The French Riviera conjures images of fashionable resorts, yacht-filled marinas and celebrity hideaways. But beyond the exclusive beach clubs lies a 120-kilometer coastline offering surprisingly accessible stretches of sand and sea.
From secluded coves reached only by hiking trails to family-friendly public beaches steps from train stations, the Côte d’Azur delivers diverse coastal experiences.
Whether you’re after white sand for sunbathing or pebbled shores perfect for water sports, the south of France claims some of Europe’s most striking beaches. Here are 11 that capture the Riviera’s range, from glamorous to genuinely local.
1. Plage Pampelonne (Ramatuelle): The Saint-Tropez Legend
Just 10 minutes by car from Saint-Tropez, Pampelonne Beach stretches 4.5 kilometers along a stunning bay surrounded by luxury villas and umbrella pines. This is the beach where Brigitte Bardot filmed scenes in the 1950s and where Club 55 still draws an international crowd.
White sand meets turquoise water, and while famous beach clubs occupy prime real estate, most of the beach remains freely accessible. Kayaking and jet skiing are popular here, and the shallow entry makes it suitable for families despite the glamorous reputation.
Getting there: Drive from Saint-Tropez or take the seasonal shuttle bus. Parking fills quickly in summer.
2. Plage de la Salis (Antibes): Free Sandy Refuge
Plage de la Salis stands out as one of the few completely free beaches on the French Riviera. No reserved sections, no mandatory lounge chairs, just bring your umbrella and claim your spot on the soft white sand.
The beach stretches for about a kilometer with beach volleyball courts, public showers and accessible facilities, including a dedicated Handiplage section for visitors with disabilities.
Several kiosks line the promenade, selling affordable snacks and drinks. The water stays shallow near shore, making this ideal for families with young children.
From the beach, you’ll catch views of the old town’s terracotta roofs backed by the snow-capped Alps on clear days. The neighboring La Garoupe and Ponteil beaches are also worth exploring.
Parking: Free from mid-September through mid-June; paid during the summer season (€3 for half-day, €5 full day).
Nearby: Explore Antibes’ Old Town, visit the Picasso Museum in Grimaldi Castle, or walk the coastal path to Juan-les-Pins past Cap d’Antibes’ villa-studded peninsula.
From Nice: French Riviera in One Day
3. Plage Mala (Cap d’Ail): Monaco’s Hidden Cove
Tucked between Cap Mala and the dramatic cliffs near Monaco, this beach requires some effort to reach. Its steep access makes it challenging for families with very young children or visitors with mobility issues. But locals from Monaco and Nice make the trip regularly and the setting is worth the descent.
The bay’s protected position creates calm water perfect for swimming, and a jellyfish net adds extra peace of mind. The beach combines pebbles with patches of white sand, and the surrounding cliffs attract cliff jumpers. Two beachside restaurants serve food and drinks.
A 4-kilometer coastal walking path connects to Monaco, offering spectacular Mediterranean views the entire way.
4. Calanque d’En Vau (Cassis): The Postcard Inlet
Between Marseille and Cassis, steep limestone cliffs carve dramatic inlets called calanques into the coastline. Calanque d’En Vau ranks as the most spectacular. It’s a small pebble beach at the base of sheer white cliffs, with water so clear it glows turquoise.
Reaching it requires commitment. From Cassis, expect a 90-minute to 2-hour hike through Calanques National Park, passing through Port-Miou and Port-Pin calanques along the way.
The trail includes a steep descent (recently redesigned for safety) through the Portalet passage. Alternatively, rent a kayak in Cassis or Marseille and paddle in by sea.
The calm, protected water makes for exceptional kayaking and swimming. There are no facilities, so bring all the food and water you’ll need.
Important: The Col de la Gardiole road access is permanently closed to vehicles year-round; park along the D559. During summer months (typically July through September), trails may close temporarily due to fire risk. Check current conditions before setting out.
5. Plage de la Bocca (Cannes): The Western Gateway
This long, narrow strip of golden sand sits in western Cannes, right beside the boulevard near La Bocca train station. The easy access and family amenities (showers, lifeguards, several kiosks and restaurants) make this popular with locals, especially young families.
The beach offers a more laid-back alternative to Cannes’ famous Croisette, without the intimidating beach club scene. Public sections provide plenty of space to settle in for the day.
Also try: Cannes’ Corniche Esterel Beach for dramatic red rock formations, or Croisette Beach for the classic Cannes experience.
6. Plage d’Èze (Nice): Medieval Village Meets Mediterranean
Stretching below the medieval village of Èze, this long, narrow beach combines pebbles and rocky sections. What it lacks in sand, it compensates for with mountain views and excellent water sports. The setting is perfect for swimming, sailing, scuba diving and kayaking.
Two beach restaurants serve seafood, pasta and salads, and public showers and toilets are available. While the pebbly surface requires water shoes for comfort, the clear water and dramatic backdrop make this a favorite for active beachgoers.
7. Plage des Marinières (Villefranche-sur-Mer): The Bay of Beauty
This kilometer-long beach curves around one of the world’s most photographed bays, just 4 km from Nice. The Villefranche-sur-Mer train station sits directly behind the beach, making this one of the Riviera’s most accessible stretches by public transport.
The sand and fine gravel beach slopes gradually into the water, making it ideal for families with small children. Lifeguards patrol during the summer months, showers and toilets are available and several snack bars line the promenade. The Nice bus route 80 stops right at the beach.
The setting is spectacular, with Villefranche’s pastel buildings climbing the hillside and yachts anchored in the deep blue bay.
Water quality note: Due to heavy boat traffic in the bay, water cleanliness can vary. Check current water quality reports before swimming, particularly if planning extended time in the water.
8. Plage des Sablettes (Menton): Where France Meets Italy
Menton, positioned near the Italian border, carries a strong Italian influence. You’ll hear the language spoken and see pasta dominating restaurant menus alongside fresh fish. Italian mountains rise in the distance across the water.
Sablettes Beach welcomes families with its shallow water and gradual depth increase. Lifeguards work during the summer season, and a beach volleyball court adds recreational options. After your beach time, stroll the nearby promenade lined with shops and cafés.
The town itself deserves exploration, particularly for its microclimate that supports lemon groves and subtropical gardens.
9. Plage Paloma (Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat): Where Celebrities Swim
Built in the 1950s and frequented over the decades by Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Elton John and other luminaries, Paloma Beach occupies a privileged spot next to cliffs with sweeping views toward Cap d’Ail.
The beach sits just a few hundred meters from Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat’s port. While part of the beach is a private concession with the Paloma beach restaurant (known for grilled fish and seafood), public sections offer access to this postcard setting.
Water sports equipment rentals offer paddleboarding, water skiing, and sailing opportunities in the protected cove.
10. Calanque des Anglais (Saint-Raphaël): The Intimate Escape
Saint-Raphaël claims about 30 kilometers of coastline dotted with beaches and coves. Calanque des Anglais stands out for its intimate atmosphere, encircled by cliffs and rocks that create a secluded feeling. Access is steep and limited to foot traffic, which helps maintain the peaceful vibe.
The location serves as an excellent starting point for day trips into the Esterel Massif, a nature reserve between Provence and the Mediterranean. These volcanic red mountains offer outstanding hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding through dramatic landscapes.
11. Port Grimaud Beach (Grimaud): The Provençal Venice
About 12 km west of Saint-Tropez lies one of the Riviera’s most unusual developments. In the 1960s, architect François Spoerry designed and built a coastal town featuring planned canals, approximately 3,000 houses, and nearly 2,000 yacht moorings. The network of waterways earned it the nickname “Venice of Provence.”
Beyond the architectural curiosity, the area offers excellent sandy Grimaud Beach and equipment rentals for various water sports. Nearby, you can explore the remains of an 11th-century church and medieval castle ruins, plus several golf courses dot the surrounding area.
The contrast between this modern planned community and the ancient village of Grimaud perched on the hillside above creates an intriguing juxtaposition.
Read More: Discover the Dreamy Town of Annecy in the French Alps
Planning Your French Riviera Beach Trip
Best timing: May through June or September offer pleasant weather with significantly fewer crowds than July and August.
Practical tips:
- Many beaches charge for parking during the summer season
- Bring water shoes for pebbled beaches
- Check fire risk alerts before hiking to calanques
- Water quality varies by location, so consult current reports
- Train access makes beach-hopping easy without a car
Getting around: The coastal train line connects most of these beaches, making car-free exploration entirely feasible. Nice serves as an ideal base, with beaches accessible within 20 minutes by train in either direction.
Need a hand planning your trip? Here are the sites and services we rely on most, from booking tools to travel products we love.
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Author Bio: Based in Serbia in Europe, Marija Stojanovic Petkovski worked as a journalist but realized writing about the most beautiful places in the world is something that inspires her. She is sure that a pint of good craft beer perfectly accompanies a tasty home-made lasagne. In her spare time, she enjoys playing with her children and spending time outdoors with her family.
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