The 14 most beautiful beaches on the Côte d'Azur
Nestled between the sea and the mountains, the French Riviera is undoubtedly the most sought-after destination on the Mediterranean coast. Renowned for its sunny climate, turquoise waters, and Provençal way of life, it offers an incredible variety of beaches, from wild coves to iconic pebble shores, as well as long stretches of fine sand lined with palm trees. Whether you're looking for the tranquility of a hidden spot or the lively atmosphere of a chic seaside resort, everyone can find their slice of paradise here.
The most beautiful beaches near the French Riviera’s city centers
Passable Beach in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Located on the western side of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Passable Beach is one of the best-kept secrets of the Côte d’Azur. Sheltered from the wind and west-facing, it offers stunning views of the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer and spectacular sunsets.
This beach, partly public and partly private, is known for its peaceful ambiance and preserved natural setting. Surrounded by pine trees and Mediterranean vegetation, it is ideal for those seeking a quiet retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the larger seaside resorts.
The public side is modest yet charming, with pebbles and crystal-clear water perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The private side, operated by the Passable Beach Club, offers sun loungers, a waterfront restaurant, and high-end service in a chic yet relaxed atmosphere.
Accessible on foot via a small path from the center of Saint-Jean, or by car with parking nearby, Passable Beach combines authenticity, natural beauty, and comfort: an ideal stop during a visit to the peninsula.
La Réserve Beach in Nice
La Réserve Beach in Nice is a pebble beach tucked away in a discreet and authentic cove, favored by locals seeking peace and quiet. Located between Port Lympia and Cap de Nice along Boulevard Franck Pilatte, it offers a preserved natural setting with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the cliffs of Mont Boron. It served as a filming location for a scene in the movie Brice de Nice and is still adjacent to the Nice Nautical Club. Access is via stairs carved into the rock and pool-style ladders.
The most beautiful sandy beaches of the French Riviera
Notre-Dame Beach on Porquerolles Island
Often considered the most beautiful beach in Europe, Notre-Dame Beach, located on the northern coast of Porquerolles Island, enchants visitors with its fine sand, turquoise waters, and surrounding pine forest.
Stretching for about 800 meters, the beach is bordered by a forest of pine and eucalyptus trees, offering shaded areas and shallow waters near the shore, ideal for family swimming. Snorkeling enthusiasts will enjoy the rich marine life, particularly near the rocky areas at both ends of the beach.
However, reaching this paradise does require some effort. The best way is by bicycle, following a pleasant path for about half an hour, don’t forget sunscreen and water, as Notre-Dame has no tourist infrastructure, which only adds to its charm.
La Gravette Beach in Antibes
La Gravette Beach, nestled in the heart of Old Antibes, is a true gem of the French Riviera. Sheltered by historic ramparts and located just steps from Port Vauban, this horseshoe-shaped cove charms visitors with its fine golden sand and gentle slope.
Thanks to two breakwaters, the water remains calm, creating a very family-friendly atmosphere, further enhanced by the presence of a lifeguard station, restrooms, and showers. You can even stock up on local delicacies at the nearby Provençal market. However, all this appeal has its downside, it’s best to arrive early in the morning to fully enjoy the view of Cap d’Antibes.
La Garoupe Beach in Antibes
La Garoupe Beach, located on the eastern coast of Cap d’Antibes, is one of the most iconic beaches of the French Riviera. Tucked into a cove lined with pine trees, it offers a stunning natural setting with fine sand mixed with a few pebbles and crystal-clear water.
The beach features a mix of private clubs and small public areas, but in the summer, most of it is operated by private establishments, such as Plage Keller, a renowned restaurant offering refined cuisine and sun loungers with sea views.
Midi Beach in Cannes
Midi Beach in Cannes is one of the city’s longest and most accessible beaches, stretching for about 1.5 km along Boulevard du Midi, west of the Old Port. Less glitzy than the Croisette, it appeals with its relaxed atmosphere and fine golden sand, sloping gently into clear, calm waters.
The view is also stunning, as the beach faces the Lérins Islands and the Esterel Massif, especially beautiful at sunset, ideally enjoyed from the terrace of one of the many beachfront restaurants and beach clubs.
Midi Beach is especially popular with families, thanks to its supervised swimming areas in summer, children’s play zones, and floating platforms anchored offshore. The environment is peaceful, with minimal waves thanks to the natural protection provided by surrounding rocks.
Cavalière Beach in Le Lavandou
Cavalière Beach, located about 7 km east of downtown Le Lavandou, is one of the most iconic beaches on the French Riviera. Nicknamed “The Sporty One,” its fine golden sand stretches for 1.3 km between Cap Nègre and Pointe du Layet, offering a stunning natural setting with crystal-clear waters and pine trees providing shaded areas.
This beach is a hub for water sports: jet skiing, water skiing, parasailing, beach volleyball, and for those less adventurous, pedal boat rentals. There’s also a sailing school for those interested in taking to the sea.
Among the beachfront restaurants set along the gentle slope, Les Sables d’Or and La Voile de Cavalière are popular choices.
Moreover, it is one of the few beaches that is accessible to people with reduced mobility.
L’Estagnol Beach in Bormes-les-Mimosas
Nestled within the Brégançon Estate, a working vineyard, this paradisiacal beach offers an exceptional natural setting with its shaded pine forest and fine white sand. Wild and unspoiled, with no concrete buildings in sight, it still provides picnic tables and two beachfront restaurants, Ti Sable and L’Estagnol, that serve grilled fish and bouillabaisse.
From the beach, you can access the coastal path to admire stunning views of Porquerolles Island and the Giens Peninsula.
The Most Beautiful Beaches on the Côte d’Azur with Breathtaking Views
Pointe de l’Aiguille Beach in Théoule-sur-Mer
Pointe de l’Aiguille Beach, located in Théoule-sur-Mer about 25 minutes from Cannes, is a true hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Pointe de l’Aiguille Natural Park. Surrounded by the red cliffs of the Esterel Massif, it offers a wild and unspoiled environment, perfect for nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet.
Accessible via well-maintained trails, the beach features several coves with clear waters, bordered by fine sand and pebbles. Dramatic rock formations and lush Mediterranean vegetation create a tranquil and exotic atmosphere.
This beach is also known for its underwater trail, open from mid-June to mid-September. This marked snorkeling path allows swimmers equipped with fins, mask, and snorkel to discover the local marine biodiversity, including species such as white seabream, salema, wrasses, brown meagre, scorpionfish, and dusky groupers.
On site, L’Aiguille Beach Club offers Mediterranean cuisine in an idyllic setting, with a breathtaking view of the Bay of Cannes.
The Most Glamorous Celebrity Beaches on the French Riviera
Paloma Beach in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Named after Paloma Picasso, the artist’s daughter, this iconic beach was a favorite gathering spot for 1950s and ’60s legends whose names shaped cinema, history, and music: Winston Churchill, Roger Moore, Sean Connery, Elton John, to name a few. Under the shade of pine trees and across its pebbled shoreline, they would meet at Paloma Beach restaurant to enjoy the extraordinary view of the cliffs of Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Èze.
Visitors today can enjoy free access to the public section of the beach or settle into the chic comfort of sun loungers at the Paloma Beach Club, where local gourmet cuisine is served. Jet skiing and water skiing are part of the beach's active scene.
Pampelonne Beach in Ramatuelle
This is the beach of Saint-Tropez even though it's technically located in the commune of Ramatuelle. It still carries the glamorous legacy of Brigitte Bardot, who made it world-famous. Celebrities, starlets, and curious onlookers still anchor offshore, sip champagne, and, most importantly, come to be seen.
Classified as a remarkable natural area, Pampelonne is bordered by dunes, pine forests, and vineyards for nearly 4.5 km. The beach can be accessed from multiple points: Route de Tahiti, Chemin des Moulins (Tahiti Beach), Chemin des Tamaris, Chemin de la Matarane, Kon Tiki access, Boulevard Patch, Chemin des Barraques, Chemin de l'Épi, Chemin Garonne, and Route de Bonne-Terrasse.
Among its famous beach clubs are Club 55, made legendary by the film And God Created Woman, and La Réserve à la Plage, designed by Philippe Starck, offering refined Mediterranean cuisine and premium services.
The Best Hidden Beaches on the Côte d’Azur
La Mala Beach near Cap d’Ail
Surrounded by towering white cliffs and accessible only on foot, La Mala is one of the most secluded and preserved gems on the Côte d’Azur, despite its popularity with tourists.
Its mix of fine sand and smooth round pebbles is a hit with swimmers, and food lovers gladly descend the 100 steps to reach some of the coast’s best beach restaurants, including Eden Plage Mala and La Réserve de la Mala, which offer both fine dining and all the classic Riviera comforts.
The best time to visit is in the morning, when the sun first lights up the tranquil cove.
Château Beach in Mandelieu-la-Napoule
This charming public beach with fine sand is nestled between the marina and the Château de la Napoule. Its picturesque setting with the castle’s stone walls as a backdrop and stunning views of the Lérins Islands and the red rocks of the Estérel, makes it particularly appealing. The natural shade provided by the castle is a welcome bonus.
Adventurous visitors can explore the coastal path or snorkel in the surrounding waters.
Les Anglais Beach in Agay
Often referred to as the Calanque des Anglais, this hidden beach in Agay (Var region) is a natural treasure of the Côte d’Azur. Located between Baumette Beach and the hamlet of Anthéor, the calanque consists of three small red-pebble coves, each about 20 meters long, surrounded by the red porphyry cliffs typical of the Estérel Massif.
Difficult to reach accessible only via steep steps from the Corniche road it offers no amenities or lifeguards, but brave visitors can enjoy refreshing cliff dives into the clear waters. Parking is also a challenge…
Where to Stay on the Côte d’Azur to Enjoy These Stunning Beaches?
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