After exploring the best of the South of France this summer, I’ve pulled together this list of the best beaches in the French Riviera. Home to a stunning coastline, sparkling turquoise waters, and glamorous beach clubs, the French Riviera is where you’ll find incredible beaches.
From secluded bays to long sandy stretches, there are sun-soaked shores for every type of beach-goer. Whether you want the glitz of St Tropez’s beach clubs, secluded natural beauty, or crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling, these top beaches along the Côte d’Azur are the perfect way to spend long summer days.
Can’t Decide Where to Base Yourself in the South of France?
We spent almost two weeks in Villefranche-sur-Mer and it was the perfect base while in the South of France. The winding streets of the colorful village are perfectly complemented by its idyllic bay and family-friendly beaches. With plenty of dining options and an easy launchpad for day trips along the French Riviera, it’s my top recommendation.
My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in Villefranche-sur-Mer:
- Welcome Hotel, for the best waterfront hotel
- Hôtel le Provencal French Riviera, for the best luxury hotel
- Hotel De La Darse, for the best budget-friendly hotel
If you’re planning on exploring more of the South of France, don’t miss my in-depth Villefranche-sur-Mer, South of France French Riviera, and South of France with Toddler travel guides!
Travel Tip: The best way to explore the South of France is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in France is quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here.
Your Guide to the Best Beaches in the French Riviera
Plage Mala (Cap d’Ail)
First on the list is Plage Mala, one of the most stunning beaches on the Cote d’Azur. A secluded spot surrounded by cliffs in the small town of Cap d’Ail, Plage Mala can still feel like a bit of a local secret. With fewer tourists than many other beaches along the French Riviera and sparkling turquoise waters, it’s the perfect place to spend a beach day.
How to Get There
Access to the beach is via some steep steps called ‘l’Escalier de la Solitude’ that lead from the center of Cap D’Ail, or you can follow a narrow coastal path from Monaco called Sentier Cap d’Ail.
Notable Beach Clubs or Restaurants at Plage Mala
There are two upscale beach clubs at Plage Mala. Eden Plage Mala serves Mediterranean cuisine in a bohemian-style setting with parasols and lounge hire, and water sports services. La Réserve de la Mala is a luxury setting best for those looking for a refined beach day out, serving Mediterranean and Provencal cuisine and offering additional services including boat transfers.
Plage Paloma (Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat)
Named after Picasso’s daughter, Plage Paloma enjoys breathtaking views of Beaulieu-sur-Mer and the cliffs of Èze. Blending natural beauty with a sense of exclusivity, lush pines provide morning shade on the beach. Paloma Beach is a mix of sand and pebbles, and luxury yachts regularly more in the bay.
How to Get There
It’s easy to reach Plage Paloma directly from Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat either on foot or by car. There is street parking nearby on Av. Jean Mermozbut it does fill up quickly in the summer.
Notable Beach Clubs or Restaurants at Plage Paloma
Paloma Beach Restaurant and Beach Club has been in operation since 1948 with sunbeds and parasols. The restaurant serves Mediterranean dishes and fresh seafood, all with a beautiful view.
Blue Beach (Nice)
Set along Nice’s famous Promenade des Anglais, Blue Beach is a popular private beach club offering a mix of dining, entertainment, and relaxation close to the heart of Nice. With direct access to the pebbly beach and vibrant blue waters, it’s one of the most well-known spots in Nice.
How to Get There
Situated along the Promenade des Anglais, you can’t miss the signs for Blue Beach just a few meters from Le Negresco Hotel.
Notable Beach Clubs or Restaurants at Blue Beach
Blue Beach Restaurant and Beach Club serves Mediterranean and Niçoise cuisine, specializing in seafood dishes. There’s a shaded terrace and indoor and outdoor seating with a relaxed atmosphere.
Plage des Marinières (Villefranche-sur-Mer)
The main beach of the charming village of Villefranche-sur-Mer, Plage des Marinières beach stretches around 1 km along the bay with exceptional views. One of the best sandy beaches in the French Riviera, the shallow waters and gentle waves make it great for families to enjoy swimming in a relaxed and calm environment. Set against the colorful buildings of Villefranche-sur-Mer, it’s a spectacular spot to spend a day.
How to Get There
You can either walk along the waterfront promenade from the center of Villefranche-sur-Mer or if arriving by train from elsewhere along the Riviera, take the steps from the train station down to the beach which is located just below.
Notable Beach Clubs or Restaurants at Plage des Marinières
There are a few snack bars near the beach, but the restaurants closer to the port are better for a full-service meal.
Plage des Sablettes (Menton)
A scenic beach backed by the citrus-coloured town of Menton, Plage des Sablettes is a mostly sandy beach enjoyed by locals and tourists. As one of Menton’s largest beaches, it offers plenty of space and the shallow waters are great for families to paddle in. In the morning, the east-facing beach is perfect for enjoying sunrise.
How to Get There
Located a 20-minute walk from Menton station, follow the main road that runs along the train line for the most direct route.
Notable Beach Clubs or Restaurants at Plage des Sablettes
Plage des Sablettes is a public beach close to the center of Menton, so there are dozens of great restaurants within walking distance nearby. Al Vecchio Forno is a great Italian restaurant across the street and A Braijade Meridiounale is a top Mediterranean option.
Plage de Castel (Nice)
Perched at the eastern end of Nice’s Promenade des Anglais, Plage de Castel is a quiet beach below Castle Hill. Close to Vieux Nice (Old Town), the atmosphere is more relaxed and less busy than other beaches along the promenade. There are great amenities nearby, and the beach offers stunning views of the Bay of Angels.
How to Get There
You can either reach the beach from Vieux Nice or walk along the promenade until you reach the eastern end below Castle Hill.
Notable Beach Clubs or Restaurants at Plage de Castel
Situated right on the beach, Castel Plage is one of Nice’s oldest private beach clubs. With an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, the terrace on the water’s edge and sun beds under striped umbrellas make it a top spot.
Plage Petite Afrique (Beaulieu-sur-Mer)
A secluded beach favored for its calm waters and scenic spot, Plage Petite Afrique is found near the cliffs of Cap Roux at the eastern end of Beaulieu-sur-Mer. This is an excellent spot for families and those who want a quiet beach experience. Many enjoy snorkeling in the gentle waters.
How to Get There
From Beaulieu-sur-Mer station, head straight ahead until you reach the waterfront promenade, and then head east until you reach Plage Petite Afrique in about 15 minutes.
Notable Beach Clubs or Restaurants at Plage Petite Afrique
As a quieter spot, beach clubs aren’t common here but there is a lovely restaurant, Baia Bella, specializing in chargrilled dishes of locally sourced produce.
Plage de Passable (Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat)
Another quiet beach away from the crowds is Plage de Passable, a sheltered bay surrounded by lush Mediterranean foliage and rocky cliffs. With stunning views looking toward Villefranche-sur-Mer, its western-facing position makes it a delightful spot to enjoy the sunset. With clear waters and a secluded atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to swim, snorkel and sunbathe.
How to Get There
Take the train to Beaulieu-sur-Mer station and then take bus number 15 for 10 minutes to the Passable/Rothschild stop. Alternatively, there are two parking lots within a 5-minute walk from the beach: Parking de Passable and Chem. du Lido Parking.
Notable Beach Clubs or Restaurants at Plage de Passable
Head to Passage Beach Club for a more exclusive beach day. Serving fresh seafood and local wine, there’s an upscale ambiance. Reservations for sun beds are recommended.
Pampelonne Beach (St-Tropez)
One of the most iconic beaches on the French Riviera, Plage de Pampelonne’s long sandy shores are popular with A-listers, jet-setters, and sun-loving tourists. With a lively and glamorous atmosphere to match that of St-Tropez, there are numerous beach clubs and restaurants along the 5km beach. Soft sand makes it perfect for sunbathing and watching out over the moored yachts.
How to Get There
Take the 875 bus from central St-Tropez to Pampelonne in the Ramatuelle area which takes around 20 minutes. If you’re driving, there are several parking lots available along the length of the beach for a fee.
Notable Beach Clubs or Restaurants at Pampelonne Beach
Le Club 55 has been a popular beach club since the 1950s, popular with celebrities and artists, providing a sophisticated bohemian vibe. Nikki Beach Club Stain-Tropez is one of the most well-known beach clubs globally, with a high-energy atmosphere, live performances, and a premium international dining menu.
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
