France’s Cote d’Azur is home to some of Europe’s finest beaches, ranging from intimate rocky coves to long swathes of golden sands packed with sun worshipers. Many are well developed and you may even have to pay to use the loungers and parasols in upmarket resorts like Cannes and St Tropez. Most are family friendly with gently sloping shorelines, warm waters, lifeguards, showers and restaurants, not to mention a very liberal attitude to swimwear! Whether you want an action packed beach, with a chance to indulge in the fabulous choice of water sports and other activities this strip of the Mediterranean has to offer, or somewhere more peaceful, to simply soak up the rays and bathe in its warm seas, the Cote d’Azur is bound to have something to suit you. Why not browse our range of Cote d’Azur accommodation today!
In no particular order, here is our choice of the best beaches the French Cote d’Azur has to offer:
1. Cannes
Right at the heart of the French Riviera, glamorous Cannes is well known for the sandy beaches fringing its famous promenade known as La Croisette. A little crowded for some, especially during the summer, you can expect to pay for the use of a sun lounger and parasol on many of the privately run areas close to the centre. Free stretches of public beach are available close to the Palais des Festivals and to the west of town, along both the Plages du Midi and Plages de la Bocca. Be sure to arrive early in holiday season though, as all three are popular with locals as well as tourists. Alternatively, many of the hotels in town have their own section of beach, where you can sit for free as long as you are drinking. For the more active and those wanting to be seen, try your hand at water-skiing, otherwise content yourself with more traditional pleasures and indulge in a little people watching. Interested in booking Cannes accommodation? View our range of self catering holiday apartments in Cannes today!
2. Villefranche sur Mer
A great respite from nearby Nice’s pebbles, Villefranche-sur-Mer, a few kilometres out of town is also one of the area’s quieter beaches, with just a few shops and cafe’s along its shoreline. Overlooked by some palatial holiday villas, the town itself is a picturesque fishing village, with medieval touches and a few nice squares. The beach is a popular holiday destination with French and Italian tourists too, creating a marvelous family atmosphere at the height of the season.
The beach itself is part-sand part-pebbles but there are plenty of spots to lay your towel. Do take snorkel and flippers as there are plenty of inlets and rocky outcrops to explore, while boat trips and kayak rentals are available nearby.
3. Ile de Porquerolles
The sea around Ile de Porquerolles is famed for being exceptionally clean and clear. One of the three Iles d’Hyères, laying just a 15-minute ferry ride from Toulon, the beaches of Porquerolles are part of the island’s national park, making them less developed than the mainland. There are actually several beaches worth a visit, notably Plage D’Argent, Plage de Notre Dame and Plage de la Courtade as well as some good exploring around the cliffs and coves dividing them. Fine white sands, a laid back charm and some great walking trails make Porquerolles a favourite with nature lovers.
It’s difficult picking a favourite from St Tropez’s handful of beaches. Some are little more than a few metres across, wedged between cottages but others, like Plage de Tahiti are bold and brassy. Probably the most infamous beach in all of Europe, the buzzing atmosphere is the epitome of the French Riviera and a must for any visitor to the region. The beach, made famous by Brigitte Bardot in the 60s, is the place to catch a glimpse of the odd movie star and the super sized yachts they have moored off the coast. Flamboyant, even by French Mediterranean standards, Plage de Tahiti has golden sands, warm waters and no shortage of beautiful people.
5. Plage Port Grimaud
Sometimes known as the Venice of Provence, Port Grimaud is a purpose built marina resort, which has a reputation as St Tropez’s little sister. But the beach, located slightly away from town is one of France’s finest. The long stretch of golden sand is fantastically maintained and has a gently sloping beach, making for shallow waters and great swimming. Windsurf and kayak hire is available and a string of bars and cafes mean refreshments are never far away. Despite getting quite busy during the season, Port Grimaud beach retains its Cote d’Azur elegance, making it popular with French families.
The picturesque fishing village of Theole-sur-Mer lays just a short drive from Cannes, and appears to be sitting in its own rocky little cove, as you approach from the cliffs above. Surrounded by huge holiday villas and grand hotels the town itself has a relaxed ambience, having avoided many of the tourist trappings of other Riviera resorts.
The long strip of golden sand to the north of town is the place to head for a sedate spot of beach life, and although there are bars and cafes around, the atmosphere is tranquil and calm while the water is warm and clear. Theole-sur-Mer is the perfect place to catch up on your holiday reading.
7. Monte-Carlo Beach
Actually located in France the main beach at Monte Carlo is probably the single most glamorous spot on the entire French Riviera, and a visit during August is likely to include some serious star spotting, as the world’s rich and famous venture out of their villas and yachts to stroll the beach here. Despite large stretches of privately run sands, there are some fine public areas and the fantastic backdrop of glitzy Monaco make this beach one of the most stylish places you will ever visit in a swimsuit. Expect sky-high prices at any of the bars and private hotel-owned areas along the shoreline. Monte Carlo has a great choice of water sports, including wake boarding, parachuting and some of the Med’s best deep water diving.
8. Vias Plage
Of all the fantastic beaches close to the town of La Carabasse, Vias Plage is our favourite. Famed for its sheltered sands and warm waters, the area is popular with French tourists during the summer months, who flock to the many campsites around town. But the sheer size of Vias Plage means you’ll never struggle to find a spot for some secluded sunbathing. Conveniently located less than a mile away from La Crabasse there’s plenty of parking too, and although you will find better facilities along this stretch of the Cote d’Azur you will struggle to find a better beach. Highly recommended.
9. Rayol Canadel-sur-Mer
Moving away from St Tropez towards Toulon, Rayol Canadel-sur-Mer is an intimate stretch of Mediterranean coastline, which rarely gets busy, even in August. This is the coolest beach in the area, and has a few great bars, decidedly different to most, playing reggae by day and doubling as nightclubs after dark. A diving platform lies a little way out and makes a great spot to explore the clear blue waters if you have a mask. This place is a real hidden secret of the Cote d’Azur, especially when you consider how close it is to nearby St Tropez, and the view from the road above is truly breathtaking. The beach can be tricky to find and the best way to reach Rayol Canadel-sur-Mer is by taking the track from the airstrip at nearby Cogolin.
10. Antibes
The French Riviera is well known for its glamorous beaches and as a playground for the rich and famous. Nowhere is this more evident than Antibes, a short drive from Nice and Cannes. Despite its air of exclusivity the town is massively popular with French, Italian and British families during he summer and its beaches are regarded by many to be among the very best in Europe. Finding the right spot can be a bit of a challenge, especially at the height of the season, when many hotels and private operators take over prime spots and charge for the use of sun beds and parasols, but the main public areas, of Plage du Ponteil and Le Salis are big enough to accommodate just about everyone, while you can also find a spot to lay your towel on in some of the smaller beaches around La Baie de la Garoupe. Ignore the posers and focus on great water sports and some of the finest white sand you’ll ever have a chance to get between your toes.
If all this talk of beautiful beaches and blissful relaxation has left you inspired, why not browse the range of Cote d’Azur accommodation now and book your perfect break!