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.

SABLETTES BEACH IN MENTON

Just a stone’s throw from the Italian border, there’s an air of Dolce Vita about Plage des Sablettes!

An ideal Côte d’Azur beach for families! Between the Old Port and the Port de Garavan, alongside the old town, the 350-metre fine gravel Sablettes beach offers an exceptional panoramic view 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!

Follow the Côte d’Azur coastline and you’ll discover a blue jewel case. The Mala beach in Cap d’Ail is breathtaking, surrounded by cliffs that plunge into 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!

LA PETITE AFRIQUE BEACH AT BEAULIEU-SUR-MER

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

Sheltered by tall umbrella pines, La Petite Afrique is a haven of peace just outside Beaulieu-sur-Mer, on the way to 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.

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FAIR BEACH AT SAINT-JEAN-CAP-FERRAT

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

It’s like a well-kept secret. Lulled by the gentle lapping of the waves, the tranquil little cove of Passable offers a sumptuous view over the famous harbour of Villefranche-sur-Mer 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.

LA RESERVE BEACH IN NICE

One of Nice’s most emblematic beaches, 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 La Réserve beach on Boulevard Franck Pilatte. This emblematic Nice beach is a favourite with locals and regulars 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. You’ll have an unbeatable view of Nice and the Baie des Anges.

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LA GRAVETTE BEACH IN ANTIBES

One of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Antibes!

Situated between Old Antibes and the Port Vauban, discover this wide beach of fine sand protected by the magnificent stone ramparts that surround it. La Gravette beach is ideal for families, thanks to 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 several pay-and-display car parks nearby.

LA GAROUPE BEACH IN ANTIBES

One of 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 waters. 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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the beaches of midi in cannes

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

The Midi beaches 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 views of the Estérel massif and the Lérins islands.

These beaches combine public areas with numerous private beaches where you can relax. For sports fans, the famous “BoccaCabana” spot offers beach volleyball courts and training facilities overlooking the sea.

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

The Croisette beach in Cannes

Luxury and glamour in the heart of Cannes

A veritable symbol of Cannes glamour, the Croisette beach is a must for anyone wanting to sample the legendary atmosphere of the Côte d’Azur. Situated 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. The 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, a number of private beaches complete the offer, providing luxury, comfort and top-of-the-range services for an exclusive seaside experience.

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Beaches of the Îles de Lérins in Cannes

A little wild paradise opposite Cannes

Just a few minutes by boat from the centre of Cannes, the Lérins Islands offer an enchanted interlude away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The beaches on the islands of Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat are unspoilt, with 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 escape from Cannes.

In Mandelieu-La Napoule: Les Dauphins, Sable d’Or, Robinson, Fon Marina

Sporty, family-friendly beaches

These four beaches share a sporty, friendly character that makes them ideal destinations for active families. There are beach volleyball courts, large areas bordered by secure dykes and the “Les Voiles de Lérins” water sports centre. Longe-cote enthusiasts are also regular visitors to the area.

©Charm 1266ludovic Maisant|Ludovic Maisant

Château de la Napoule and Raguette in Mandelieu-La Napoule

The family beaches of Mandelieu-La Napoule

Bordering the Sentier du Littoral, the Château de La Napoule and Raguette beaches are particularly popular with families with children. Their shallow depths mean that younger children can splash around in complete peace for long stretches, without ever losing their footing. Early in the morning in summer, they also welcome paddle boarders and early morning swimmers in a still peaceful atmosphere.

La Rague in Mandelieu-La Napoule

The secret beach of Mandelieu-La Napoule

A real secret beach on the Côte d’Azur, La Rague marks the end of the coastal path and adjoins the port of the same name. Its setting is breathtaking: the Château d’Agecroft and the red rocks of the Estérel overlook it, while its pontoon offers a direct view of the Château de la Napoule and the Îles de Lérins. A beach for contemplation as much as leisure, it offers pétanque, volleyball and water sports from its pontoon, and is also a privileged access point for divers.

POINTE DE L’AIGUILLE BEACH IN THÉOULE-SUR-MER

This little pebble cove will charm you with its view of the Lérins Islands.

Nestling 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 on lava flows that took place several 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! An underwater discovery trail along the Pointe de l’Aiguille beach is open from mid-June to mid-September.

PLAGE DES ANGLAIS IN AGAY

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

Let yourself be seduced by the charm of Plage des Anglais, also known as 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 that you can reach on foot.

Calanque des Anglais

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PAMPELONNE BEACH IN RAMATUELLE

This is undoubtedly one of the most iconic beaches on the Côte d’Azur!

Just 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 IN LAVANDOU

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

Le Lavandou has lived up to 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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L’ESTAGNOL BEACH IN BORMES LES MIMOSAS

This beach on the Côte d’Azur has a Polynesian air about it! A change of scenery guaranteed!

Located in Bormes-les-Mimosas, Plage de l’Estagnol is also known as the “Tahiti of Provence”. 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 swimming.

TOP PLUS

BEAUTIFUL BEACHES ON THE CÔTE D’AZUR!

By Ambassadeurs Côte d’Azur France

If you’re a Côte d’Azur lover or enthusiast, this site regularly features a selection of the best places to go and the favourites of the Ambassadeurs Côte d’Azur France community.