12 Best Beaches In French Riviera

Are you looking for the best beaches in French Riviera?

Southeastern France’s Mediterranean coast is known as the French Riviera (or Côte d’Azur). It’s a posh coastal retreat with gorgeous, glistening beaches. Every summer, the glamorous international jet-set flocks to the beaches that border picturesque ancient villages.

We have compiled this list of the best beaches in the French Riviera for your perusal if you are considering a trip to the south of France. From the glitz of Cannes to the rugged beauty of the Esterel Coast, these are the best spots in this region of France to spend a day at the beach.

12 Best Beaches In French Riviera

1. Anjuna Beach, Èze-sur-Mer

Anjuna Beach is a golden stretch of sand that is situated beneath the breathtaking medieval village of Eze-sur-Mer. It has become something of a celebrity haunt. Every year after the Monaco Grand Prix, the Formula One crowd continues the celebration in the restaurant and bar that bears its name.

The oceanfront venue is known for its delectable seafood breakfast. This is frequently accompanied by live music, even when it is not crowded with members of the jet set. However, you shouldn’t let the gleaming megayachts off in the distance intimidate you.

If you go past the turquoise umbrellas of the restaurant, you’ll find that the smashing waves don’t care how much money you have.

2. Paloma Beach, St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Paloma Plage, or Paloma Beach, is a famous, pebbly beach in St. Jean Cap Ferrat that was once frequented by the Picasso family. This beautiful, mostly private beach attracts a fashionable jet-set population today who come to soak up the sun on teak-style loungers and drink champagne.

You can also participate in a variety of watersports, such as jet-skiing, water-skiing, and tubing. In addition, you can pack a picnic and have some privacy amid the rocks.

When compared to other beaches along the French Riviera, Paloma Beach does have a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere. Indulge in the beach’s breathtaking panoramas of Beaulieu-sur-Mer Bay, the Eze Cliffs, and Cap d’Ail. To get to Paloma Beach from the surrounding town, you can take a bus, drive, or walk.

3. Pampelonne Beach, Ramatuelle

Even though it is technically in Ramatuelle, the world-famous Pampelonne beach is the crown jewel of beaches in St. Tropez. Pampelonne beach is an area of outstanding natural beauty that provides a bucolic setting for the world’s most opulent beach party.

It was on this French Riviera beach that the so-called “Tropezien myth” was created, attracting the jet set as early as the 1950s. This was bolstered not only by the beach’s fine white sand and blue waters but also by the presence of three beach clubs.

Only a small section of the beach is taken up by private restaurants. Guests are welcome to spread out their towels anywhere else on Pampelonne beach. Although it can get crowded during the summer months, it’s a wonderful site to visit during the rest of the year.

Public restrooms and beach showers are available close to the trailheads for Tamaris, Patch, and Barraques.

4. Plage d’Abel Baliff, Esterel Coast

The Esterel Coast is renowned for its rugged good looks and ruddy color along the Cote d’Azur. In some ways, it’s good that the boat set is always in a hurry to the bright lights of Cannes and St. Tropez, that it misses the Cote d’Azur’s black sheep.

Secluded, calm, and singular, the beaches here are a coppery color nestled along the coast. Plage d’Abel Baliff is a little, unspoiled stretch of pebbly beach on the French Riviera, tucked away among scented eucalyptus and the occasional prickly pear.

Wearing water shoes is advised for comfort, and the area’s soft red stone will aid in the identification of the small pale octopi.

5. Plage de la Bocca, Cannes

Plage de la Bocca, often known as Bocca Beach, is a stunning sandy beach that can be found approximately 5 kilometers from the heart of Cannes. Even though it’s Cannes’ most westerly beach, getting there is a breeze thanks to the local transport system. In addition, parking is provided for free on the road.

Even during the height of the summer season, Bocca Beach maintains a far more relaxed and tranquil atmosphere in comparison to the other beaches in the region.

Young children and anyone who enjoys swimming will find the waters to be ideal for playing in or for practicing their preferred swimming technique because of their calmness and shallowness. The beach is equipped with a lifeguard, free shower facilities, and neighboring restaurants to choose from.

6. Plage de la Mala, Cap-d’Ail

Taking the seaside path to Plage de la Mala is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The trail winds inland through pine and sea salt. Then, a shimmering sand bar frames a stunning blue bay below.

Even up close, the bright limestone cliffs to the west, the rushing water hissing through polished stones, and the lush forest all around make for a very remarkable setting.

With three distinct beaches, all of which have been awarded the prestigious blue flag for their exceptionally pure water, Cap d’Ail has earned a reputation as one of the finest on the French Riviera.

If you’re looking to eat before hitting the road, there are two great options nearby.

7. Plage des Marinières, Villefranche-sur-Mer

Just 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from Nice is the town of Villefranche-sur-Mer.  Here you’ll find the popular beach known as Plage des Marinières. One of the most picturesque places along the French Riviera is this little town.

The beach, which is 1 kilometer (0.62 miles) long, is accessible by both train and car. If you’re driving, remember that there are plenty of parking spots and that the train station is just behind the beach. You can get a bite to eat or a drink at any one of the many snack bars.

The area’s primary beach, Marinières Beach, offers summertime amenities such as showers, restrooms, and lifeguards. This beach on the French Riviera is perfect for young children because of the gradual depth change that occurs as one moves further out into the water.

8. Plages du Prado, Marseilles

The urban beaches of Marseille play a significant role in the city’s diverse cultural landscape. Twenty minutes by bus will get you to the largest beach, Plages du Prado, near the historic Vieux Port.

A succession of sandy stretches was constructed in the late 1970s using rubble from the construction of the city’s metro. Thisbwas to let the warm Marseillaise reach the chilly Mediterranean waters.

In the north is “David Beach,” so named after the massive replica of Michaelangelo’s sculpture that presides over a local roundabout. 

In the south is the Vieille Chapelle, a favorite fishing area. In the summer, this section of the city’s coastline becomes one of the most vibrant nightlife districts thanks to the addition of concerts to the usual beachside activities.

9. Plage des Sablettes, Menton

Menton, a wonderful hamlet near Monaco, is home to the sandy Plage des Sablettes. You can hop on a train and be in Menton in no time, where you may relax on the beach.

The public Plage des Sablettes on the Mediterranean Sea is in a stunning location. The brightly painted buildings of Menton’s historic district provide a picturesque backdrop for this beach. It’s this very feature that elevates the beach above the standard fare of beaches everywhere else.

Along the shoreline, you may find a wide variety of dining establishments, changing rooms, and showers. As a bonus, the proximity of the beach to the city means that all the modern conveniences one would need are right there.

10. Plage de la Réserve, Nice

Plage de la Réserve is a great place to unwind in Nice. This beach is one of the most popular destinations in Nice. It is located on the road to the Cap de Nice just a short distance after the harbor.

The water is exceptionally pure and clean here, and you can look out over the Mediterranean and see the Cap de Nice, Mont Boron, and the harbor.

On the beach of the Reserve, soak in the sun and the light to get a taste of the “dolce vita” that Nice is known for.

Due to the limited space, it is recommended that you arrive either very early in the morning or very late in the day to ensure a spot in the sand.

11. Plage Notre Dame, Porquerolles Island

Among the most stunning of the French Riviera’s beaches is Plage Notre Dame (Our Lady Beach), located on Porquerolles Island. Moreover, it is one of the less crowded beaches on the French Riviera.

Water in this paradise is turquoise and shallow for the first 300 meters, making it ideal for families with young children.

There is sand and pine and eucalyptus trees all along the beach’s length of 800 meters. Beautiful as it is, Plage Notre Dame also has a pleasant atmosphere.

The beach at Plage Notre Dame may be reached from the town of Porquerolles in about half an hour on foot. The beach is accessible by land, sea, and bicycle.

Located in the Hyères archipelago, Porquerolles Island is widely considered to be one of France’s most picturesque destinations. Take a ferry from Tour Fondue or Toulon to reach Porquerolles Island.

12. Plage De La Salis, Antibes

One of the rare public beaches on the French Riviera is Plage de la Salis. This public beach has powdery white sand, volleyball courts, and public restrooms and showers.

Excellent conditions for sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking can be found there. There are kiosks scattered around the beach where you may get food and drinks at reasonable costs in case you are hungry or thirsty.

The stunning “Les Alpes” may be seen in the distance from Salis Beach. The beaches of La Garoupe and Ponteil, located nearby, are also highly recommended.

Antibes is a major city on the French Riviera, and its marina is one of the largest in the world. You’ll have a blast exploring the quaint shops and cafes in the Old Town’s winding lanes. The Picasso Museum, located in the nearby Grimaldi Castle is a must-visit after spending time in Plage de la Salis.