Best Beaches in the French Riviera
11 hand-picked beaches in the French Riviera, ranked by our editors. Top pick: Plage des Marinieres, Villefranche (4.5 / 5).
Plage des Marinieres, Villefranche
Villefranche-sur-Mer, Cote d Azur · Pebble bay in a deep harbour beside Nice · 4.5 / 5
Brouis Beach
La Croix-Valmer, French Riviera · Pine-Backed Sandy Cove · 4.4 / 5
Plage de la Garoupe
Antibes, French Riviera · Sheltered bay on the Antibes headland · 4.4 / 5
Plage de la Croisette
Cannes, French Riviera · Palm-lined promenade and sandy beaches in Cannes · 4.2 / 5
Plage de la Salis
Antibes, French Riviera · Calm town beach in Antibes · 4.2 / 5
Plage des Sablettes, Menton
Menton, French Riviera · Pebble beach with a colourful old town behind · 4.2 / 5
Plage de Nice, Baie des Anges
Nice, French Riviera · Pebble city beach along the Bay of Angels · 4.2 / 5
Almanarre Beach, Hyeres
Almanarre, Hyeres, Var · Long wind-swept sand beach known for kitesurfing · 4.2 / 5
La Capte Beach, Hyeres
La Capte, Hyeres, Var · Calm shallow beach on the Giens peninsula · 4.2 / 5
Plage de la Gravette
Antibes, French Riviera · Town beach beside the old port of Antibes · 4.1 / 5
Plage de Cannes, La Croisette
Cannes, French Riviera · Fine-sand city beach along the Boulevard de la Croisette · 4.0 / 5About beaches in the French Riviera
The French Riviera has pebble beaches in Nice and Cannes, sandy bays near Saint-Tropez and rocky coves around Cap d'Ail. The water is clear and many beaches are served by private beach clubs.
When to go
June to September is the main season. July and August are busy and expensive, while June and September are warm with more space.
Getting around
Trains run along the coast, which is easier than driving in summer. Public beaches are free but small, and private sections charge for sunbeds.
Easiest beaches to reach
Plage des Marinieres, Villefranche, Plage de la Garoupe, Plage de la Croisette, Plage de la Salis.
Quieter hidden gems
Plage des Marinieres, Villefranche.
All beaches at a glance
- Plage des Marinieres, Villefranche: best June–September, water about 24 degrees C, access easy.
- Brouis Beach: best May–September, water about 21 degrees C, access moderate.
- Plage de la Garoupe: best June–September, water about 22 degrees C, access easy.
- Plage de la Croisette: best May–September, water about 23 degrees C, access easy.
- Plage de la Salis: best June–September, water about 23 degrees C, access easy.
- Plage des Sablettes, Menton: best June–September, water about 22 degrees C, access easy.
- Plage de Nice, Baie des Anges: best June–September, water about 24 degrees C, access easy.
- Almanarre Beach, Hyeres: best June–September, water about 24 degrees C, access easy.
- La Capte Beach, Hyeres: best June–September, water about 24 degrees C, access easy.
- Plage de la Gravette: best June–September, water about 23 degrees C, access easy.
- Plage de Cannes, La Croisette: best June–September, water about 25 degrees C, access easy.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit the beaches in the French Riviera?
June to September is the main season. July and August are busy and expensive, while June and September are warm with more space.
Which beaches in the French Riviera are easiest to reach?
The easiest access is at Plage des Marinieres, Villefranche, Plage de la Garoupe, Plage de la Croisette, Plage de la Salis. Check each beach page for parking and facilities.
Do I need a car for the beaches in the French Riviera?
Trains run along the coast, which is easier than driving in summer. Public beaches are free but small, and private sections charge for sunbeds.
Best-of lists for the French Riviera
Best Sandy Beaches in the French Riviera · Best Family Beaches in the French Riviera · Easiest Beaches to Reach in the French Riviera