The Alpilles are known for their limestone peaks, olive groves and medieval villages - but when the weather heats up, the coast calls.
While this region of inland Provence feels far from the sea, it is actually well-positioned for day trips to the Mediterranean. From Saint-Rémy-de-Provence or Eygalières, it is possible to reach a beach with boating access in under ninety minutes. This means you can spend the morning among market stalls and vineyard roads, and the afternoon exploring the coastline by boat - the best of both worlds in a single day. Whether you are interested in chartering a boat, exploring calm waters by paddleboard or joining a coastal excursion, the following beaches offer the most practical options for those staying in The Alpilles.
Staying in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence | Visit Carry-le-Rouet Beach
Located on the lesser-known Côte Bleue west of Marseille, Carry-le-Rouet is the closest coastal destination with boating services from The Alpilles. The drive from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence takes around one hour and fifteen minutes via the A7 motorway, depending on traffic. The small port at Carry-le-Rouet offers half-day and full-day boat rentals, with or without a skipper. Options include traditional motorboats, RIBs and small sailing boats. The coastline is rocky and relatively undeveloped compared to other Riviera spots, with small coves and calm bays ideal for leisurely boating or swimming offshore. For those not taking the helm, coastal cruises and snorkelling trips are also available from the marina. There is a beach close to the port, plus several seafood restaurants and shaded picnic areas for a relaxed post-cruise lunch.
Staying in Maussane-les-Alpilles | Visit Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer Beach
In a different direction, but equally accessible, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer sits at the edge of the Camargue Regional Natural Park and offers a very different kind of coastal experience. The drive from Maussane-les-Alpilles or Paradou takes around one hour and fifteen minutes via the D570. This seaside town is known for its wide sandy beaches and cultural links to the Camargue’s Roma community, but it also has a well-organised marina offering boat hire, sailing lessons and nature cruises through the Rhône delta. It is a popular location for spotting wildlife, particularly flamingos, and for gentle cruising along the coastline. Boats here tend to be smaller and suitable for calm waters, but it is an ideal choice for families or anyone looking to combine boating with birdwatching or a walk along the dunes.
Staying in Eygalières | Visit La Ciotat Beach
For those willing to drive slightly further, La Ciotat offers a full-service marina with excellent facilities. The journey from Eygalières or Les Baux-de-Provence takes around one hour and thirty minutes, passing through Aix-en-Provence and following the A50 motorway to the coast. La Ciotat is a working harbour town with a large port, making it one of the best options for those planning a full day on the water. Boat hire companies offer everything from sailing boats and catamarans to motor yachts and guided tours. One of the highlights here is access to the Calanques – narrow inlets with turquoise water and dramatic limestone cliffs, best seen from the sea. The town also has a long beach, several waterfront cafés, and secure marina parking. Booking in advance is recommended during the summer season, especially for full-day rentals or larger boats.
Boating from The Alpilles is less about luxury yachts and Champagne decks, and more about access, freedom and exploration. These day trips offer a change of scenery, a chance to feel the sea breeze, and a way to see the Mediterranean from a different angle. Whether you sail past the Calanques, moor up beside a quiet cove or explore the wetlands of the Camargue by boat, the sea is closer than you might think.
À bientôt,
The Provence Holidays Team
