Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, South of France (le Midi), France

Ensuès-la-Redonne Beaches

Overview

Ensuès-la-Redonne, located in the South of France, offers a distinctive coastal experience characterized by its wild, natural beauty and stunning calanques. This part of the Côte Bleue is ideal for visitors who appreciate a more rugged and tranquil setting over bustling resort towns. The shoreline here is primarily composed of intimate pebble coves and rocky inlets, leading to exceptionally clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming. It's a haven for those who love to explore serene landscapes and connect with nature.

Among the area's highlights are several unique beaches. For a convenient sandy spot right in Ensuès, Dugue Beach is the main choice. If you're in search of a secluded and wild experience, the hidden Calanque of Athénors provides a true escape. Widely celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty, the Calanque de l'Erevine is a picturesque gem, though reaching it often involves a scenic hike. This effort to access some of the more remote calanques is rewarded with unspoiled tranquility and fewer visitors.

While the rugged terrain of many calanques can present some access considerations, particularly for those with young children, the nearby Plage de St Croix is a fantastic family-friendly alternative with fine sand and easier access. Regardless of your choice, the pure and inviting waters throughout Ensuès-la-Redonne are a constant delight for swimmers. To discover more about the diverse coastal offerings, including other charming coves, be sure to consult our comprehensive list of beaches in the guide.

Top Beaches

FAQ

How do you get to the Calanques in Ensuès-la-Redonne?

Access to the calanques, such as La Redonne, can be by car via the D5 or D48, but parking is very limited and regulated, especially in peak season (April to October). The town strongly advises taking the TER train from Marseille to the Ensuès-la-Redonne station, which offers scenic views and avoids parking difficulties. From the station, a road leads down to the port of La Redonne. Some calanques like Erevine require hiking from nearby points like Grand Méjean or Niolon.

Is Ensuès-la-Redonne good for a family beach holiday?

Ensuès-la-Redonne offers a picturesque setting, but its beaches are mostly small coves (calanques) with pebbles or rocks, and access can be challenging with steep descents. While the water is clear, some beaches lack amenities like restrooms or surveillance. For families seeking easier access and sandy beaches, nearby areas like Carry-le-Rouet or Sausset-les-Pins might be more suitable, though Ensuès offers a quieter, more natural experience. Some specific calanques are noted as being more family-friendly if access challenges are managed.

Can you swim in the calanques of Ensuès-la-Redonne and what is the water like?

Yes, you can swim in the calanques. The water is generally described as clear, pure, and turquoise, offering excellent swimming conditions. However, many beaches are pebble or rock, so water shoes are often recommended due to sea urchins. Some areas are also popular for diving due to the rich marine life.

What are the parking conditions like near Ensuès-la-Redonne beaches?

Parking near the calanques of Ensuès-la-Redonne is extremely limited and often difficult, especially during summer and on weekends. The few parking spots near the ports or calanque entrances fill up quickly. Access by car to some calanques is regulated from April to October, with restrictions for non-residents. It's often recommended to park further away, such as near the train station, or use the train to access the area.

Are there any accommodations with direct beach access in Ensuès-la-Redonne?

While Ensuès-la-Redonne is more about natural calanques than large beachfront hotels, some holiday rentals, guesthouses, or 'cabanons' (traditional coastal cabins) may offer very close or direct access to the sea or a small calanque. These are often found in areas like La Redonne or Méjean. Availability can be limited, especially in peak season.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Are dogs allowed on the beaches in Ensuès-la-Redonne?

Dog policies vary by beach. For example, Plage Figuières and Plage le Petit Méjean are listed as accepting dogs. However, Plage de la Redonne (the main sandy one) states dogs are forbidden. It's best to check specific signage at each calanque or with the local tourist office for the most current rules.

Which are the less crowded calanques in Ensuès-la-Redonne?

Generally, calanques that are harder to access or require some hiking, like Calanque de l'Erevine (accessible via a 1-hour hike) or some of the smaller rocky coves away from the main ports of La Redonne or Méjean, tend to be less crowded. Calanques like La Redonne itself can get very busy, especially in summer.

What's the best time of year to visit the beaches in Ensuès-la-Redonne for swimming?

The best time for swimming is typically from late spring (May/June) through early autumn (September/October). July and August offer the warmest water but are also the most crowded, with stricter access regulations. The shoulder seasons (May, June, September) provide pleasant water temperatures, beautiful days, and fewer crowds.

People Also Ask

Are there any sandy beaches in Ensuès-la-Redonne, or are they all pebbles?

Most of the calanques in Ensuès-la-Redonne feature pebble beaches or rocky areas for sunbathing and entering the water. However, the main Calanque de la Redonne has a small sandy beach area (Plage de la Dugué) and another with pebbles. Other calanques like Figuières and Athénors are primarily pebble beaches.

Calanque of Athénors

What kind of holiday is Ensuès-la-Redonne best for?

Ensuès-la-Redonne is best for travelers seeking a natural, scenic coastal experience centered around exploring beautiful calanques, hiking, and enjoying clear waters. It's suited for those who appreciate a quieter, more rugged environment rather than large, bustling resort towns. It appeals to couples, nature lovers, and hikers, but may be less ideal for those seeking extensive amenities or very easy beach access, particularly with young children.

Are there facilities like toilets or restaurants at the Ensuès-la-Redonne calanques?

Facilities vary. The main port areas like La Redonne and Grand Méjean have some restaurants, especially open in season. However, many of the smaller, more remote calanques like Figuières or Petit Méjean are wilder and lack public toilets or other amenities. It's advisable to come prepared.

How does Ensuès-la-Redonne compare to Cassis for a calanques experience?

Both Ensuès-la-Redonne (Côte Bleue) and Cassis (Parc National des Calanques) offer stunning calanques. Cassis's calanques are generally larger, more famous, and can be more crowded, with some accessible by boat tours from Cassis town. Ensuès-la-Redonne's calanques are typically smaller, more intimate, and retain a more local, less intensely touristic feel, often requiring a bit more effort to reach individually. The landscape of the Côte Bleue is also characterized by the railway viaducts which are a distinctive feature.

What should I bring for a day at the calanques in Ensuès-la-Redonne?

It's recommended to bring water shoes for the pebble beaches and rocky sea bottom, sunscreen, a hat, plenty of water (especially if hiking to more remote calanques), snacks or a picnic (as facilities are limited at many coves), and snorkeling gear to enjoy the clear waters and marine life. If you plan to hike between calanques, wear sturdy footwear.

Is it easy to get from the main village of Ensuès to the calanques?

The main village center of Ensuès is set back from the sea. To reach the coastal calanques like La Redonne or Méjean, you'll need to descend winding roads. This can be done by car (though parking is an issue), or by walking from the train station which is closer to the coast than the village center. Some calanques are then accessed by further walking trails along the coast.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when visiting Ensuès-la-Redonne's calanques?

Common mistakes include underestimating parking difficulties and access restrictions, especially in summer. Not bringing water shoes for pebble beaches can be uncomfortable. Relying on finding extensive facilities at every calanque is another; many are natural with no services. Also, attempting difficult hikes without proper footwear or water, and not checking fire risk warnings for trail closures in dry seasons are important to avoid.