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Épluchures Beach / Vieille Chapelle — the city-spot of Marseille. Located on the Prado beaches, this is THE freeride and wave riding spot of the city, right in the heart of town.
Renowned kitesurfing spot with magnificent views of the Frioul Islands and the beginning of the Calanques. The largest kitesurfing spot in Marseille.
The result of lengthy negotiations with the municipality — local riders ensure the agreement endures. Launching and sailing are very technical: spot reserved for experienced kitesurfers.
Nickname «Épluchures Beach»: lots of debris accumulates after Mistral days. Also called Huveaune Beach. Iconic surf spot — impressive waves for the region whenever the Mistral blows.
The Ridery: kitesurf/wingfoil shop & community — Marseille, 04 84 80 02 18 — theridery.com
Massilia Kite School: certified kitesurf school, Grégory — massiliakiteschool.com
Glisse Attitude: windsurf/kitesurf/surf shop — 17 Montée du Cdt Robien, Marseille — glissattitude.com
Pacific Palissades: windsurf rental on Prado beaches.
Access: from central Marseille, Avenue du Prado to the sea, turn left on Avenue Pierre Mendès France. Spot 200-300 m away (at the level of the Borély Hippodrome). Nearby car parks (very difficult in season). Accessible by metro (Castellane/Rond-Point du Prado), bus no.19, bike cycle path.
TWO ZONES DEPENDING ON SEASON:
- Low season (October-April): launch north of the Vieille Chapelle, near the Prado beaches (Bonneveine). Specific markers.
- High season (May-September): central strip of the beach only, do not fly over the breakwaters reserved for swimmers.
Mistral NW: to the right of the beach, tight swell, good waves up to 3 m. From 20 knots, a delight.
W: very nice waves, ideal freeride, even better going out of the bay.
S/SE: possible, but better at Pointe Rouge.
Rig up at the car park near your car or on set-back areas away from the shore.
Open all year round
Expert
Public car parks along Avenue Pierre Mendès France. Difficult in season — even off season, parking in Marseille is a challenge.
Rig up at the car park near your car or in set-back areas away from the shore.
Accessible by public transport: metro, bus, bicycle.
Mistral NW: THE dominant wind — tight swell and good waves (to the right of the beach), up to 3 m. From 20 knots it's a delight. Gusty wind (breakwater) — beware of turbulence.
W (West): very nice waves, ideal freeride. Rare but magnificent.
NW Mistral: side-on, glassy waves.
S/SE: possible but better at Pointe Rouge (nearby). Freeride conditions.
Pure N: can be offshore/turbulent depending on the coastal relief.
SPOT RESERVED FOR CONFIRMED RIDERS — launching and sailing are very technical.
KITE FORBIDDEN IN SUMMER — prohibited within 300 m of the beach during the summer season (prefectural decree). Schools can access by boat.
Narrow sandbank, road right next to it — limited space for rigging.
Jet-skis, surfers, swimmers — difficult cohabitation, extreme caution required.
Debris accumulation after Mistral days (hence the nickname «Épluchures Beach»).
Gusty NW Mistral due to the breakwater — turbulence.
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