Tamaris BeachFrance Beach Guide
Golden sand, tamarisk shade, and turquoise calm on the Côte Bleue
About
Plage des Tamaris is a compact, roughly 89-metre stretch of golden sand tucked along the Côte Bleue in Martigues, Bouches-du-Rhône. Rocky outcrops bookend the beach like natural parentheses, giving it a sheltered, intimate feel that the adjacent main beach simply can't match. A canopy of tamarisk trees lines the back of the sand, casting shade through the hottest part of the afternoon. The water runs turquoise and calm, and the overall vibe is unhurried and local. It's the kind of place where you bring a book and stay longer than planned.
How to get there
From Marseille, you can drive in about 35 minutes daily, or take a train from Marseille Saint-Charles — the journey runs roughly 37 minutes with hourly departures. A bus from Marseille Métro Jules Guesde also connects here in around 44 minutes, though it only runs four times a day on weekdays, so plan carefully. Parking is available nearby, shared with the main Carry beach parking, and costs around 8 €/day in summer; free options exist off-season or in smaller lots. Note that the path to the beach is rocky and not suitable for wheelchairs.
Who it's for
For couples
The natural wind shelter, tamarisk shade, and quiet atmosphere make this a genuinely peaceful spot for two — arrive mid-morning on a weekday and you'll likely have long stretches of golden sand almost to yourselves.
For families
The safe swimming conditions and easy access make it a solid family choice, though parents should keep younger children away from the rocky ends where entry is uneven and occasional currents can catch you off guard.
Our take
Plage des Tamaris earns its reputation as the quieter, more characterful alternative to the main Carry beach next door. Swimming is rated safe in the central sandy zone, but take the occasional currents seriously — stay clear of the rocky ends if the water looks unsettled. At roughly 89 metres long, it's a small beach, and the tamarisk shade canopy is a genuinely appealing natural feature. The train from Marseille Saint-Charles in 37 minutes means you don't need a car to get here, which keeps the atmosphere local and unhurried. Come in June or September to avoid the peak summer squeeze while still getting warm, calm water. Skip winter entirely — the Mistral is no joke and there's nothing open.
What to do
Just 0.3 km away, Plage de Carry-le-Rouet sits beside a working fishing port and makes for an easy stroll. Immediately beyond that, the Réserve Naturelle Marine de Carry-le-Rouet — only 0.5 km from the beach — protects sea urchin populations in remarkably clear water and is worth a look for anyone curious about the local marine ecosystem. If you have a car, the Provençal canal town of Martigues, known as the 'Venice of Provence', is about 8.6 km away and rewards an evening visit.
Frame the tamarisk canopy from below looking seaward — the filtered light against turquoise water is the beach's signature image.
The rocky outcrops at either end offer an elevated angle to capture the full sweep of golden sand. Early morning, before other visitors arrive, gives you clean reflections and uncluttered foregrounds.
Where to eat
Restaurant Lou Cigalon is the closest option, just 0.1 km from the beach — ideal for a quick lunch without wandering far. Les Mouettes is a short 0.3 km walk if you want a bit more choice, while Les Ombrelles, offering French and international dishes at 0.6 km, suits a longer, relaxed dinner after the sun drops.
Where to stay
Best Western Hotel Paradou Mediterranee is the nearest hotel at 2.2 km, making it a practical base for an early morning arrival at the beach. If you prefer something further along the coast, Carry Hotel at 5.7 km and Hotel Bleu at 5.8 km are both within easy reach by car.
Photography
The best shot on this beach is from the waterline looking back toward the tamarisk canopy. For a wider composition, position yourself at one of the rocky outcrop bookends at either end of the beach to frame the full 89-metre arc of turquoise water against the tree line.
Good to know
Dogs are likely prohibited on the beach during summer under commune rules, so leave them at home if you're visiting between June and September. Camping is not permitted anywhere on the beach. Both ends of the beach have rocky entry points — take water shoes if you plan to wade in from the edges, and be aware that occasional currents can develop, so stay alert even in calm-looking water. Avoid visiting in December, January, or February: Mistral winds sweep through and there are no facilities open.
Map
Nearby places
Restaurant Lou Cigalon
Les Mouettes
La Mas
Les Ombrelles
La Calanque bleue
Best Western Hotel Paradou Mediterranee
Cap Bleu 33
Carry Hotel
Hotel Bleu
Hôtel Ibis
Croix de la colline de Sausset
Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Rouet
Pont levant
Plage de Carry-le-Rouet
Réserve Naturelle Marine de Carry-le-Rouet
Martigues
Things to see around Carry-le-Rouet
Plage de Carry-le-Rouet
Main iconic beach of Carry-le-Rouet with fishing port.
Réserve Naturelle Marine de Carry-le-Rouet
Marine reserve protecting sea urchin populations.
Martigues
Provençal canal town known as the 'Venice of Provence'.
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
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Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — Kent Wang · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 2 — Kent Wang · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 3 — Josef Grunig · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 4 — Kent Wang · source · CC BY-SA 2.0