Prosecco and spritz facing the sea in Sausset-les-Pins: the perfect sunset aperitif
A sea-view prosecco in Sausset, golden hour on the Cote Bleue and a cold spritz between Marseille and Martigues. Where, when and how to enjoy the aperitif almost by the water.
In Sausset-les-Pins, on the Cote Bleue, the sunset aperitif happens on a terrace facing the Mediterranean. At Le Spot, a single drink at the bar or on the terrace needs no booking: prosecco, spritz bar (Aperol, Hugo, St Germain, Limoncello, raspberry, lavender), mojitos and alcohol-free versions. Open every day 8am-11pm, 78-seat terrace. Best move: arrive an hour before sunset, pick your drink by mood, and share a few tapas or oysters facing the open sea.
Why the sunset aperitif is a moment apart on the Cote Bleue
There is a precise moment on the Cote Bleue when everything slows down. The wind drops, the Mediterranean turns pink then orange, and the light goes low and golden. It is aperitif time. In Sausset-les-Pins, between Marseille and Martigues, locals never miss it and visitors seek it from their very first evening.
A sea-view prosecco at that exact moment is worth far more than its bubbles: it captures the memory of the day. Here the sea is open, the sun drops straight into the water and the horizon stays clear to the end — a free show, renewed every night and never the same.
The terrace facing the Mediterranean: the setting of the aperitif
At Le Spot the terrace opens straight onto the Mediterranean, with nothing between the tables and the water. Wooden furniture, orange flowers, a chic yet relaxed mood: exactly what a good aperitif calls for.
Sea breeze, salt air, the lapping below: every sense is engaged. This seaside terrace turns a simple drink into an experience — which is why it fills up at golden hour, from spring to autumn and on fine winter evenings.
Prosecco, spritz or cocktail: how to choose by mood
The question always returns: what shall we have? There is no wrong answer, but there is a better glass for the moment. Listen to the temperature, the hunger and the mood of the table.
Want light and festive bubbles? The 12cl prosecco is obvious: fresh, dry, easy. Want something more built and bitter? Go for a spritz. Want a real, richer cocktail? The bar has you covered.
Good move: start bright (prosecco or a light spritz like Hugo or St Germain) then, if the evening stretches, drift toward a rounder cocktail as the light fades.
Prosecco
Fine bubbles, dry and fresh. The simplest, most universal glass to toast facing the open sea, in 12cl.
Spritz
Bitter, aromatic, thirst-quenching. From classic Aperol to Limoncello, via Hugo, St Germain and the raspberry or lavender versions.
Cocktail
More crafted, more indulgent. Classic or fruit mojito to extend the evening once the light has set into the sea.
The spritz bar: Aperol, Hugo, St Germain, Limoncello, raspberry, lavender
The spritz is the king of seaside aperitifs: low in alcohol, refreshing, with the bitterness that wakes the palate. At Le Spot the spritz bar has several personalities.
Aperol is the safe bet; Hugo is more floral and minty; St Germain plays elegance with elderflower; Limoncello brings southern lemon zing; and the raspberry and lavender versions offer a more indulgent, Provencal twist.
New to it? Aperol or Hugo. Want elegance? St Germain. Want zing? Limoncello. Want sweetness or curiosity? Raspberry or lavender. None is a bad choice facing a sunset.
Alcohol-free and mojitos: an aperitif for everyone
A good aperitif excludes no one — the driver, whoever is not drinking tonight, the youngest at the table. Everyone should toast with a fine glass in hand.
Alcohol-free versions keep the spirit of the classics: virgin mojito, virgin colada, virgin aperol, made with the same care. And the mojito — classic mint, or strawberry, raspberry and passion fruit — is the go-to to extend the evening on the terrace.
When to come: evening light, season by season
The best slot is the hour before sunset. Arrive early to enjoy the rising golden light and settle in without rush.
In summer the sun sets late and the aperitif slides into dinner; spring and autumn bring spectacular light and calmer terraces; even a bright winter day suits a well-wrapped drink facing the sea.
Le Spot is open every day from 8am to 11pm, so there is no closed slot for the aperitif — just aim for golden hour.
How to enjoy it: at the bar or on the terrace, no booking
The strength of the aperitif is its simplicity: no need to book a table or order a meal — a single drink at the bar or terrace is enough. The 78-seat terrace always leaves room for a drink.
The bar is a place in its own right, in the true seaside brasserie spirit: come in, have a drink, leave when you like.
Tip: for a large group or a busy peak-season night, a quick call secures a front-row seat facing the sunset. For two or three on a weekday, just walk in.
Pairings: tapas and seafood to share facing the sea
A seaside aperitif without something to nibble is only half an aperitif. The pleasure is in sharing a few plates at the centre of the table.
Panisse fries with aioli, guacamole and nachos, tapenade on croutons: simple, convivial tapas. And from the sea, garlic tellines or a plate of oysters answer perfectly the bitterness of a spritz and the freshness of a prosecco. Explore more with the fruits de mer and their sharing specialities.
Between Marseille and Martigues, a local art of living
The sea-view aperitif is not a postcard — it is a real art of living, rooted on the Cote Bleue between Marseille and Martigues, where Sausset-les-Pins is one of the finest stops.
Having a drink here means adopting the local tempo: arrive unhurried, settle, let the evening come. To picture the place, look at the context of Sausset-les-Pins, between beaches, harbour and coastal path. Fresh prosecco, bitter spritz or indulgent mojito — what matters is the hour, the sea and the fading light.
Frequently asked questions
Where can you have a sea-view prosecco in Sausset-les-Pins?
Le Spot's terrace, at 1 Avenue Jules Ferry in Sausset-les-Pins, opens straight onto the Mediterranean. Enjoy the 12cl prosecco and the spritz, at the bar or on the terrace, facing the sunset on the Cote Bleue.
Do you need to book for the aperitif at Le Spot?
No. For a single drink at the bar or on the terrace, no booking is needed. A quick call ahead only helps for a large group or a busy peak-season evening.
Which spritz does Le Spot's spritz bar offer?
The spritz bar features Aperol, Hugo, St Germain, Limoncello and raspberry and lavender versions. There is also prosecco, mojitos and alcohol-free cocktails.
What time should you come for the sunset aperitif?
Aim for the hour before sunset. Arriving an hour early lets you enjoy the golden light and settle in. Le Spot is open every day from 8am to 11pm.
Are there alcohol-free cocktails for the aperitif?
Yes: virgin mojito, virgin colada and virgin aperol let the whole table toast, made with the same care as the alcoholic versions.
What to nibble with a spritz or prosecco facing the sea?
Tapas to share (panisse fries with aioli, guacamole and nachos, tapenade) and, from the sea, garlic tellines or a few oysters pair perfectly with a spritz or a prosecco.
Le Spot's cocktail & spritz menu
For every drink in detail and to plan your aperitif, discover the full menu:
prosecco vue mer Sausset