Welcome to Cote d’Azur, a diverse region in France loved by many and well known for its countless magnificent beaches. Along about 200km Cote d’Azur coastline you’ll find some of Europe’s most captivating coastal gems. Sandy and pebble beaches, hidden coves, mesmerizing azure waters, mountains in the backdrop, rugged cliffs… Cote d’Azur is a paradise for all who love the sun, beaches, and watersports. No wonder it attracts thousands of holidaymakers every year! Keep reading and discover the best beaches in Cote d’Azur.
Until now we’ve spent over 1 year exploring Cote d’Azur. We’ve lived in a few different towns, both near Nice and Marseille. After seeing many splendid beaches it was a tough choice to choose only a few for this post… We hope the chosen ones will enchant you too!
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10 Best Beaches In Cote d’Azur
Plage Cros Dei Pin in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat
In Saint Jean Cap Ferrat peninsula you’ll find only 5 beaches perfect for soaking up the sun and taking a refreshing dip in clear azure waters. All are pebbly and all feature magnificent views. Out of all of them all, we loved Plage Cros Dei Pin the most.
It’s located at the heart of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, right next to the port. Plage Cros Dei Pin is one of the largest beaches in the area and features magnificent views in the Eze village direction. Surprisingly, even during summer months, it doesn’t get too crowded.
There you’ll find amenities like showers, toilets, locker storage, and a children’s play area. Restaurants and parking lots are located nearby too. The serene atmosphere combined with the area’s natural beauty makes Plage Cros Dei Pin one of the best beaches in Cote d’Azur.
Learn more: Things To Do In Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, France
Plage des Marinieres in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Villefranche-sur-Mer beaches are known for being relatively peaceful (even despite close proximity to Nice) and more sandy than pebbly. Plage des Marinieres is the town’s main beach, located close to its old town.
It’s a long and fairly narrow picturesque beach with lots of space for everyone. It features calm clear waters and scenic views over the bay and colorful town.
There you’ll also find amenities like toilets, lifeguards, and a paid parking lot right behind it. If you get hungry, you can easily walk to Quai de l’Amiral Courbet waterfront promenade where you’ll find many restaurants and cafes.
Learn more: 8 Things To Do In Villefranche-Sur-Mer, France
Plage Croisette in Cannes
Beaches along the Cannes coastline are one of the best in the entire Cote d’Azur. And Croisette Beach is without a doubt one of them. It’s a long public stretch of sand located along the iconic La Croisette promenade, to the east of the Palace of Festivals.
Plage Croisette is known for its soft golden sand, clear azure waters, and amazing views of the Mediterranean. There you’ll also find amenities like showers, toilets, beachfront bars and restaurants, sunbeds/umbrellas for rent, and parking spots nearby. The beach is also lined with luxurious beach clubs and boutiques behind.
Croisette Beach is perfect for soaking up the sun and taking a refreshing dip in the clear azure waters. Its only downside? It can get very crowded in the high season! But still, we think it’s one of the best beaches in Cote d’Azur!
Learn more: One Day In Cannes, France – 10+ Things To Do
Plage de Frejus in Frejus
Not without a reason Frejus became one of the most popular holiday destinations on Cote d’Azur. There you can find many magnificent beaches perfect for spending time in picturesque surroundings. And the one that charmed us the most is called Plage de Frejus.
It’s a 1km-long sandy beach with calm sea waters located close to the port. Plage de Frejus also features beautiful views over neighboring Saint-Raphael town and the mountains. It’s also easily accessible from the promenade.
As for amenities, there you’ll find on-site parking, toilets, showers, or restaurants along the lovely palm-lined promenade behind the beach. Plage de Frejus can get quite crowded in the summer months, but not as much as the beaches located closer to Nice.
Learn more: 10+ Things To Do in Frejus, France
Plage des Sablettes in Menton
Along the Menton coastline, which stretches from Roquebrune-Cap-Martin to the Italian border, you’ll find another one of the best beaches in Cote d’Azur. Plage des Sablettes is perfect for enjoying the sun and sea. It quickly won our hearts.
It’s the main town’s beach, located right at the foot of the colorful old town. Plage des Sablettes is sandy/pebbly, long, fairly wide, and the most lively of the town’s beaches. It features calm shallow waters and scenic views over the Menton old town and the Mediterranean.
Plage des Sablettes is well-equipped with various amenities. There are lockers, toilets, and showers on site, as well as many restaurants and cafes nearby. A little bit further to the east, you’ll find a section perfect for those who prefer to rent a sunbed and a parasol or spend a beach day in a private area.
Learn more: What To Do In Menton, France?
Plage de Grimaud in Port Grimaud
If you’re looking for a slightly less crowded beach on Cote d’Azur (even in the high season!), you should definitely take a look at Plage de Grimaud. It’s located in Port Grimaud and is sandy, long, and wide. And it’s definitely one of the best beaches around Saint Tropez.
On Plage de Grimaud you’ll enjoy fine sand, calm sea waters, and scenic views of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez bay. As for amenities, there are ones like toilets, showers, beach bars, and a paid parking lot available close to the site. There are a few restaurants nearby too.
While there, you can also visit the Venice-inspired village of Port Grimaud full of canals, bridges, and colorful waterfront homes. Overall, Plage de Grimaud is a perfect getaway for those seeking a quieter holiday destination.
Learn more: Things To Do In Port Grimaud and Grimaud Village
Explore local attractions
Plage des Ponchettes in Nice
Located in the capital city of the region, pebbly, and super crowded in the summer months… Despite that, we think that Plage des Ponchettes is one of the best beaches in Cote d’Azur! We’ve spent many hours there and it keeps drawing us back.
Plage des Ponchettes is a long and wide beach located alongside Promenade des Anglais and just a few steps from the iconic Nice old town. It’s known for its clear azure waters, lively atmosphere, and amazing views over the Bay of Angels.
There you’ll find amenities like toilets, showers, and lifeguards. In the private areas of the beach you can also rent sun loungers and umbrellas for a more fancy experience. Many restaurants and cafes are located nearby too.
Oh, and, don’t forget to admire it from above – from Castle Hill. And stay a bit longer into the evening to watch the spectacular sunset.
Learn more: What To See In Nice, France?
Plage de la Garoupe in Antibes
Along Antibes’ coastline, you’ll find many magnificent beaches. No matter if you’re looking for a lively beach with many amenities around or a more quiet and secluded spot – here you’ll be spoiled with choices! But there is one beach in Antibes that particularly stole our hearts – Plage de la Garoupe.
Plage de la Garoupe is located a little bit outside of the old town, in Cap d’Antibes. It’s a small sandy beach with private areas, striking views, and a serene atmosphere. There are amenities like showers, toilets, parking lots, restaurants, and lifeguards. It can get crowded so we advise you to arrive early.
If you’ll get bored of sunbathing, from Plage de la Garoupe you can go on a leisurely stroll along Sentier du Littoral trail peppered with even more amazing views.
Learn more: 15+ Things To Do In Antibes, France
Plage de la Raguette in Mandelieu-La Napoule
Plage de la Raguette is a delightful sandy beach located in the small town of Mandelieu-La Napoule, just west of Cannes. It’s known for its tranquil atmosphere, picturesque views, calm waters and magnificent castle overlooking it from above.
The beach features many amenities including showers, toilets, playgrounds, and picnic areas making it a great spot for holidaymakers of all ages. Plage de la Raguette will be the perfect choice for those wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of more crowded beaches.
Plage des Galets in Cagnes-sur-Mer
Along the Cagnes-sur-Mer 3.5km-long coastline, you’ll find some of the best beaches in Cote d’Azur. Our favorite in the area? Plage des Galets! It’s a pebble beach perfect for soaking up the sun and taking dips in azure waters in a picturesque setting with azure waters and spectacular views over Nice.
Along the beach you’ll find amenities like toilets, showers, water sports rentals, many parking spaces, and first-aid stations. Behind Plage des Galets you’ll also find a promenade with many restaurants and cafes. If you love watching planes – it’s also an amazing place to do that!
Compared to other nearby beaches, Plage des Galets is fairly quiet and everyone will be able to get a nice spot there, even in high season. Biggest disadvantage? It’s made of pebbles and stones and is located close to the road.
Learn more: Cagnes-sur-Mer, France – Delightful Village Near Nice
Best beaches in Cote d’Azur – Summing up
That’s it, uff! Hope you liked our selection of the best beaches in Cote d’Azur. So many great ones to choose from, right? And to think that this is only a small fraction of all available ones on the coastline! Whatever kind of beach you’re looking for – you’ll find it in Côte d’Azur. We’re sure that everyone will find the perfect spot to enjoy the sun, clear water, and golden sand. Have a relaxing time on the beach!
Travel tip. To find great accommodation in the area of your chosen beach visit Booking or Hostelworld.
