In this post, we’re sharing the best beaches on the French Riviera you need to visit on your trip to southern France
The Côte d’Azur, often known as the French Riviera, is appealing due to its breathtaking coastline, stretching along France’s southeast corner and stunning beaches.
The French Riviera beaches present its stunning coastline—a tapestry of opulent beaches that entice visitors worldwide—as the sun sets and the Mediterranean takes on a golden tint. Enjoy a refreshing glass of rosé while relaxing on silky sands and watching breathtaking sights of blue waves gently crashing against the rocky stone. This famous stretch of coast is more than simply a place to visit; it’s an experience filled with improvement, culture, and romance, from luxurious hotels to undiscovered beaches.
Southern France beaches are home to abundant and diverse beaches, or plages in French. While some are tucked away in quiet coves, others are directly in front of a city. Rocks, stones, and fine sand can all be found on beaches. However, each of the posts on this blog is lovely on its own and well worth visiting.
This page serves as your tour of the Côte d’Azur shore, focusing on the region between Cannes and Menton. It highlights the locations that have captivated my attention and are likely to enchant you and the Best beaches on the French Riviera.
A Note About How Beaches Are Set Up in Southern France
The unique beach culture of Southern France beaches combines local charm with luxury in a smooth way. Unlike many popular tourist destinations, where beaches might feel crowded and detached, you’ll frequently discover a beautiful mix of public and private sand areas. The French have perfected the art of understated elegance at their beach clubs. Picture couches covered in clean white linens, delicate shade sails swaying in the Mediterranean air, and beautiful views of azure waters. This arrangement promotes relaxing days spent on the beach drinking rosé or enjoying freshly caught fish that has been well-cooked.
Public beaches are areas of the beach that are open to everyone for relaxing walks. These beaches may provide various public facilities, such as showers, toilets, and lifeguards.
Beach clubs are located directly on the sand and typically offer food and drink service, sun loungers, and umbrellas for hire, and drink service. These clubs might also hire other stuff, such as towels or boats.
Reservations are usually required in beach clubs during the peak months of July and August. Be advised that sun loungers in the row closest to the beach typically cost a little extra and become reserved quickly.
10 Incredible French Riviera Beaches
Listed in order of preference, these are my top beaches on the Côte d’Azur:
1. Plage des Sablettes in Menton
Located away between the Mediterranean’s green seas and Menton’s bustling streets, Plage des Sablettes attracts with its distinct fusion of peacefulness and charm. In contrast to certain beaches that are more popular with tourists and tend to lose any peace, Sablettes provides a relaxed environment where residents and guests can relax in the soft sunlight. Its golden sands are broken up by swaying palm palms, making it the ideal beach getaway for strolls down the shore or quiet contemplation.
Much of the beach and swimming area is covered by an artificial jetty, which keeps the water calm, safe, and relatively shallow out to the rocks. Because of this, Plage des Sablettes is among the greatest beaches in France beaches for families and makes for excellent swimming.
Sand: The beach is mostly made up of extremely small stones with a few patches of sand; it could be more sandy. It’s not that horrible; the Côte d’Azur has a lot of really rocky beaches.
Facilities: When you’re in the mood for a snack or a full dinner, restaurants, and stores are along the path directly behind the beach. In addition, restrooms, showers, lockers, and a lifeguard are on duty throughout the summer on the beach.
Beach Clubs: The stunning, all-white Les Sablettes Beach Club offers cocktail service, a restaurant, and longer rentals.
Access: Sablettes Parking is the closest parking lot. The distance between the Menton train station and the Menton Garavan train station—roughly an 18-minute walk—is nearly the same.
The entire set is very beautiful. I really can’t express how wonderful Plage des Sablettes is enough!
2. Plage des Fourmis – Beaulieu-sur-Mer
Plage des Fourmis is tucked between the Mediterranean Sea and the cliffs of Beaulieu-sur-Mer, a peaceful haven that appears to be a well-kept secret. The blue waves stretching against the beach’s golden sands create a welcoming atmosphere for swimmers and sun worshippers. This beach is unusual because it combines convenient benefits with stunning natural surroundings, making it ideal for relaxing and having fun. Wandering down the promenade surrounded by palm trees, guests can enjoy tasty delicacies from neighboring cafés or cool cocktails while watching the sunset.
The little community of Beaulieu-sur-Mer is only a few train stations and roughly 8 km from Nice. Aside from the beaches, the primary draw in Beaulieu is Palace Kerylos, a magnificent palace from the 1800s furnished in an old Greek style.
Sand: The fine gravel beach is suitable for barefoot walking. The south end of the beach has the clearest water. It’s a great family beach because the water is shallow along the shore.
Facilities: Lifeguards are on duty in the summer, and the beach has restrooms and showers.
Beach Clubs: The beach club on Plage des Fourmis is Anao Plage. It offers beach lounger rentals and a sit-down restaurant. You can book and get additional information here.
Access: The nearest train station is in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, about ten minutes walk away, and the closest parking is this little lot by the port.
3. Plage Cros dei Pins – Saint Jean Cap Ferrat
On Cap Ferrat, the sizable peninsula separating Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Villefranche-sur-Mer, lies the charming beach, Plage Cros dei Pins. This is a fairly good place with many facilities and great views over the French coastline. The little community of Saint-Jean is below and adjacent to the beach.
Sand: The beach is soft enough for walking and is composed of fine gravel and coarse sand.
Facilities: The beachside facilities at Plage Cros dei Pins are quite exceptional. A small kids’ playground at the back of the sand, a beach volleyball court, and beach rentals (kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, etc.) are available.
Beach Clubs: This beach has no private clubs besides the rental water sports area.
Access: Beaulieu-sur-Mer train station is the closest, 30-minute walk away. You can also take the #15 bus, which will take you there in 15 minutes.
4. Plage Paloma – Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Plage Paloma, a secret gem that wonderfully combines the natural appeal of the Mediterranean coastline with an elegant atmosphere, is hidden away at the tip of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. The picture-perfect backdrop of this beach, with its green waves and fluffy sands, is flanked by lush pine trees and rocky outcrops, drawing in tourists seeking comfort in the majesty of nature. The artistic atmosphere of Plage Paloma distinguishes it from other beaches around the Côte d’Azur; famous artists have drawn here throughout the years, possibly even more so than nearby hotspots, as it provides a calm setting for inspiration and inventiveness.
A very nice portion of the coastal pathway leads to the Paloma Ocean. It’s a meandering stone route that offers ocean views as you approach.
The atmosphere is relaxed and easygoing, and the beach is pretty small. Like Plage Cros dei Pin, it offers stunning views of the French coast and back towards Beaulieu-sur-Mer.
Sand: Because this is a rocky beach, you’ll need a comfortable towel or blanket, as well as water shoes or sandals, to fully enjoy the beach and ocean here.
Facilities: Beach club members can access restrooms, showers, and changing areas.
Beach Clubs: Several celebrities have visited the Paloma Beach Club, an upmarket location on Plage Paloma. You can have lunch or dinner in their elegant restaurant or rent loungers, umbrellas, beach towels, and changing cabins.
Access: Although street parking is limited, it is available near the beach. If not, you can park near the harbor in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and stroll the approximately 12-minute distance to Plage Paloma.
Alternatively, after taking the #15 bus, you might walk the remaining distance to the beach from Beaulieu-sur-Mer to Saint-Jean.
Lastly, as indicated, you can travel the entire peninsula’s coastal pathway to reach the beach.
5. Plage des Marinieres in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Villefranche-sur-Mer’s Plage des Marinieres, tucked between breathtaking mountains and bright blue waters of the French Riviera beaches, offers a special fusion of beauty and calm. This beach, where colorful fishing boats gently shake on calm waves, welcomes visitors to enjoy a more relaxed ambiance than its crowded equivalents in nearby Nice. Wandering photographers and aspiring painters alike frequently capture the artistic flare of the stunning backdrop of pastel-hued houses and verdant mountains.
This beach draws many people in warm weather so that crowds can get dense. If you stroll further down the beach (away from Villefranche), you’ll have a better chance of avoiding the busiest area. There is one beach club here. However, most beaches are free and open to the public.
Sand: The first section of the beach (the one nearest to town) is made up of small pebbles, which are fine enough for you to walk on without experiencing too much discomfort. But as you continue down, the beach soon gives way to fine sand.
Facilities: During the summer, there is a lifeguard and public restrooms. Additionally, there are a few eateries on the beach that provide locally produced dishes and fresh fish. These eateries are La Voile Bleue and La Praia, which have a better rating.
Access: The train line runs just behind the beach, and the Villefranche train station is less than a 5-minute walk away. Additionally, a parking area is directly behind the beach.
Les Bains de la Plage is a beach club that provides food and sun loungers.
6. Nice
One of my favorite cities in France’s beaches is Nice. I can’t get enough of the Old Town’s busy, twisting alleyways, Castle Hill’s breathtaking vistas, Place Massena, and the lovely Promenade des Anglais, a wide, palm-lined promenade that stretches for 7 kilometers (4 miles) along the shore.
There is only one continuous beach spanning the whole length of the Promenade. Naturally, there are other smaller designated beach portions within this enormous beach.
Sand: Usually somewhat stony; however, there are a few spots here and there with finer gravel.
Beaches and Beach Clubs: Over fifteen beach clubs have various facilities and settings along the Nice coastline. A complete list of beaches can be found here, but these are a few well-liked locations:
Beau Rivage: Features include a beach club, public beach access, watersport rentals, public restrooms, showers (not found at all Nice beaches), a lifeguard, and a first aid station throughout the summer.
Castel Beach: The easternmost beach on the Promenade des Anglais offers public and beach club access. One of the oldest clubs in Nice is the Castle Plage Club, which also offers a lovely restaurant and chair rentals.
Plage des Ponchettes: During the summer, a lifeguard, first aid station, and portable restroom are available at this public beach. A beach volleyball court is also present.
Access: The Promenade has several bus stops, and the Nice train station is about fifteen minutes away. Parking lots are also available along the Promenade.
Some other best beaches on the French Riviera
7. Plage de la Gravette – Antibes
A hidden treasure near Antibes, Plage de la Gravette provides a genuine taste of the French Riviera beaches away from the busy tourists. This rocky beach, tucked away at the base of the historic ramparts, offers stunning views of the Mediterranean and a calm setting ideal for meditation and relaxation. Sun-kissed cliffs and colorful sailboats weaving in the port provide a picturesque backdrop for guests to enjoy refreshingly swimming in the warm, turquoise waters.
This beach is also among the easiest to reach, close to the port, Old Town, and the rampart walkway that encircles Antibes. Strolling the ramparts at Antibes is a lot of fun.
Like Menton, Plage de la Gravette boasts an artificial rock jetty that breaks up most of the sea’s waves, making it a peaceful place to swim. Plenty of individuals were relaxing in the water, but plenty of people were swimming in the area legally.
Sandy: Sand! However, the beach gets more rough once you are in the sea.
Facilities: Beyond the beach are restrooms, showers, and a few booths selling drinks and food.
There are no beach clubs. The whole beach is open to the public and free. However, during the summer months, it can get extremely busy.
Access: Antibes is the closest rail station, a 15-minute walk away. Additionally, there’s a parking lot near Port Vauban, which is only a short stroll away.
8. Bay of Billionaires
Situated on the peninsula’s tip, Cap d’Antibes, Billionaire’s Bay is south of Antibes town. This location is truly special since, until recently, the only way to get there was by boat. It’s fairly distant and requires some work to get to.
A rocky, unkempt shoreline with small coves, stone stairways, and caves nearby surrounds Billionaire’s Bay.
Sand is quite granular. To fully enjoy this beach, you need a towel or blanket, water shoes, or sandals.
Access: The sentier du littoral at Cap d’Antibes, the coastal boardwalk around the cape, is a great place to walk. It takes one to two hours and is a gorgeous climb.
Facilities: None
Beach Clubs: None
9. Juan-les-Pins
Often overlooked by its more well-known relatives, Juan-les-Pins is a hidden treasure on France’s Côte d’Azur, nestled between the green waves of the Mediterranean and the lush backdrop of pine forests. This quaint beach resort offers a special mix of energy and quiet. Juan-les-Pins’s sandy beaches, bordered by swaying palms, draw sun worshippers during the day, but as night falls, it becomes a bustling center for those who enjoy the nightlife. Celebrated jazz greats against lovely ocean breezes, this annual July festival lends an intellectual edge to the typical beach setting.
Juan-les-Pins was a replica of Cannes (see below). Juan-les-Pins is an excellent destination for anyone seeking a classy beach club and abundant retail alternatives.
Sand: Juan-les-Pins has sandy beaches.
Facilities: restrooms and showers, as well as lifeguards during the summer. Not far from the shore, along the street, are numerous restaurants.
Beach Clubs: Juan-les-Pins is home to many beach clubs, some of which have restaurants and all hire out sun loungers. Loungers are arranged on small piers leading out into the sea at a few clubs. A few beach clubs exist on Juan-les-Pins that I could get into here, but you can read more about them here.
Access: The beach is less than ten minutes from Juan-les-Pins’ train station, and Antibes is a short walk (15–20 minutes) from the city.
10. Beaches off of La Croisette – Cannes
Beyond simply being sun-kissed shorelines, Cannes’ beaches along La Croisette capture the spirit of the opulent French Riviera beaches’ way of life. Every beach has a different vibe, ranging from peaceful public areas like Plage du Palais to lively private clubs like Plage de la Mandala, where stylish cabanas line the shore. Enjoy a cool glass of rosé while watching the stunning scenery of luxury boats floating through the blue waters—a perfect setting for carefree days.
There are more than a dozen beach clubs on this beach, all located directly next to one another. The only places with public beach areas are far north and very south.
Sand: very fine.
Facilities: include showers and a variety of snack and drink vendors on the La Croisette promenade for when you’re in the mood for something sweet.
Beach Clubs: There are too many beach clubs to mention here. Cannes boasts some excellent beach clubs featuring miniature “piers” with loungers over the water.
Access: Walking from the beach to the Cannes train station takes roughly ten minutes.
Map of the French Riviera Beaches
Some Practical Information and Tips
Crowds: Be prepared for crowds in the summer, especially in July and August. After all, these are the French Riviera beaches are the greatest. If you want more beach space, come early in the morning or outside the busiest times of the year.
Nudity: It’s socially normal for women to be nude on France beaches. However, it is rare for someone to be completely nude. Most individuals still dress in their entire bathing suit set, but you can always count on seeing at least a few topless ladies on every beach.
Water Temperature: The water warms to a pleasant 24°C (74°F) by mid- to late-summer, which is just right for a dip but not bathwater warm. Sea temperatures are shockingly low in the late fall, winter, and spring.
A Few Beach Essentials for France: If you’re going to one of the more rugged beaches, you’ll most likely need water shoes or sandals. Remember to carry some cash, a towel (I usually bring a microfiber towel that dries quickly but packs down a little), a hat, and sunscreen.
Top Plages to Visit in Southern France – The Wrap-Up
The diversity and charm that the beaches of the French Riviera beaches offer each tourist is just as captivating as their breathtaking scenery. I adore the quiet coves and lively promenades along the coast since every location along the Côte d’Azur combines stunning scenery with a charming French town.
These beaches, with their serene seas in Menton and famous sands in Cannes, offer the ideal setting for lounging in the sun and exploring some of the most picturesque cities in France beaches. Together, they make up some of the most stunning and hospitable beaches on the Mediterranean.