
Nestling in the wild coves of Les Goudes in Marseille, Baie des Singes offers a captivating mix of history, stunning scenery and exceptional cuisine, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic Mediterranean experience.
While spending my summer in Aix-en-Provence, I came across a real gem: La Baie des Singes, located in the picturesque district of Les Goudes, near Marseille. The journey was as enjoyable as the destination. We hired a boat in Sausset-les-Pins and enjoyed a picturesque trip along the magnificent Frioul islands, arriving at this charming bay in the late morning.
La Baie des Singes is not only the name of the bay, but also that of the restaurant located there. The name itself carries an intriguing story. According to local accounts, the most common hypothesis is that the Bay of Monkeys refers to the smugglers who used to operate here and who used to ask local children to be "as quiet as monkeys". However, author Dominique Milherou (1) suggests another possibility: the name could in fact come from the restaurant established here in 1960, in a nod to a cove in Tunisia associated with the owner at the time.
When we arrived in the bay, we docked at the Cap Croisette harbour. On the terraces dug out by the restaurant owner from the white limestone typical of the Parc des CalanquesOn the beach, bright orange deckchairs overlook the shore, framed by turquoise waters and impressive cliffs. The atmosphere lives up to what is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
After a refreshing swim, we headed to the restaurant, also known as La Baie des Singes, eager to try its famous seafood. Reservations are essential, as the place is very busy with locals and tourists alike. The menu is made up of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with an emphasis on seafood and the catch of the day. We opted for a dish of fresh lobster and another of spaghetti for our group of six.
The service was impeccable. Our waiter presented us with the enormous lobsters we were about to enjoy, expertly prepared and bursting with flavour. Bibs were provided to protect our clothes from the creamy, flavoursome sauce - a special treat for a messy and delicious feast! The meal was a true celebration of flavours, with the perfectly cooked lobster stealing the show. La Baie des Singes is not just a restaurant, it's an experience, a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic taste of the Mediterranean.

For those arriving on foot, a path is signposted to the village of Les Goudes. You can also arrive by boat and take a deep breath of sea air while enjoying the view over Marseille. Either way, a memorable adventure awaits you!
https://www.la-baie-des-singes.fr/
Dominique Milherou, author of the book " 111 places in Marseille not to be missed "
Text : Danielle Robinson
Photos : Danielle Robinson and Brigitte Postel