The Côte d’Azur and beaches – not only lovers of France associate the most diverse associations and longings with them. On the one hand, there are the glamorous and vibrant beaches of the southern French coast: between the border with Italy and shortly before the metropolis of Marseille, some of the best-known hotspots of the international jet set are lined up along the coast, which is also known as the “French Riviera”: Monaco, Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez.
Away from them, in small bays, lie numerous pearls of nature where you can experience everything that characterises the South of France and the Mediterranean: Pine trees, sun, crystal clear water.
Unlike the endless beaches of the French Atlantic coast, the rocky stretches of Brittany or the tidal, wide sandy beaches of Normandy, the beaches of the Côte d’Azur are comparatively narrow and often covered with coarse-grained sand. And – especially in the summer season – always very well frequented. Getting up early or waiting until the crowds leave in the late afternoon are the alternatives for enjoying the Côte d’Azur’s most beautiful beaches to the full.
Les Sablettes, Menton
The first remarkable beach on the French Riviera beyond the Italian border is Les Sablettes in Menton. And the entire ensemble appears very Italian: colourful houses bathed in golden light by the setting sun, the beach itself comparatively calm like the warm waters of the Mediterranean on this stretch of coast. All this lies picturesquely between the mountains that form the hinterland of the coast. What more could you want?
By the way: there is another beach called “Les Sablettes”. This section not far from Toulon scores points above all with fine sand and – as luck would have it – an equally wonderful panorama.
Plage du Larvotto, Monte Carlo
Skyscrapers in the background, luxurious beach bars, sunbeds and chairs for hire, waist-high ropes leading into the water – the “Plage du larvotto” is pretty much the opposite of wild and romantic.
But most visitors to Monte Carlo’s only sandy beach are not interested in spending a contemplative moment in harmony with nature. Seeing and being seen is more important to most guests of the coarse-grained Larvotto north of Monte Carlo’s city centre than relaxation. Be careful not to accidentally walk into a selfie….
La Plage Mala, Cap d’Ail
Cap d’Ail, just over half an hour’s drive from the centre of Monaco, can be proud of one of the most beautiful and popular beaches on the entire Côte d’Azur.
Plage Mala is as difficult to reach as it is legendary for its unique setting. You can reach the beach on foot via a small path. For bathers with limited mobility, the excursion is therefore only conditionally recommended, families with small children should plan out the pram. The prime location of the two restaurants on Plage Mala is reflected in the prices on the menu – alternatively, pack enough provisions for a picnic.
Plage de l’Eléphant, Le Lavandou
Le Lavandou is located between Saint-Tropez and Hyères. The jewel of the municipality is the Plage de l’Eléphant, a small bay that is part of the large beach called Plage de Jean Blanc. From the main beach, the path leads over rocks and a staircase with 100 steps into (relative) seclusion. Crystal-clear water for bathing and snorkelling enthusiasts and photo motifs at any time of the year or day that will make everyone back home jealous are the reward for a trip to the Plage de l’Eléphant.
La Calanque d’En-Vau, Cassis
Calanques are the characteristic incisions in the coastline that characterise the seaside landscape, especially around Marseille.
One of the most beautiful bays in the “Massif des Calanques” is La Calanque d’En-Vau. It takes a good 30 minutes by car from Cassis and just under an hour from Marseille. Access is via a hike through the rugged limestone cliffs, an event in itself. Alternatively, you can discover it by boat from Marseille. At the water’s edge, an absolute gem awaits between the rocks, where snorkelling, cliff jumping and climbing can be enjoyed.
Plage de Pampelonne, Ramatuelle
One of the largest beaches on the Côte d’Azur and the entire French Mediterranean coast is the Plage de Pampelonne. The beach in the immediate vicinity of Saint-Tropez offers white, fine sand and clear water. But also many yachts anchored in the bay, jet skis and beach clubs. This brings with it side effects that beachgoers have to be prepared for. If you want to see and experience something, this is the place to be. You will definitely not find seclusion here.
Plage de Notre-Dame, Porquerolles
The Île de Porquerolles, located off the coast of Hyères, is worth a trip in itself. The icing on the cake is the island’s beach, the Plage Notre-Dame.
This section has a firm place in the rankings of the most beautiful beaches on the Côte d’Azur and also regularly appears high up in rankings of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Stunning surroundings (best approached by bike), clean water, shady pine trees and – perhaps the biggest plus on southern French beaches – not as hopelessly crowded as its mainland siblings.
La Plage de Salis, Antibes
When visiting Antibes, you will inevitably come across the Plage de Salis. The special thing about this city beach is the view of the old town of Antibes. The Plage de Salis is well developed with nearby parking, changing rooms, showers, lifeguards and plenty of food and drink in the surrounding area. Parents with children will appreciate this and enjoy a few hours of beach feeling here.
Plage de Paloma, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Unfortunately, only a small part of this beach at Cap Ferrat is accessible free of charge. The larger part is occupied by a beach club where, for a fee of 25 EUR per guest (a representative price for the “Plage privée”, the private beaches of the Côte d’Azur), you can relax on a sun lounger, dine upscale or start a snorkelling tour from there. But aren’t the best things in life “for free”? This is also the case at the Plage de Paloma: the view of the Bay of Beaulieu, the Cap d’Ail and the Italian coast can also be enjoyed from the public part of the Plage de Paloma – completely free of charge.
Pointe de l’Aiguille, Théoule-sur-Mer
At the western tip of the Golfe de la Napoule, opposite Cannes on the eastern side, lies the beach Pointe d’Aiguille. Enclosed by rocks, the 3 pebble beaches offer a magnificent view of the Îles de Lérins. The beach is part of the Parc de l’Aiguille, a regional nature park with an area of 7 hectares that extends to the red cliffs of the Estérel mountains. The area is a popular hiking area with many natural beauties, which makes walking to the beach an experience in itself.
La Petite Afrique, Beaulieu-sur-Mer
The name “Petite Afrique” is no coincidence. Picturesquely situated between limestone cliffs at the gates of Nice, a microclimate has developed here that makes the place one of the warmest in France, indeed in the whole of Europe. Banana trees close to the beach bear witness to the exceptional conditions. First-class conditions to swim in the Mediterranean all year round at Plage Petite Afrique. In addition: lifeguards, showers, beach club – all in all a fantastic package. Beach shoes make walking over the partly coarse pebbly sand more pleasant.
Plage d’Estagnol, Brégançon
Judging purely by photos, the Plage d’Estagnol between Hyères and Cap Bénat is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful on the Côte d’Azur and in Provence. A panorama of small islands and picturesque rocks, pine trees almost to the waterline, fine white sand and clear turquoise water. Recent experience reports, however, make us less keen on a visit to the beach: difficult parking situation, 10 EUR entrance fee, dense crowds, lack of cleanliness.
Plage du Cap Taillat, Ramatuelle
To be one of the most beautiful photo motifs among the beaches of the Côte d’Azur – the Plage du Cap Taillat can claim that. The unusually shaped Cap Taillat consists of a small rocky hill that is only connected to the coast by a narrow strip of sandy beach.
The peninsula is designated as a nature reserve and is a perfect destination for an excursion for those seeking peace and nature experience on the otherwise heavily populated Côte d’Azur near Saint-Tropez.
La plage de Portissol, Sanary-sur-Mer
As a town beach, the Plage de Portissol is not one of the top destinations for holidaymakers looking for unique swimming experiences in a breathtaking natural setting. The special attraction of Sanary-sur-Mer’s beach is that the strip of sand by the sea, centrally located within the town, fits perfectly into the whole ensemble of picturesque harbour and old town, restaurants and weekly markets.
The supervised Plage de Portissol is ideal for a dip in the cool water, especially on the hot summer days of the Côte d’Azur. The sand is fine, the quality of the water is high, algae hardly bother bathers. However, visitors have to share the 200-metre stretch of beach, and it fills up quickly in high season.
Plage de Sylvabelle, La Croix-Valmer
Small, fine, comparatively wild beach with a breathtaking panorama – this is how the Plage de Sylvabelle can be described. About 20 minutes by car from Saint-Tropez lies this gem: golden sand and wonderful, clear water. The beach benefits from its southern exposure and remains sheltered from the wind in virtually any weather. The view extends westwards to the mountains of Calavaire-sur-mer and eastwards to the cliffs of Cap Lardier.
The path to the Plage de Sylvabelle leads over a few steps on the last few metres, and there is no catering on the beach itself. Good preparation is recommended if you want to enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches on the Côte d’Azur to the full.
Discover more:
Most beautiful beaches of France
Most beautiful beaches of Brittany
Images:
Plage Calanque d’en vau: ghost-in-the-Shell | CC BY 2.0
Plage du Larvotto: Kurt Bauschardt| CC BY-SA 2.0
Plage Mala, Plage de Salis: acebal | CC BY 2.0 0
Calanque d’en vau: Gérard Colombat | CC BY 2.0
Plage de Notre-Dame: benjamine scalvenzi | CC BY 2.0
Pointe de l’Aiguille: Rüdiger Stehn| CC BY-SA 2.0
Plage du Cap Taillat: Tiomax80 | CC BY 2.0
Plage de Sylvabelle: s_wh | CC BY-SA 2.0