The most beautiful beaches on the Côte d'Azur

The Côte d’Azur lives up to its name: our translucent blue waters are reflected in the admiring eyes of visitors from all over the world. And if we had to establish a ranking, it would be difficult to separate all these little corners of paradise. So this TOP list of the most beautiful beaches on the Côte d’Azur will certainly help you discover these sublime, unspoilt spots, criss-crossing our beautiful Côte d’Azur coast from east to west.

PLAGE DES SABLETTES IN MENTON

A stone’s throw from the Italian border, it’s an air of Dolce Vita that blows across the Plage des Sablettes!

A Côte d’Azur beach ideal for families! Between the Old Port and the Port de Garavan, alongside the old town, Plage des Sablettes, with its 350 metres of very fine gravel, will offer you an exceptional panorama of the Italian mountains and the sublime colourful houses of Menton. Whether you choose a public or private beach, you’ll be spoilt for choice. You can also take advantage of the new facilities on the Esplanade des Sablettes: pergolas, sports facilities and, of course, the brand new restaurants and bars recently inaugurated under the vaults.

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LA MALA BEACH IN CAP D’AIL

Often described as the most beautiful beach on the Côte d’Azur: La Mala is a nugget that has to be earned!

As you follow the Côte d’Azur coastline, a blue jewel case will reveal itself to you. Plage de la Mala, in Cap d’Ail, is breathtaking, surrounded by cliffs that plunge into a sea of turquoise waters. However, the Plage de la Mala is well worth the effort. You can reach the beach via the stairs beside the famous Eden Palace – more than 100 steps await you – or by taking the coastal path from the Gramaglia cove. It’s not necessarily the easiest beach on the Côte d’Azur with small children, but once you’re down there, you won’t regret it!

PLAGE LA PETITE AFRIQUE AT BEAULIEU-SUR-MER

A beautiful, large beach on the Côte d’Azur ideal for families!

Shaded by tall umbrella pines, Petite Afrique is a real haven of peace just outside Beaulieu-sur-Mer, heading towards Eze and Monaco. More than 400 metres of fine gravel await you. Your children are sure to love the play area under the umbrella pines. The beach is also perfect for evening picnics. Parking is available in the Port of Beaulieu-sur-Mer car park.

vue-beaulieu-et-plage-petite-afrique-ville-de-beaulieu-557x400-1.jpg — ©Ville de Beaulieu

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PASSABLE BEACH AT SAINT-JEAN-CAP-FERRAT

A superb beach bathed in the translucent waters of the Villefranche roadstead!

It’s like a well-kept secret. Lulled by the gentle lapping of the waves, the tranquil little cove of Passable will offer you a sumptuous horizon over the famous Villefranche-sur-Mer roadstead and its Citadel. You’ll fall under the spell of this sheltered beach and its magnificent views. On Plage de Passable, time seems to stand still! Private beach, restaurant and snack bar available on site.

PLAGE DE LA RESERVE IN NICE

One of Nice’s emblematic beaches, located just a stone’s throw from the Port!

Beyond the well-known pebble beaches of the Promenade des Anglais and Quai des Etats-Unis, discover Plage de La Réserve located on Boulevard Franck Pilatte. This emblematic Nice beach is mainly a rendezvous for regulars and locals alike. Did you know that? It was on this beach that “Brice de Nice” waited desperately for his wave! A little further on, past the Plongeoir and the Restaurant de la Réserve, you can also enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean by diving from the small coves or rocks along the seafront. Here you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of Nice and its Baie des Anges.

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PLAGE DE LA GRAVETTE À ANTIBES

One of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Antibes!

Located between Vieil Antibes and Port Vauban, discover this wide, fine sandy beach protected by the magnificent stone ramparts that surround it. La Gravette beach is ideal for families because of its proximity to the town centre and its distance from the road. For lunchtime refreshments, the easiest place to head for is Vieil-Antibes, just a few minutes’ walk away, where you’ll find plenty of snack bars and restaurants. There are also a number of pay-and-display car parks nearby.

PLAGE DE LA GAROUPE À ANTIBES

A heavenly spot among the most beautiful beaches on the Côte d’Azur!

Named after the lighthouse that dominates Cap d’Antibes: the sandy beach of La Garoupe, at the entrance to the authentic coastal path, is famous for its crystal-clear water. An ideal spot for lunch or dinner overlooking the sea. Plage de la Garoupe is also the starting point for the coastal path, better known as the sentier du Cap d’Antibes.

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Les PLAGEs DU MIDI À CANNES

Among the greatest sandy beaches on the Côte d’Azur!

Les plages du Midi offer a quieter atmosphere than the busy Croisette. Located just beyond the Port of Cannes, they stretch as far as Mandelieu-La-Napoule, with breathtaking panoramic views of the Estérel massif and the Lérins islands.

These beaches combine public areas and numerous private beaches where it’s great to relax. For sports enthusiasts, the famous “BoccaCabana” spot offers beach volleyball courts and facilities for training facing the sea.

Between idleness, nature and outdoor activities, the Midi beaches are an invitation to take full advantage of the mild Mediterranean climate, far from the hustle and bustle of tourism.

Plage de la Croisette in Cannes

Luxury and glamour in the heart of Cannes

A true symbol of Cannes glamour, the Plage de la Croisette is a must for anyone wanting a taste of the mythical atmosphere of the Côte d’Azur. Located just opposite the famous Palais des Festivals, this public beach is ideal for a quick moment of relaxation by the Mediterranean, right in the centre of town. Its fine sand and direct access to the sea make it the perfect spot for a refreshing break between two walks or after a day of sightseeing. The setting is unique: you can admire the luxury yachts moored in the harbour, with the old town of Le Suquet as a backdrop. This beach offers a lovely contrast between the hustle and bustle of the city and the gentleness of the sea, appealing to locals and visitors alike.

Along the Croisette, numerous private beaches complement this offering, providing luxury, comfort and top-of-the-range services for an exclusive seaside experience.

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Lérins Islands beaches in Cannes

A little wild paradise opposite Cannes

A few minutes by boat from the centre of Cannes, the Lérins Islands offer an enchanted interlude away from the urban hustle and bustle. On the islands of Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat, you’ll find unspoilt beaches, pine forests, secret coves and turquoise waters. There’s no fine sand here, just pebbles, flat rocks and a few small gravel coves, perfect for putting your towel down in peace and quiet. The sea is crystal clear, ideal for swimming, snorkelling or simply letting yourself be carried away by the surrounding calm. These wild beaches will appeal to nature lovers in search of serenity and authenticity. Accessible only by boat, this corner of paradise is a must for a day’s getaway opposite Cannes.

PLAGE DU CHÂTEAU À MANDELIEU

Dive into the clear waters of the Gulf of La Napoule!

In the shadow of the magnificent Château de la Napoule looking out to sea, this serene sandy beach also links up with the pretty coastal path heading towards Théoule-sur-Mer. In summer, the Château provides welcome shade. Looking for more privacy? Follow the coastal path and discover the secret beach just behind the Château.

PLAGE DE LA POINTE DE L’AIGUILLE À THÉOULE-SUR-MER

This small pebbly cove will charm you with its view of the Lérins Islands.

Curled in a small turquoise cove in the heart of the Pointe de l’Aiguille Nature Park, this beautiful Côte d’Azur beach is the result of erosion over lava flows that occurred a few million years ago. Descend the stone steps and you’ll discover a magnificent spot of heavenly waters. Don’t forget your mask and snorkel – you won’t be disappointed by the beauty of the seabed! A underwater discovery trail running alongside the Pointe de l’Aiguille beach is accessible from mid-June to mid-September.

PLAGE DES ANGLAIS A AGAY

A beach located in the heart of the Massif de l’Estérel in Anthéor, in the commune of Saint-Raphaël

Let yourself be seduced by the charm of the Plage des Anglais, also known as the Calanque des Anglais. There’s no sand here, just red pebbles that give this beautiful Côte d’Azur beach its exceptional charm! This beach, whose pontoon will inspire your children to take a few dives, is made up of three other charming little adjoining coves which you can access on foot.

Calanque des Anglais

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©Office de Tourisme du Golf de Saint-Tropez – E. Bertrand

PLAGE DE PAMPELONNE A RAMATUELLE

Here, without doubt, is one of the most iconic beaches on the Côte d’Azur!

A few minutes from Saint-Tropez, almost 5 kilometres of fine sand and crystal-clear waters await you. Pampelonne is the best-known beach on the Saint-Tropez peninsula and on the Côte d’Azur. It is divided into 5 zones: les Moulins, les Tamaris, Patch, les Barraques and Bonne Terrasse. Each of these areas has its own car park (for which a charge is made in summer). Numerous private beaches and restaurants line the beach, and you can hire a jet-ski to enjoy the beauty of Pampelonne from the Mediterranean. Did you know? Scenes from the legendary film, “Et Dieu… créa la femme” starring Brigitte Bardot were filmed on this Côte d’Azur beach!

CAVALIERE BEACH AT LAVANDOU

A Côte d’Azur beach that will appeal to families and sports fans alike!

Le Lavandou has not stolen its nickname as the “resort of twelve sands”. Twelve fine sandy beaches stretch along the coast from the town centre to Pramousquier. One of the magnificent beaches for which Le Lavandou and the Côte d’Azur are famous is the white sandy beach of Cavalière. Surrounded by pine trees, you’ll fall under the spell of this beach’s natural beauty. There’s plenty to do on site, including sailing, jet-skiing and pedal-boating, ideal for children. Tip: in summer, the Petit Train des Plages serves all the beaches of Le Lavandou.

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PLAGE DE L’ESTAGNOL A BORMES LES MIMOSAS

A Polynesian air blows across this Côte d’Azur beach! A change of scenery guaranteed!

Located in Bormes-les-Mimosas, Plage de l’Estagnol is also known for its nickname of “Tahiti Provençal”. When you arrive at this Côte d’Azur beach, you’ll fall under the spell of its turquoise lagoon, reminiscent of French Polynesia. This beach, almost 500 metres long and surrounded by a shady pine forest, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful white sandy beaches on the Côte d’Azur. Its lagoon is ideal for family bathing.

TOP PLUS

Beautiful beaches on the Côte d’Azur!

By Ambassadeurs Côte d’Azur France

Lovers and enthusiasts of the Côte d’Azur, regularly discover on this site the selection, good addresses or even the favourites of the Ambassadeurs Côte d’Azur France community.