Easiest Beaches to Reach in the French Riviera
We rank the 10 easy-access beaches in the French Riviera. Plage des Marinieres, Villefranche (France) comes first with 4.5 / 5, followed by Plage de la Garoupe, Almanarre Beach, Hyeres.
The sea reaches about 23 degrees C in season, and most of these beaches are at their best from June to September. 10 of the 10 have easy access, and 1 are hidden gems.
1Plage des Marinieres, Villefranche
Villefranche-sur-Mer, Cote d Azur · 4.5 / 5 · Easy access · about 24 °CPlage des Marinieres is a small pebble beach in the deep natural harbour of Villefranche-sur-Mer, between Nice and Monaco.
2Plage de la Garoupe
Antibes, French Riviera · 4.4 / 5 · Easy access · about 22 °CPlage de la Garoupe is a sheltered crescent of sand on the cape of Antibes, with calm clear water and a green backdrop of pines.
3Almanarre Beach, Hyeres
Almanarre, Hyeres, Var · 4.2 / 5 · Easy access · about 24 °CAlmanarre is a long, wind-swept beach of fine sand on the Giens peninsula near Hyeres, famous for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
4La Capte Beach, Hyeres
La Capte, Hyeres, Var · 4.2 / 5 · Easy access · about 24 °CLa Capte is a long beach of fine sand on the Giens peninsula near Hyeres, with pine trees behind and calm, shallow water.
5Plage 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.
6Plage de la Salis
Antibes, French Riviera · 4.2 / 5 · Easy access · about 23 °CA sheltered sandy beach at Antibes with calm, shallow water that suits families, and views across the bay.
7Plage de Nice, Baie des Anges
Nice, French Riviera · 4.2 / 5 · Easy access · about 24 °CThe beach of Nice is a long curve of smooth pebbles along the Bay of Angels, backed by the Promenade des Anglais.
8Plage des Sablettes, Menton
Menton, French Riviera · 4.2 / 5 · Easy access · about 22 °CPlage des Sablettes is the favourite beach of Menton, a short stretch of grey pebbles with calm water and the pastel houses of the old town rising behind.
9Plage de la Gravette
Antibes, French Riviera · 4.1 / 5 · Easy access · about 23 °CA small sandy beach right beside the old town and port of Antibes, with calm shallow water and a walk to the ramparts.
10Plage de Cannes, La Croisette
Cannes, French Riviera · 4.0 / 5 · Easy access · about 25 °CThe beaches of Cannes line the Boulevard de la Croisette, with fine imported sand, shallow clear water and private beach clubs.
Quick comparison
| # | Beach | Country | Score | Water | Best season | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Plage des Marinieres, Villefranche | France | 4.5 | 24 °C | June–September | Easy |
| 2 | Plage de la Garoupe | France | 4.4 | 22 °C | June–September | Easy |
| 3 | Almanarre Beach, Hyeres | France | 4.2 | 24 °C | June–September | Easy |
| 4 | La Capte Beach, Hyeres | France | 4.2 | 24 °C | June–September | Easy |
| 5 | Plage de la Croisette | France | 4.2 | 23 °C | May–September | Easy |
| 6 | Plage de la Salis | France | 4.2 | 23 °C | June–September | Easy |
| 7 | Plage de Nice, Baie des Anges | France | 4.2 | 24 °C | June–September | Easy |
| 8 | Plage des Sablettes, Menton | France | 4.2 | 22 °C | June–September | Easy |
| 9 | Plage de la Gravette | France | 4.1 | 23 °C | June–September | Easy |
| 10 | Plage de Cannes, La Croisette | France | 4.0 | 25 °C | June–September | Easy |
How we picked these beaches
Included when our access rating is Easy (a short, flat walk or direct road access), then ranked by editorial score. See how we rate beaches for the full method.
Frequently asked questions
Which are the top-rated easy-access beaches in the French Riviera?
Our top three are Plage des Marinieres, Villefranche (4.5 out of 5), Plage de la Garoupe (4.4 out of 5), Almanarre Beach, Hyeres (4.2 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 June to September. Water temperatures average about 23 degrees C in season. Each beach page lists its exact season.
Which of these beaches are easiest to reach?
Plage des Marinieres, Villefranche, Plage de la Garoupe, Almanarre Beach, Hyeres, La Capte Beach, Hyeres, Plage de la Croisette and 5 more have easy access. The others need a walk, stairs or a rougher road, so check the access note on each page.