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The most beautiful beaches on the Côte d'Azur

The Côte d’Azur is aptly named: the clear waters of our beautiful azure blue sea is reflected in the admiring eyes of the whole world when they visit. And if we had to rank them, it would be impossible to separate all these little corners of paradise. So this list of the most beautiful beaches on the Côte d’Azur is just a starting point from which to discover these sublime and unspoilt places from the east to the west of our beautiful coast.

PLAGE DES SABLETTES IN MENTON

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

A Côte d’Azur beach that is ideal for families! Between the Vieux-Port and Port de Garavan, bordering the old town, the Plage des Sablettes with its 350 meters of very fine gravel offers you an exceptional panorama of the Italian mountains and Menton’s sublime coloured houses. Choose between a public or private beach – you’ll be spoiled for choice. 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 opened under the arches.

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PLAGE DE LA MALA IN CAP D’AIL

Often described as the most beautiful beach on the Côte d’Azur: Mala is a little marvel well worth the effort!

Following the coast, an azure blue setting is revealed. Plage de la Mala in Cap d’Ail, is breathtaking, surrounded by cliffs that flow into the turquoise waters of the sea. However, the beauty of Mala has to be earned. You can access the beach either via the stairs next to the famous « Eden Palace » – more than 100 steps – or via the coastal path from Gramaglia cove. It is not necessarily the easiest beach on the Côte d’Azur with young children, but once you get there you won’t regret it!

PLAGE LA PETITE AFRIQUE IN BEAULIEU-SUR-MER

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

Sheltered by tall umbrella pines, La Petite Afrique is a real haven of peace as you leave Beaulieu-sur-Mer heading towards Eze and Monaco. More than 400 meters of fine gravel await you there. Your children will of course enjoy the playground under the umbrella pines. This beach is also perfect for evening picnics. Possibility of parking in the Port de Beaulieu-sur-Mer car park.

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PLAGE PASSABLE AT SAINT-JEAN-CAP-FERRAT

A superb beach lapped by the translucent waters of Villefranche harbour!

It’s like a well-kept secret. Rocked by the gentle lapping waves, the small and very quiet Passable cove, will offer you a magnificent view of the famous harbour and citadel in Villefranche-sur-Mer. You will fall in love with this beach sheltered from the wind and its magnificent view. On Plage de Passable, time seems suspended! A private beach, restaurant and snacks are available on site.

PLAGE DE LA RESERVE IN NICE

One of the emblematic beaches in Nice, close to the Port!

Beyond the well-known pebble beaches of the Promenade des Anglais and the Quai des Etats-Unis, discover the La Réserve beach on Boulevard Franck Pilatte. One of Nice’s emblematic beaches, it is where regulars and locals go. Did you know? This was the beach, on which « Brice de Nice » waited hopelessly for a wave! A little further on, once past the restaurants Le Plongeoir and La Reserve, you can also enjoy the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean diving from the small coves or rocks along the seashore. Enjoy the panoramic view of Nice and the Baie des Anges.

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PLAGE DE LA GRAVETTE IN ANTIBES

One of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Antibes!

Between Antibes’ old town and Port Vauban, discover this wide sandy beach protected by the magnificent stone ramparts that surround it. La Gravette beach is ideal for families due to its proximity to the city centre and distance from the road. To eat at lunchtime, the easiest option is to go into the old town, just a few minutes’ walk away, where you will find plenty of snack bars and restaurants. Please note that there are several paying car parks nearby.

PLAGE DE LA GAROUPE IN ANTIBES

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

It is named after the lighthouse overlooking the Cap d’Antibes: the sandy La Garoupe beach, at the entrance to the original coastal path, is known for its crystal clear water. The ideal place for lunch or dinner overlooking the sea. La Garoupe is also the starting point for the coastal path, better known as the Cap d’Antibes path.

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PLAGE DU MIDI IN CANNES

One of the largest sandy beaches on the Côte d’Azur!

Less crowded than La Croisette beach, Plage du Midi is after the Port of Cannes and extends as far as Mandelieu-La-Napoule. This Côte d’Azur beach will offer you a breathtaking panorama of the Estérel massif and the Iles de Lérins. There are a number of private beaches and a beach volleyball court. Want to work out and enjoy sea views? Lots of sports facilities are available at « BoccaCabana ».

PLAGE DU CHÂTEAU IN MANDELIEU

Dive into the crystal clear waters of La Napoule!

In the shadow of the magnificent Château de la Napoule overlooking the sea, this serene sandy beach also connects with the pretty coastal path leading to Théoule-sur-Mer. In summer, the chateau provides some very welcome shade. Want more privacy? Walk along the coastal path and discover the secret beach just behind the chateau.

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

This small pebble cove will charm you with its view of the Iles de Lérins.

Nestled 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 the erosion of lava flows over millions of years. Go down the stone steps to discover a beautiful cove with heavenly waters. Don’t forget your mask and your snorkel, you won’t be disappointed by the beauty of the seabed! An underwater route along the Pointe de l’Aiguille beach is accessible from mid-June to mid-September.

PLAGE DES ANGLAIS IN AGAY

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

Give yourself up to the charm of the Plage des Anglais, also known as the Calanque des Anglais. Here there’s no sand, but red pebbles that give this beautiful beach on the Côte d’Azur its exceptional charm! This beach – with a pontoon your children will love diving from – is made up of three other charming small coves that you can reach on foot.

Plage des Anglais

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PLAGE DE PAMPELONNE IN RAMATUELLE

Without doubt, this is one of the most iconic beaches on the Côte d’Azur!

A few minutes from Saint-Tropez, nearly 5 kilometres of fine sand with crystal clear waters await. Pampelonne is the most famous beach on the Saint-Tropez peninsula and the Côte d’Azur. It is divided into 5 areas: Les Moulins, Les Tamaris, Patch, Les Barraques and Bonne Terrasse. In each of these areas, you can find parking (paying in the summer). Many private beaches and restaurants line the beach with jet-ski rental available to enjoy the beauty of Pampelonne from the Mediterranean. Did you know? Scenes from the legendary movie « …And God created Woman » starring Brigitte Bardot were shot on this Côte d’Azur beach!

PLAGE DE CAVALIERE IN LAVANDOU

A beach on the Côte d’Azur that will appeal to families and sports enthusiasts alike!

Le Lavandou has every right to its nickname of « twelve sands resort » since twelve sandy beaches run along the coastline from the city centre to Pramousquier. Among these magnificent beaches that make Lavandou and the Côte d’Azur famous, discover the white sandy beach of La Cavalière. Surrounded by pine trees, you’re sure to fall in love with its natural beauty. There are plenty of activities on offer too: sailing, jet-skiing and even pedalos – which are ideal with children. Tip: in summer the Petit Train des Plages serves all the Le Lavandou beaches.

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PLAGE DE L’ESTAGNOL IN BORMES LES MIMOSAS

A Polynesian feel on this Côte d’Azur beach! A real change of scenery!

In Bormes-Les-Mimosas, Plage de l’Estagnol is also known by its nickname of « Provençal Tahiti ». Arriving on this Côte d’Azur beach, you will fall for the charm of its lagoon with turquoise waters reminiscent of French Polynesia. This almost 500-meter long beach, 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 swimming.

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL

BEACHES ON THE CÔTE D’AZUR

By Côte d’Azur France Ambassadors

Residents and visitors to the Côte d’Azur, discover the selection of places, recommendations and favourites of the Côte d’Azur France community of ambassadors.