The best beaches in the South of France run the gamut from the narrow coves of the cinematic Calanques National Park near Marseille to Nice and Cannes’ sizzling-hot shores.
This luxuriant region borders the Mediterranean Sea between Spain and Italy and is dotted with glamorous resorts and Provençal towns. Indeed, the South of France has one of the most breathtaking coastlines in the world, playing muse to some of the world’s great artists, Claude Monet, Henri Matisse, and Vincent van Gogh.
From the pristine beaches of Antibes to unspoiled swathes in St. Tropez, enjoy these 29 blockbuster South of France beaches on your next European getaway.
Paloma Beach, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Paloma Beach, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
It’s commonplace to see gleaming superyachts fill the horizon in this snazzy spot. Tucked into a cove in one of France’s most exclusive resorts, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Paloma Beach is easily one of the best beaches in the south of France.
The tranquil pebbly shore, flanked by thick Mediterranean vegetation on the peninsula’s east coast, is named after the jewelry designer and daughter of artists Pablo Picasso and Françoise Gilot, Paloma Picasso.
Paloma Beach, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Pack aqua shoes for a dip into the crystal-clear water. There are watersports on offer and plenty of space on the public beach to relax.
For a decadent lunch, make a reservation at the beachside Paloma Beach restaurant and bar. There are healthy salads, risotto, fish specialties, and a meat section. Although you won’t regret the fried zucchini flower fritters and fritto misto (a mix of fried fish) accompanied by an obligatory glass of ice-cold Côtes De Provence.
Plage du Suveret, Théoule-sur-Mer, near Cannes
Silky sand and azure water make Plage du Suveret one of the best South of France beaches. It’s exactly the kind of beach that inspires travelers to look up local real estate prices while on vacation.
Théoule-sur-Mer
Plage du Suveret is in the French Riviera town of Théoule-sur-Mer, a short distance southwest of Cannes, set below the Esterel massif. The small, upmarket town features a train station, a series of small harbors, naturally, all filled with flashy yachts of all sizes, and some fantastic waterfront restaurants.
Pack a snorkel to enjoy languid dips in the water of Plage du Suveret. This splendid spot is dotted with pink-colored villas and lofty palm trees, and Chez Philippe is the go-to restaurant by the beach.
At the southern end of Théoule-sur-Mer, there are some fantastic hiking trails in Pointe de l’Aiguille State Park. This coastal park is known for its ochre rock formations and coastal forests of pine and holm oak, where paths are fragranced with lavender and Jupiter’s beard anthyllis, a rare plant species that produces a pretty yellow flower during summer in France.
Plage Publique de Castel, Nice
Plage Publique de Castel, Nice
Buzzy South of France beaches don’t get better than Plage Publique de Castel, the most easterly beach on Nice’s Quai des États-Unis. Located next to Vieux Nice, the city’s old town, Plage Publique de Castel is the perfect beach to combine culture and coast.
Wandering Vieux Nice’s handsome streets is one of the best things to do in Nice, stopping to marvel at Nice Cathedral in lively Place Rossetti before finding a spot on the seafront.
Plage Publique de Castel is flanked by palm trees lining the promenade, featuring a sloping pebble beach kissed by gentle Mediterranean waves. Enjoy a walk on the promenade to admire the sea views and pastel-colored buildings, or rent a sun lounger for a leisurely afternoon dipping in and out of the sea.
After, walk to Ascenseur du Château, next to the beach, and take the elevator to Colline du Château, a hilltop park with spectacular French Riviera views.
Plage Marquet, near Villefranche-sur-Mer
Plage Marquet, near Villefranche-sur-Mer
The last beach in France before arriving in glitzy Monaco, Plage Marquet is a wonderful spot in the seaside resort of Cap-d’Ail, roughly a 25-minute scenic drive, or 45-minute bus journey, from the small French town of Villefranche-sur-Mer and Nice.
Conveniently, Cap-d’Ail also lies on the Marseille–Ventimiglia railway line, connecting many South of France beaches along its 161-mile track between France and Italy.
The blond-hued strip, made up of shingle and sand, has stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, and pedal boats for rent from the yacht club. Naos Beach is a chic waterfront restaurant and beach club where you can dine on crudites, fried calamari, sea bream ceviche, and lobster rolls.
After lunch, opt for a short hike along a slither of the cliff-hugging coastal path. It’s 1.6 miles to Mala Beach, west of Plage Marquet. Wear a sun hat, pack water, and take shade in the dense vegetation along this dramatic hiking route.
Croisette Beach, Cannes
Croisette Beach, Cannes
Cannes’ showpiece beach is Croisette in the center of town. It’s among the best beaches in the South of France for its golden color and excellent facilities.
Pack your most glamorous bathing suit to kick back on the sand. A plethora of watersports is available, including jet skiing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and banana boat rides. For a slower pace, travelers can also rent pedal boats and kayaks.
From Mademoiselle Gray to La Plage Du Festival, Croisette Beach is dotted with some of Cannes’ most glitzy restaurants, serving a melody of crustaceans and ceviches, cocktails, and Champagne.
Boulevard de la Croisette
If you’ve packed your credit card, you could visit Boulevard de la Croisette, one of the best places to go shopping in France. Here, outposts of Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Fendi are nestled among the luxury hotels and casinos behind the beach.
Plage de Boulouris, Boulouris-sur-Mer, near Cannes
The red-tinged coastal landscape of Boulouris-sur-Mer cradles a series of soft coves, including Plage de Boulouris, around an hour’s drive southwest of Cannes, below the Esterel mountain range.
The South of France coastal train also operates from Cannes to Boulouris-sur-Mer, which takes around one hour, if you prefer the ease of public transport. The walk from the station to Plage de Boulouris is 20 to 25 minutes, via a leafy coastal road.
Plage de Boulouris isn’t a beach where you’ll find tourists. There are no facilities, though there is some natural shade provided by the sea wall and tall trees. Pack a book and pick up snacks on your way to enjoy a lazy beach session in this special spot.
Plage de Portissol, Sanary-sur-Mer, near Marseille
Plage de Portissol, Sanary-sur-Mer
Next to Sanary-sur-Mer’s pretty harbor, Plage de Portissol is one of the best beaches in the south of France if you’re considering a day trip from Marseille.
This talcum-powder shore is wrapped in a sheltered bay with a sweep of Mediterranean trees running around the promenade, and soft waves that gently lap on the shore. There are bathrooms, a beach bar, parking, and canoe and kayak rental services.
There’s a lovely coastal walk in both directions from the beach, too. Go east into Sanary, which has plenty of Provençal village charm. Peach-colored line roads framed with palm trees, and a row of cafés and restaurants face the harbor, while bobbing fishing boats outnumber the white yachts on the water’s edge.
Wander into Sanary’s cobbled back streets, where the postcard-pastel theme continues. With small sun-dappled squares, and boulangeries and boutiques aplenty, you will feel like you’ve hit the vacation jackpot.
Plage de Fréjus, Saint-Raphaël, near Cannes
Plage de Fréjus in Saint-Raphaël, near Cannes
This smooth shore unfurls on the southern edge of Saint-Raphaël, 28 miles south of Cannes. Fréjus is actually a series of small beaches—Sablettes, Plage de la République, and Plage du Capitole—running parallel to Boulevard d’Alger and Boulevard de la Libération.
Public restrooms, beach bars, a beach volleyball court, and jet-ski rental are among the facilities on Plage de Fréjus, with plenty of dining options on the seafront boulevards.
Tag on a walk from the beach to Saint-Raphaël’s yacht-filled marina, where you’ll find more shops and cafes, and the pretty Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Victoire. The church’s pink tinge comes from sandstone from the Estérel mountain range.
Plage de Carras, Nice
Plage de Carras, Nice
Plage de Carras is the most westerly of Nice’s beaches, next to a small harbor, and one of the best beaches in the South of France for its low-key feel, with watersports available, and wheelchair access. Several buses operate along the Promenade des Anglais with a stop at Plage de Carras.
To stroll the entire length of Nice’s sweeping bay, from Vieux Nice to Plage de Carras, passing many restaurants, cafés, and ice cream vendors along the way, takes roughly one hour. It’s a lovely way to take in several of Nice’s best beaches, ending at Carras for the jet skis before drying off on the shore and returning by bus.
Plage du Ponteil, Antibes, near Cannes
Plage du Ponteil in Antibes, near Cannes
Just a few miles north of Cannes lies the French beach town of Antibes. It’s the beating heart of the French Riviera and home to the dashing Plage du Ponteil. The beach is an inviting shade of caramel and the crystalline water is perfect for swimming. Facilities include bathrooms, parking, and restaurants.
While you’re here, delve into some of Antibes’ other attractions. The Archeology Museum inside a military fort displays Roman artifacts. Musée Picasso is housed inside a chateau, where the artist once lived and worked, and the covered craft market on Cours Masséna opens daily (except Mondays).
Plage de Pampelonne, St. Tropez
Plage de Pampelonne, St. Tropez
Plage de Pampelonne is a handsome shore that unravels south of St. Tropez and is by far one of the best beaches in the south of France. It’s also one of the longest, with its shimmering shore offering ample opportunity to see and be seen.
With almost three miles of shoreline, Pampelonne fits plenty of St. Tropez’s throngs of visitors during summertime. For those who prefer to work on an all-over tan, Pampelonne’s southern section is clothing optional.
There are watersports, beach bars, and some of the French Riviera’s chicest dining spots, including La Réserve à la Plage, Le Club 55, and Tiki Beach to choose from. Make a reservation if you plan to enjoy lunch at one during summer.
Read: South of France Itinerary
Plage du Rayol, Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer, near Cannes
Plage du Rayol in Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer, near Cannes
Plage du Rayol is one of two beaches in this Riviera resort; the other is Plage du Canadel, just around the headland. They’re known for being two of the Allied troops’ landing spots during Operation Dragoon’s mission to liberate France during World War II.
Today, you’ll find more palm trees than passing travelers in this lesser-trodden locale. After enjoying a sea swim on enchanting Rayol, consider walking to Plage du Canadel, which takes around 25 minutes.
View from Domaine du Rayol in Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer, near Cannes
Alternatively, just a five to ten minute walk from Plage du Rayol is Domaine du Rayol, a divine Mediterranean garden estate. The gardens are vast, with plant species from around the world arranged in different sections. Among the plants representing the Mediterranean are umbrella pines, carob trees, Cretan palms, evergreen cypresses, Sicilian zelkovas, and the large periwinkle.
Domaine du Rayol offers guided tours of the gardens and a thrilling marine trail during summer, that involves snorkeling in search of seagrass, starfish, sea bream, and schools of saupe off Plage du Rayol.
Arrange a taxi or a car rental to reach this sultry spot. Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer is a 90-minute drive from Cannes or two hours from Marseille.
Plage des Marinières, Villefranche-sur-Mer
Plage des Marinières, Villefranche-sur-Mer
Backed by a cluster of heavenly-scented pine trees, Plage des Marinières is a tranquil French Riviera beach on the edge of Villefranche-sur-Mer’s half-moon coastline.
Before descending onto Plage des Marinières, hike to the viewpoint on Boulevard Napoléon III for gorgeous views of the entire bay. You’ll notice the water starts off turquoise near the shore and turns to a deep shade of sapphire further out.
Plage des Marinières is a mix of stone, shingle, and sand, with a shallow shore perfect for paddling. Since the sea is so clear, you could don a snorkel and wade further into the sea to peek underwater.
Public facilities include restrooms located to the east of the beach and a couple of restaurants at the far west for drinks, pizzas, salads, and sandwiches.
Beaches of Corbières, near Marseille
Plage du Fortin in Corbières, near Marseille
At the northern end of Marseille, Plage du Fortin and Plage de la Batterie are two remarkable south of France beaches that back onto each other, with Corbière Viaduct flanking the beaches to the west. There’s a third beach, La Lave, just a couple of minutes’ walk from Fortin and Batterie.
Plage du Fortin is a pebble beach, while the other two offer velvety sand, and all three offer a shallow shore and clear sea suitable for swimming. There’s some shelter from the pine trees and a sea wall, and La Lave has canoe and kayak rental next to a cafe with seating outside.
Just to the west of the three beaches, stop by the luscious coastal garden, Corbières Garden, containing a kaleidoscope of local flora, including lavender, fig, eucalyptus, and Aleppo pines.
Plage des Ondes, Cap d’Antibes, near Cannes
Plage des Ondes in Cap d’Antibes, near Cannes
It may not come as a big surprise that effortlessly chic Cap d’Antibes is home to dashing South of France beaches. A small but perfectly formed patch on the west coast of this ravishing peninsula is Plages des Ondes.
This section of creamy sand lies between Port de l’Olivette to the south and Petit Port la Valette to the north and is typically less visited by tourists than other beaches in the area. Plages des Ondes is protected by a wall with tall trees overhanging from the roadside providing plenty of shelter from the sun.
There are restrooms and showers, but no other facilities. Though with calm, cerulean water, powdery sand, and views of the Esterel mountains and Lérins Islands, Saint-Honorat and Sainte-Marguerite, what more could you need?
Read: Things to Do in Cannes
Plage des Catalans, Marseille
Plage des Catalans, Marseille
Plage des Catalans is the perfect urban beach in the center of Marseille. Deep and narrow, Plage des Catalans hosts the city’s volleyball club, with courts lining the beach. This is a top spot for swimming and has plenty of space for bathing under the Mediterranean sun, too.
Plage des Catalans is just a short walk from the Citadel of Marseille, an imposing 17th-century fortress known as Fort Saint-Nicolas, guarding the Old Port. The complex is under renovation and is gradually opening to the public.
Take a peek at this imposing city fort before relaxing on Plage des Catalans with delicious ice cream from the beachside vendor.
Plage de Sylvabelle, La Croix Valmer, near Cannes
Plage de Sylvabelle in La Croix Valmer, near Cannes
Fifty-five miles southwest of Cannes, in the small town of La Croix Valmer, is serene Sylvabelle, one of the best beaches in the south of France.
Steep steps lead down to Sylvabelle, which is usually uncrowded with plenty of space to sunbathe. There are no facilities, aside from a parking lot and public bathrooms, but it’s the perfect spot to read, swim, and splash.
If you’re driving to Sylvabelle from Cannes, there are plenty of places for a pit stop along the route, including Saint-Maxime and Port Grimaud, where you can stop to admire more exquisite Côte d’Azur views and pick up supplies.
Calanque d’En-vau, Calanques National Park, Marseille
Calanque d’En-vau in Calanques National Park, Marseille
Breathtaking Calanque d’En-vau is one of the dreamiest south of France beaches. You’ll find it tucked into a deep cove, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, on the edge of Calanques National Park, a rugged, fjord-indented coastline that stretches from Marseille to Cassis.
The water at Calanque d’En-vau has a vivid turquoise glow, while the beach is made up of pebbles of all shapes and sizes. Wear hiking boots to explore this devastatingly beautiful national park and pack aqua shoes to retreat into the soul-reviving waters when you arrive at Calanque d’En-vau.
Marine life thrives in this protected park, so it’s worth packing a snorkel. Look for sea bream, pointed-snout wrasse, grouper, octopus, urchin, and anemone, while Posidonia (a marine plant) flourishes on the seabed.
The Calanques is laced with rocky trails and some eye-watering hikes that will lead more adventurous travelers to witness some of the 26 inlets in the park from lofty vantage points.
Dragon Coves, Sainte-Marguerite Island, off Cannes
Dragon Coves in Sainte-Marguerite Island, off Cannes
If a truly off-the-beaten-path bathing spot suits you, then you’ll find Dragon Coves, on Sainte-Marguerite, one of the best beaches in the South of France.
The island of Sainte-Marguerite is less than half a mile off Cannes, reached by boat in a mere 15 minutes. The green-covered island consists of a thick pine and eucalyptus forest and is home to the 17th-century Royal Fort, once used to incarcerate the infamous Man in the Iron Mask.
Follow the path from Sainte-Marguerite’s small port to reach Dragon Coves, on the southwest of the island. This soothing spot is mostly sheltered by pines and offers a wonderful place to bathe in the Mediterranean Sea.
There aren’t many dining options on Sainte-Marguerite so it’s best to pack a picnic and drinks to enjoy while soaking up this paradise.
Before taking your return boat to Cannes, visit the old fort on the north coast. It’s roughly a 10-minute walk to the Iron Mask and Fort Royal Museum, with its fascinating collection of archaeological finds.
Plage Petite Afrique, near Villefranche-sur-Mer
Plage Petite Afrique, near Villefranche-sur-Mer
South of France beaches include the dazzling Plage Petite Afrique, a crescent-shaped shore in Beaulieu-sur-Mer within walking distance, or a short taxi or bus ride, from Villefranche-sur-Mer.
Plage Petite Afrique is flanked by cliffs that are partially covered in Mediterranean flora, making for a picturesque setting for a day of sunbathing and splashing in the sea.
There are lanes for swimming, watersports, bathrooms, and restaurants by the beach, making it one of the best beaches in the South of France for a happy seaside day.
Plage de la Grande Mer, Cassis, near Marseille
Plage de la Grande Mer in Cassis, near Marseille
This eye-catching beach in the center of Cassis, around 12 miles east of Marseille, is a sun-soaked spot that draws visitors for its sugary sand, watersports options, and family-friendly feel.
Rent a pedal boat or a kayak to admire the surrounding mountain views from the sea. There are restaurants and bars close to the beach for when you’ve worked up an appetite.
Take your time to wander around Cassis, too. It’s one of the prettiest towns in the south of France, with colorful shuttered houses on winding streets and a boat-filled marina with cafés and wine bars. You could also embark on a leisurely 45-minute journey on Cassis’ tour train, departing from Esplanade Charles de Gaulle, behind the beach.
Plage du Centenaire, Nice
Plage du Centenaire, Nice
Glorious south of France beaches include Plage du Centenaire in the center of Nice. The beach is right in front of the sun-dappled Albert I Garden, an elegant public garden that connects Place Masséna and Promenade des Anglais.
Among Plage du Centenaire’s excellent facilities are bathrooms, a volleyball court, a restaurant, and a casual food spot. The teal-blue water is perfect for cooling off during summer. To dine on the beach, reserve a table at Le Galet, Plage du Centenaire’s sophisticated restaurant with tables on the terrace.
Walk off lunch with a stroll among the manicured 19th-century park, with its lawns, monuments, outdoor theater, pond, fountains, carousel, and kiosks. On Promenade des Anglais, outside the beach, is the stop for Nice’s electric train, which offers a 50-minute panoramic jaunt to Castle Hill and back (daily, between 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. during high season).
Beaches of the Côte Bleue, near Marseille
Plage du Verdon in Côte Bleue, near Marseille
North of Marseille, France’s Côte Bleue, or blue coast, is a series of staggering coves with compact beaches between several Provençal fishing towns. Visiting these south of France beaches is a smart move if you’re looking for a beach with a local feel and slow pace.
The Côte Bleue’s best beaches include Plage du Verdon, the Beach of Carro, and Arnettes Cove, all in Carro. Nearby, Plage Sainte-Croix is an unspoiled shore with white sand, while Plage du Rouet has watersports and a pared-back restaurant, Le Jean Bart, serving ultra-fresh local seafood.
With many of the small ports connected by soaring sandstone viaducts, surrounded by serrated mountains and wild forests, you will want to pack your camera for a trip to the Côte Bleue. Wear aqua shoes in the water, too. Some of the beaches might be sandy, while others are rockier, and the sea bed contains prickly sea urchins, a delicacy in local restaurants but less enjoyable to tread on.
Calanque de Port Pin, Calanques National Park, near Marseille
Calanque de Port Pin in Calanques National Park, near Marseille
The secluded and narrow Calanque de Port Pin, around an hour south of Marseille, lies in Calanques National Park, between Port-Miou and Calanque d’En-Vau.
Named after the fragrant Aleppo pines that fill the Calanques massif, Calanque de Port Pin has a mix of white sand and pebbles. The captivating crystal-clear water reflects the surrounding green pine forest and limestone cliffs.
Follow the marked path, typically to the song of cicadas, from nearby Port-Miou. It takes around 20 minutes on foot, though some of the path is rocky and uneven so wear suitable footwear. After bathing at Port Pin, continue on the same trail to d’En-vau, another delicious calanque shaded by sky-high cliffs accessible only on foot or by boat.
There are no facilities at Port Pin or d’En-vau, so pack all that might be needed for a successful hike and beach trip.
Plage des Ponchettes, Nice
Plage des Ponchettes, Nice
Between Plage Publique de Castel and Plage Publique De L’Opéra, Plages des Ponchettes runs parallel to the vibrant Marché Aux Fleurs—Nice’s long-standing flower market on Cours Saleya—where stalls are filled with seasonal blooms.
After soaking in the heady scents of the market, find yourself a place to relax on vibrant Ponchettes. Plages des Ponchettes offers a lovely wide promenade and plenty of space for sunbathing on the shore and swimming in the sea.
There’s a sand-based volleyball court open during summer for the energetic. Though there are few other facilities directly on the beach, you’re not too far from bars, restaurants, and cafés of Quai des États-Unis and Vieux Nice.
Plage de Saint-Estève, Les Îles, near Marseille
Plage de Saint-Estève in Les Îles, near Marseille
Les Îles lies just off Marseille and is reached via a short ferry ride from the city. This jagged archipelago contains a sensational natural landscape of wild poppies, sandy beaches, and rich birdlife, including the yellow-legged gull. There are hiking trails and the remains of several forts, with one of the islands, Château d’If, the setting of “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas.
Best of all is Plage de Saint-Estève, a rocky beach nestled in a wide cove with sparkling aquamarine water on the main island of Ratonneau. Enjoy a paddle or swim in the delicious sun-warmed water. Facilities on Plage de Saint-Estève include public bathrooms, showers, and a café during summer.
Pack a mask and snorkel to explore underwater and once you’ve dried off, head to one of the restaurants in Port Frioul Frioul before returning to the mainland.
Plage du Midi, Cannes
Plage du Midi, Cannes
South of France beaches in Cannes are typically soft and golden, including Plage du Midi, which runs alongside the palm tree-lined Boulevard du Midi, a touch to the west of the resort’s center.
At over 2,000 feet long, there’s plenty of space for sandcastle building and stretching out on the shore. There’s also a leafy playground in Mistral Square, just behind the beach, for young travelers.
Beach kiosks are dotted along Plage du Midi, serving sodas, water, ice cream, and light bites such as salads, fries, and sandwiches. A walk on the boulevard offers French souvenir shops, along with some restaurants and bars.
Plage de la Mala, near Nice
Plage de la Mala, near Nice
A series of steps built into the rocky coastline lead to Plage de la Mala, a beach nestled in pines, palms, and yuccas, in the seaside resort of Cap-d’Ail.
The best way to reach Plage de la Mala is by train from Nice to Cap-d’Ail, taking less than 20 minutes. When you arrive in Cap-d’Ail, take the serpentine coastal road on foot. It’s home to prime South of France real estate, including luxury villas with azure views.
On the sand and pebble Plage de la Mala, waves gently ripple on the shoreline. Rent a sun lounger and parasol from Eden, one of Mala’s two restaurants and beach clubs. There are jet skis for rent on the beach, too, if you’re keen to whizz around this delectable coastline.
Order dishes of baby octopus salad, sea bass ceviche, and creamy burrata with peach salad as you sit back up and gaze at the sublime sea views.
Read: Best Places to Visit in the South of France
Cannes
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