It is time to hit the road and head for the south of France, towards the Côte d’Azur! The southern Mediterranean coastline is the best area to enjoy the great diversity of the beaches of the Côte d’Azur. With its coves, fine sand and pebbles beaches, turquoise water, beach restaurants, and private beaches called paillotes, the coast has a lot to offer.

Welcome to France’s sunniest region, ideal for holidays with the whole family, where we can combine relaxation, discovery, and nature while enjoying the best beaches on Cote d’Azur.  Also called the PACA region, the Provence Côte d’Azur offers great diversity with its three departments that have a maritime facade with the Mediterranean Sea.

The beaches on the Côte d’Azur are very touristy during the summer season, with the beaches of the Var being the most popular. On the western side, you will find the beaches of the Bouches du Rhône, offering a great diversity of landscape between the creeks located around Marseille, the Camargue to the west of the department and the “Côte Bleue”.

 

Best Sandy Beaches

On the eastern part of the region, the beaches of the Alpes Maritimes are an alternation of sandy beaches and pebble beaches. The coastline is full of heavenly beaches, and there is something for everyone on the Côte d’Azur coastline.

From the small deserted coves to long sandy spots and pebbles beaches. Lovers of the Mediterranean Sea, if you are looking for amazing and unique beaches of the South of France, this article is for you.It is time to pack your swimsuit and towel, and go chill and relax on the best beaches of soft sand beaches of the Côte d’Azur.

 

La Baumette in Agay

Are you looking for a sandy beach surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes? Welcome to the 200m long beach of La Baumette beach in Agay, part of Saint-Raphael. It is also the ideal beach for romantic walks, and to contemplate the famous red rocks of the Esterel and the unique and typical vegetation of the Mediterranean basin.

 

Portissol Beach in Sanary-sur-Mer

Let’s go now to Sanary-sur-Mer where the small beach of Portissol is waiting for you. It is located at the bottom of a bay with its fine sand and crystal-clear water. It’s the perfect choice if you’re looking for some of the best beaches on the Côte d’Azur for the little ones, thanks to its shallow waters.

the best côte d'Azur beaches and places plage portissol

 

Pampelonne Beach

The famous Pampelonne in here is undoubtedly one of the most famous beaches of the Côte d’Azur! About 5km of sandy beach are waiting for you in the town of Ramatuelle, part of the Bay of Saint-Tropez. It is a beautiful beach dream, perfect for sunbathing, although it can get a little too busy during the summer.

 

Cap d’Antibes and the beach of La Garoupe

La Garoupe offers huge free parking for visitors, making it easily accessible with kids. In addition, this small beach will charm you with its transparent waters and its exceptional and green landscapes. Beautiful walks are always guaranteed around Cap d’Antibes!

the best côte d'azur beaches and places

 

The best Côte d’Azur rocky beaches 

If you prefer rocks and gravels beaches than fine sand, opt for the following selection of Mediterranean best rocky beaches.

 

Plage Mala

Without a doubt, Mala is one of the most beautiful beaches of the Côte d’Azur. The Mala beach meets all desires. Enjoy its magnificent cliffs and explore the seabed with your mask and snorkel but save some energy to climb up a hundred steps!

the best côte d'azur beaches and places

 

The beach of the Golfe Bleu in Cap-Martin

Let’s go now to one of the widest beaches of the Côte d’Azur: Golfe Bleu. You can relax and swim in its clear waters in peace. Far from the big cities and overpopulated beaches, this little treasure is the ideal place to disconnect in the calm.

the best côte d'azur beaches and places

 

The best of pebble beaches

Finally, for those who have a preference for pebble beaches, here is our special selection. Nestled in a natural park and in the middle of a green setting, these beach will charm you. Get down its beautiful stone steps to discover a beautiful beach with heavenly waters. You should not miss the following beaches if you are a snorkeler who wants to discover the Mediterranean seabed.

 

The beach of the Calanque En-Vau in Cassis

If you have a soul of an adventurer, then the “Calanque of En-Vau” is for you. Plan about an hour’s walk to access this beautiful beach with turquoise waters. But don’t worry, it’s definitely worth it! For those who do not like hiking, it is also possible to access the beach by boat.

the best côte d'azur beaches and places

 

“La Plage des Anglais” in AgayIn Agay

The beach called “La Plage des Anglais”, is by far one of the most beautiful beaches of the Côte d’Azur. Its pebbles and the reddish rocks of the Esterel will immerse you in a unique atmosphere Nestled between Nice and Monaco, Paloma beach is one of the small Mediterranean jewels. The ideal place for a peaceful swim in clean and crystal waters.

 

Private beaches and “Paillotes” of the Côte d’Azur

The region offers a large number of private beaches. From the family hut to the luxurious ones such as in the Pampelonne Bay, the choice is yours. By cons, we can regret a large number of these private structures in some destinations, leaving little room for public space, such as in Juan Les Pins. You will find the most private beaches on the Côte d’Azur with some world-known destinations such as Saint Tropez, Ramatuelle, Cannes, and Nice.

 

Unlike other regions, there are still hard structures serving as beach restaurants but you will also find many charming wooden structures. Ramatuelle is the trendiest destination with many establishments including the famous Pampelonne beach where every year the champagne flows directly on the beach. Its neighbors, St Tropez and La Croix Valmer, also attract the wealthy clientele of the Cote d’Azur. In the rest of the department, the atmosphere is more family-oriented with classic private beaches as can be found in other French regions.