised or equipped, so be sure to bring water, a cover-up and appropriate footwear. The Madie parking lot (payment required) serves Le Corton; L’Arène has no nearby parking.
Which Cassis beach will you choose for your next swim or to admire a beautiful sunset? Book your stay at the Youcamp Village campground in Aubagne and explore the Cassis coastline, with its lively sandy beaches and secluded coves.
FAQ – The Beaches of Cassis
To some extent: La Grande Mer, Cassis’s main beach, is a mixture of sand and gravel. The others, such as Le Bestouan and Le Corton, consist mainly of pebbles.
Yes, access to the beaches in Cassis is free. You only have to pay for car parks, showers and private beaches. Swimming itself is free.
No, pets are not allowed on the beaches in Cassis, even if they are kept on a lead. This rule is designed to keep the coastline clean. So please make arrangements for someone to look after your dog for the day.
Sources :
- Ville de Cassis, Lieux de baignades : https://www.cassis.fr/gerer-mon-quotidien/environnement-et-nature/lieux-de-baignades
- Pavillon Bleu, Plage du Bestouan : https://pavillonbleu.org/laureats/plage-du-bestouan/
- Cassis Tourist Office : https://www.ot-cassis.com/