Best Beaches in France in May
We rank the 6 beaches to visit in France in May. En-Vau Calanque (France) comes first with 4.8 / 5, followed by Saleccia, La Courtade Beach.
The sea reaches about 22 degrees C in season, and most of these beaches are at their best from May to September. 1 of the 6 have easy access, and 4 are hidden gems.
1En-Vau Calanque
Cassis, Provence, France · 4.8 / 5 · Challenging access · about 22 °CA small pebble beach at the head of a narrow inlet between white limestone cliffs, with clear turquoise water, in the Calanques National Park near Cassis.
2Saleccia
Agriates, Corsica, France · 4.8 / 5 · Moderate access · about 23 °CA long white-sand beach with shallow turquoise water on the wild Agriates coast of Corsica, far from the nearest road.
3La Courtade Beach
Porquerolles Island · 4.7 / 5 · Moderate access · about 21 °CA long sandy bay on the car-free island of Porquerolles, with very clear turquoise water and woodland behind the beach.
4Calanque de Sugiton
Marseille, Calanques, France · 4.6 / 5 · Challenging access · about 20 °CA small rocky cove set between limestone cliffs in the Calanques National Park, reached on foot from Marseille.
5Brouis Beach
La Croix-Valmer, French Riviera · 4.4 / 5 · Moderate access · about 21 °CA small sandy cove on the coast of La Croix-Valmer, with pine-covered hills behind and open blue water in front.
6Plage de la Croisette
Cannes, French Riviera · 4.2 / 5 · Easy access · about 23 °CThe sandy beaches along the famous Boulevard de la Croisette in Cannes, a mix of private beach clubs and free public sections.
Quick comparison
| # | Beach | Country | Score | Water | Best season | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | En-Vau Calanque | France | 4.8 | 22 °C | May–September | Challenging |
| 2 | Saleccia | France | 4.8 | 23 °C | May–October | Moderate |
| 3 | La Courtade Beach | France | 4.7 | 21 °C | May–September | Moderate |
| 4 | Calanque de Sugiton | France | 4.6 | 20 °C | May–September | Challenging |
| 5 | Brouis Beach | France | 4.4 | 21 °C | May–September | Moderate |
| 6 | Plage de la Croisette | France | 4.2 | 23 °C | May–September | Easy |
How we picked these beaches
Included when the beach usual swimming season covers the month, then ranked by editorial score. See how we rate beaches for the full method.
Frequently asked questions
Which are the top-rated beaches to visit in France in May?
Our top three are En-Vau Calanque (4.8 out of 5), Saleccia (4.8 out of 5), La Courtade Beach (4.7 out of 5). Scores are editorial ratings from the EuroShores team.
When is the best time to visit these beaches?
Most are at their best from May to September. Water temperatures average about 22 degrees C in season. Each beach page lists its exact season.
Which of these beaches are easiest to reach?
Plage de la Croisette have easy access. The others need a walk, stairs or a rougher road, so check the access note on each page.
More lists
- Best Beaches in France in June
- Best Beaches in France in July
- Best Beaches with Sunbeds in France
- Unspoiled Beaches Without Sunbeds in France
- Best Beaches with Free Parking in France
- Best Sandy Beaches in France
- Best Pebble Beaches in France
- Best Family Beaches in France
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