With its breath-taking coastline and azure waters, the French city of Marseille is an appealing destination for anyone seeking a sun-soaked luxury getaway this summer, and from its rich history, vibrant culture and great culinary scene to its stunning natural beauty, there are few better places to while away a few days, a week, or even longer without having to fly long haul.
And for boating enthusiasts, this even more the case, because the city and its surroundings are best explored from the water, affording you some stunning vistas of the coastline and a unique viewpoint from which to take in its most iconic sights. Best of all, you can do it all whilst relaxing on board your luxury Marseille boat rental for a stress free break that’s all on your own time.
Tempted? We asked the experts at leading boat rental platform Click&Boat to share the top things to see and do in and around the city from the comfort of your private charter.
Explore the coastline
One of the best things about boat rental in Marseille gives you privileged access to a plethora of coastal beauty waiting to be explored, and allows you to discover its many hidden gems all whilst luxuriating on board your private vessel. If you’re the type of person who enjoys taking in views of famous landmarks and pristine beaches while sunning yourself on the deck of your chartered yacht, then it’s the perfect type of holiday for you, and of course, if the mood to take a dip in the crystalline waters that lap the shores of this pretty city’s beaches, then there will be plenty of opportunities to do so at your leisure.
Cruising past the Calanques, a series of rugged limestone cliffs and crystal-clear coves that stretch between Marseille and Cassis, is the perfect way to spend a day, and you can drop anchor in any of the many secluded spots you’ll encounter along the way. Calanque d’En Vau and Calanque de Sormiou are great places to take a dip and feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city. And be sure to add the picturesque Frioul Islands, found just off the coast, to your itinerary, and pack your snorkel and mask, too – as here you’ll find some thoroughly pristine beaches and vibrant underwater life that feel like a true slice of paradise.
When you rent a boat in Marseille, you can hop from island to island at your leisure, with nowhere to be and nobody scheduling your day but you. So for an indulgent break where you call all the shots, what better way to go about it?
Spot Marseille’s most iconic sights
As well as outstanding natural beauty, there are plenty of iconic landmarks and noteworthy attractions to visit whilst you’re exploring Marseille, and you can do much of it without ever having to leave your yacht. That said, the historic Vieux Port, in the heart of the city, is a great place to dock for a while if you do want to disembark and see some of the city on foot – if you’re up for the climb, then the impressive hilltop Basilique Notre-Dame doubles as a great viewing point for the city below, so don’t forget your camera.
Other highlights that can be found a little further along the coastline include the MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations) and Fort Saint-Jean, both of which offer the chance to learn more about Marseille’s rich cultural heritage, and viewing them from the water offers a unique perspective that can only be experienced with a yacht charter in Marseille.
Luxuriate at the beach
The beauty of travelling by boat is that it affords you access to locations that are otherwise difficult to reach – including some of the most beautiful beaches in the region. It’s also a great way to visit some of the most popular beaches and enjoy them without having to get caught up in the throng – or during the summer months, fight to retain a meager slice of sand on which to place your towel as the masses descend.
The Plage du Prado is known for its vibrant atmosphere of this popular beach, and from the comfort of the private sundeck you can enjoy all it has to offer without the crowds. Ask your captain to drop anchor here, and your crew to bring you an ice cold glass of champagne to sip on as you take it all in in the utmost of style. Then, cool off with a quick swim before heading east to Plage du Mugel in La Ciotat, which with its nature park setting, affords you spectacular views of the surrounding cliffs and coastline.
Travelling during the peak summer months can feel overwhelming at times, but a private yacht charter in Marseille opens up a whole new world, allowing you to continue enjoying it in the lap of luxury and exclusivity, no matter what time of year it is.
Click&Boat
We love Click&Boat for private yacht charters in Marseille. Offering a broad selection of boats ranging from catamarans to sailboats and motorboats, it’s the ideal place to find your perfect match, and from charters of just a few hours to a few days or more, it offers a variety of flexible rental options to suit itineraries of all lengths and preferences. It’s easy to book, too; there’s a user-friendly platform where you can pursue the vessels that are available for your specific dates and chat to boat owners to ensure they are the right fit for you.
