Plages du Prado, Public beach complex in Marseille, France

Plages du Prado extends along several kilometers of Mediterranean coastline, offering different sections with sand and pebbles for swimming and relaxation. The area is flat and easy to access, with wide shoreline zones for all kinds of recreational activities.

The beach was created in the 1970s using earth from metro construction, transforming a barren coastline into a public recreational area. This transformation made the Mediterranean shore accessible to residents who previously had no easy access to the sea.

Since 1987, kite clubs and amateurs from around ten countries have met here each September for the Fête du Vent, with workshops and demonstrations for the public. Concerts are held in June for the Fête de la musique, and fireworks on 14 July and 15 August at the Escale Borély, a food, shop and entertainment complex open all year.

The area has multiple parking spots along the beach, making it easy to arrive by car, and bus stops connect it to downtown and the Old Port. You get the best experience by arriving early in the morning to avoid crowds and find quieter spots.

The Bowl de Marseille skatepark here is why the Sosh Freestyle Cup is held on the site each year. The same park hosted the 2008 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, the first edition played outside Brazil; the summer stadium was expanded from 4,500 to 8,500 seats for the 16 competing teams.