Lecques Beach at a glance
Located in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, a coastal town in the Var region of France, Lecques Beach draws visitors with its clear water, clean sand, and family-friendly atmosphere. The beach earned its fame in the 19th century when the poet Lamartine dubbed it a miniature Bay of Naples. The name Lecques itself is thought to come from the Provençal word leco, meaning rock.
Sheltered from the wind and equipped with showers, restrooms, and benches, this is widely considered the finest beach near Marseille. Its 2 km span of fine sand makes for pleasant walks in any season. It is a great spot for children since the water stays shallow for a long distance, and it provides a clear view of the Bec de l'Aigle headland in La Ciotat, as well as la Madrague, the town's other beach.
Awarded the Blue Flag for environmental quality, Lecques Beach sits at the end of the Golfe d'Amour. Lifeguards are on duty during the season, and you can rent equipment for activities like sailing, kayaking, or scuba diving. Windsurfers and kite-surfers have dedicated channels to practice their sports safely.
The site features a parking lot with over 1,000 spots, though you should arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon during peak summer months. If you are watching your wallet, look for the free 300-space parking lot located 800 meters uphill in the direction of Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer. In the evenings, locals and visitors gather here for picnics under the stars. Along the beachfront boulevard, you will find plenty of restaurants serving fresh fish and Mediterranean dishes, along with stands selling ice cream and churros. In the summer, the beach hosts fireworks displays and occasional concerts. Check local listings for the schedule.
The color of the water is very pretty, with shades of blue and green. You can see La Madrague to the left and La Ciotat (Bec de l'Aigle) to the right. The beach is mostly sand, but there are pebbles in some spots. It stretches for 2 km and is lined by a pedestrian walkway that keeps us away from traffic. The beach is quite wide and the water is shallow for about 20 meters. The water temperature hovers around 25 degrees (77°F) in the summer, which is nice for swimming.
For kids, there are 2 well-equipped playgrounds.
However, this beach is a victim of its own success in July and August, as every square inch is taken. It is better to come before 10 am or in the off-season.