The ultimate guide to the best beaches on the French Riviera

Pampelonne Beach, Saint-Tropez

The place to see and be seen, Pampelonne Beach (Plage de Pampelonne) is not only the most famous beach along this gilded coastline, but one of the most iconic stretches of sand in the world. The three-mile beach that runs around the crescent shaped Bay of Pampelonne actually belongs to the small village of Ramatuelle rather than to Saint-Tropez itself, and is in fact made up of several beaches with different names.

Each stretch has its own character and charm, with Pampelonne Beach at the centre of the crescent being the chicest spot of all and the historic Tahiti Beach occupying a prime location at the northern end.

Recommended: Head to Club 55 – the most famous beach club in the world – for an unrivalled people-watching paradise as a steady stream of superyacht tenders go to and from the club’s jetty.

Paloma Beach, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Set on the exclusive Cap Ferrat peninsula, Paloma Beach (and the beach club of the same name) has long been a favourite choice for the yachting crowd. Cruise from Monaco, admiring the beauty of the French Riviera villas and gardens as you head for the prestigious anchorage.

In keeping with the old school Riviera chic that goes hand in hand with this location (think Grand Hotel Cap Ferrat 1950s glamour), the family-owned Paloma Beach club is an elegant restaurant serving fresh fish and fabulous salads, and very popular with locals and Monégasque residents.

Recommended – Discover La Cave de Sophie in Saint-Jean run by French vintner Bruno, and select some of the best wines of the region to enjoy back on board.

Plage Mala, Cap d’Ail

One of the most beautiful beaches, and easily the most stylish of hideaways along the French Riviera, is Plage Mala. This stretch of golden sand is tucked away beneath the cliffs below the railway.

Despite its proximity to Monaco, the public beach areas remain relatively quiet, even in the height of summer, due to its very limited access via the tricky downhill approach from Avenue Princesse Grace. It rarely gets very busy and is therefore perfect for the waterborne arriving by tender.

Recommended – Éden Plage Mala is a little slice of paradise offering a true sense of seclusion nestled between verdant cliffs.

Plage Notre-Dame, Porquerolles

Lapped by transparent azure waters and framed by pine forests, the Notre-Dame beach on the island of Porquerolles is widely considered to be one of the finest in the whole of the Western Mediterranean. Its isolated location and distance from the island’s main port ensures that it escapes the crowds that arrive by ferry from the mainland.

The beach itself is a mix of pebbles and sand, but a sandbank lies just a few feet from the shoreline, making it perfect for young children to play in the shallows.

Recommended – Arrive mid-afternoon and you might be lucky enough to have the beach to yourself as most of the visitors take the 30-minute hike to catch their ferry back to the mainland.

Plage de l'Estagnol, Bormes-les-Mimosas

A large, fine-sandy beach, Plage de l’Estagnol is among the most beautiful on the Var coastline. Set within the protected grounds of the Domaine de Brégançon, it retains a wonderfully natural character, with umbrella pines providing shade behind the shore and shallow water stretching out into the bay.

The combination of soft sand, sheltered shallows and peaceful surroundings makes it particularly appealing for families looking for a more unspoilt beach experience.

Recommended – Book a table at one of the two restaurants in the evening and arrive around 19:30 to enjoy a stunning sunset on an empty beach.

Quiet coves and bays around Cap d'Antibes

The Sentier du Littoral winds around Cap d’Antibes, revealing a succession of rocky coves and small bathing spots along the peninsula. Follow the trail on foot or arrive by tender to explore at your own pace, stopping at Plage des Ondes on the western side for shallow water and sunset views towards the Estérel mountains.

For one of the most atmospheric bays between Cannes and Antibes, Anse de l’Argent Faux combines dramatic rocky scenery with easy access to the Cap d’Antibes coastal trail. Drop anchor in the sheltered bay, swim from the yacht or head ashore to explore the route from Villa Eilenroc towards Antibes, passing the Pointe de l’Îlette along the way.

Secret anchorages near the Îles de Lérins

Just off Cannes, the Îles de Lérins offer a different kind of escape, where forested islands, sheltered anchorages and historic sites sit just beyond the bustle of the Croisette. On Île Sainte-Marguerite, Portet Cove offers calm waters and good snorkelling, while neighbouring Île Saint-Honorat brings a more tranquil atmosphere, with its monastery and vineyards providing a striking backdrop to a day on the water.

Best family-friendly beaches on the French Riviera

Tucked behind the ramparts of Antibes’ old town, Plage de la Gravette is one of the Riviera’s most sheltered swimming spots. Its enclosed position creates calm, lagoon-like water with very little swell, while the shallow shoreline makes it a reassuring choice for families with younger children. Close to the marina and old town, it is also one of the easiest beaches to combine with a leisurely lunch or stroll ashore.

For families looking for space, Plage de l’Almanarre near Hyères offers a long sweep of pale sand and clear, shallow water along the Giens Peninsula. On calmer days, it’s ideal for paddling, swimming and relaxed beach time with children, with plenty of room to spread out away from the busier Riviera resort towns. Your captain can advise on the best conditions, as this open stretch of coast can be more exposed when the wind picks up.

Best French Riviera beaches for swimming and snorkelling

Nestling into the rockface on the north-west side of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, and looking out towards Villefranche, Plage de Passable is a small golden crescent of lightly pebbled sand. Its clear, shallow waters make for easy snorkelling close to shore, while the gently shelving seabed is well suited to a leisurely swim.

In Villefranche-sur-Mer, Plage des Marinières sits within one of the Riviera’s deepest natural bays. The calm conditions make it a rewarding spot for swimming, while the seagrass beds beneath the surface support a rich variety of marine life, offering plenty to discover with a mask and snorkel.

Most secluded beaches on the French Riviera

The Côte d'Azur, also known as the French Riviera, attracts millions of visitors each year with its glamorous flair and picturesque coastal landscapes. However, if you want to experience the real gem of this region, you should head away from the crowded hotspots and look for the hidden beaches.

Accessed via two staircases that wind through a forest, Plage de la Mala on Cap d’Ail remains relatively untouched by the crowds. Arriving by tender you can bypass the climb and enjoy soft sand, safe swimming and two beach restaurants.

Another secluded beach in the Côte d'Azur worth visiting is the Calanque d’En-Vau in Cassis. A calanque is a steep walled inlet (picture white rocky cliffs descending to clear teal seas), and this particular spot is usually reached via a hiking trail – or seamlessly from your tender – allowing you to visit early and enjoy the beach all to yourself.

Sandiest beaches on the French Riviera

A short hop from exclusive Cap d’Antibes, Plage de la Garoupe has some of the finest sand along this stretch of coastline. With more history than many of its neighbouring beaches, it was first revitalised in the 1920s by an American socialite couple who helped establish it as a fashionable Riviera address. Today, its silky pale sand slopes into crystal-clear water, with small boats and large yachts often at anchor just offshore.

For a wilder stretch of sand, Plage de l’Estagnol near Bormes-les-Mimosas is hard to beat. Fringed by umbrella pines and backed by protected parkland, its broad sweep of fine white sand has a distinctly natural feel. Arrive by tender and settle in for an unhurried afternoon on one of the Riviera’s most picturesque sandy shores, away from the bustle of the better-known resort beaches.

Best beaches to visit by yacht

With a yacht at your disposal, the world is your oyster. Stopping at these French Riviera anchorages, you can enjoy early access to some of the finest beaches and have them all to yourself.

Situated in a sheltered bay on Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Plage de Passable is particularly rewarding to visit by yacht. Its position offers striking views across to Villefranche-sur-Mer, while the deep water close to shore allows yachts to anchor nearby and make an easy tender trip ashore.

Nearby, Villefranche Bay is one of the deepest natural harbours in the Mediterranean, reaching depths of more than 95m. It makes an excellent overnight or daytime anchorage for yachts, with easy access to Plage des Marinières and the quieter Plage de la Darse.