Golden Sands, Turquoise Waters & Hidden Coves: 10 South of France Beaches So Stunning You’ll Want to Book a Trip Now

These stunning beaches in the South of France are perfect for your French vacation list this summer.

Now that winter is firmly behind us and spring has poked its head out, I can’t help dreaming of lying on the beach reading a book, enjoying long summer days, and soaking up the sun. I can’t wait to shake off the winter blues and get ready for some good weather. Summer in France is all about the outdoor lifestyle, and that includes the beach.

The south of France beaches are some of the best in the world, and it’s hard to know which ones to add to your list. It all comes down to priorities. Are you someone who gets up early to bag the best sunbed on the beach? Are you into water sports? Or do you prefer walking along the beach, taking it all in?

Whatever your preference, the south of France has a beach for you, especially around the gorgeous French Riviera region. The question is, which one will you choose? Well, I’m here to make your life a little easier as I’ve visited a lot, and I mean a lot of these beaches, so I’ve put together a list of my favorites to help you make a choice.

Which South of France Beach Is Perfect For You?

To help you decide which beach to go to or add to your South of France vacation list, I’ve created a fun quiz to help you decide your Beach Personality. Once you know, just look at the title of each beach to see if your personality is listed. It’s quick, easy and fun.

Plage de Pampelonne, Saint-Tropez

Best for: 🌞 The Sun Seeker & 🍹 The Comfort Lover

Location:

Plage de Pampelonne is just south of Saint-Tropez, in the Ramatuelle area. This legendary 5-kilometer stretch put Saint-Tropez on the map as a jet-set hotspot in the 1950s.

Access:

Despite its exclusive reputation, Pampelonne is surprisingly accessible. There are several public entrances along the beach, as well as private beach clubs with valet service. Parking is available, but it fills up quickly in summer.

Facilities:

If you love a beach with everything at your fingertips, Pampelonne is ideal. Expect trendy beach clubs, sun loungers, cocktail bars, and gourmet restaurants right on the sand. Some of the most famous clubs include Le Club 55 and Bagatelle Beach. Showers and toilets are available in designated areas.

Sand & Water:

Golden, soft, and luxurious underfoot, Pampelonne’s sand is as good as it gets. The water is crystal clear, with a gentle gradient, making it great for a refreshing swim or a lazy float.

Why go? If you want to channel your inner Brigitte Bardot, sip rosé on a sunbed, and soak up the glamorous Riviera vibe, this is your beach.

Plage des Sablettes, Menton

Best for: 🚶‍♀️ The Coastal Wanderer & 🍹 The Comfort Lover

Location:

Plage des Sablettes sits at the foot of Menton’s colorful old town, just before the Italian border. The pastel-hued buildings lining the shore make this one of the most Instagrammable beaches on the Côte d’Azur.

Access:

Easily accessible by foot from the historic center of Menton. There’s a large promenade right behind the beach, making it a breeze to reach. If you’re coming by car, there’s parking nearby, but it can be tricky to find a spot in summer, so get there early or park further away and walk in to save frustration.

Facilities:

Perfect for those who like a bit of everything, the beach is lined with casual cafés, gelato stands, and waterfront restaurants serving everything from fresh seafood to Italian pizza. There are also public showers, restrooms, and sunbed rentals for those who prefer a touch of comfort.

Sand & Water:

Unlike many Riviera beaches, Plage des Sablettes isn’t pebbly—it has a mix of soft golden sand and small fine pebbles, making it comfortable for sunbathing. The calm, shallow waters are ideal for a relaxing swim or just dipping your toes in while strolling along the shore.

Why go? If you love a beach with beautiful scenery, calm waters, and plenty of cafés just steps away, Plage des Sablettes offers the best of French-Italian Riviera charm in one spot.

Plage de la Garoupe, Cap d’Antibes

Best for: 🌞 The Sun Seeker & 🚶‍♀️ The Coastal Wanderer

Location:

Tucked away on the eastern side of the Cap d’Antibes peninsula, Plage de la Garoupe is a small but stunning beach that once attracted the likes of Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Access:

It’s a little more exclusive than other beaches, but still reachable. A coastal walking path leads to the beach, making it perfect for those who love a scenic stroll before taking a dip. Limited parking is available, so I’d suggest leaving the car at your hotel or catching the train or taking a bus.

Facilities:

Plage de la Garoupe has both private beach clubs and a small public area. In the off-season, the private clubs disappear, and the entire beach is open to the public. During the summer, you’ll find sunbeds, beachside restaurants, and some of the best seafood spots in the region. Public showers and restrooms are also available.

Sand & Water:

This beach is known for its fine white sand, a rarity on the Riviera. The clear, shallow waters are ideal for swimming, and the surrounding rocky outcrops provide great snorkeling spots.

Why go? If you’re after a laid-back, Riviera-style beach day with a touch of old-school glamour, Plage de la Garoupe delivers stunning views, clear waters, and a lovely coastal vibe.

Plage de la Marinière, Villefranche-sur-Mer

Best for: 🚶‍♀️ The Coastal Wanderer & 🍹 The Comfort Lover

Location:

Nestled in the deep natural bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer, just a short hop from Nice, this beach offers one of the most scenic seaside settings on the French Riviera, with yachts bobbing in the distance and pastel-colored houses cascading down the hills.

Access:

One of the most accessible beaches on the Côte d’Azur, just a five-minute walk from the Villefranche-sur-Mer train station. This makes it ideal for a hassle-free beach day, even if you don’t have a car.

Facilities:

Plage de la Marinière has a mix of public and private sections, with sunbeds, restaurants, and casual beach bars serving everything from fresh seafood to chilled rosé. It also has showers, restrooms, and calm, shallow waters, making it a family-friendly choice.

Sand & Water:

The beach is covered in small, smooth pebbles with patches of sand, so it’s comfortable to walk on and great for sunbathing. The crystal-clear, turquoise water is calm and warm, making it ideal for swimming and paddleboarding.

Why go? If you want a low-effort, high-reward beach day with stunning views, easy access, and plenty of dining options, Plage de la Marinière is the perfect Riviera escape.

Paloma Beach, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Best for: 🚶‍♀️ The Coastal Wanderer, & 🌊 The Water Adventurer

Location:

Tucked into a secluded cove on the eastern side of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Paloma Beach offers a hidden, exclusive feel with panoramic views across the Mediterranean and toward the cliffs of Eze. It’s named after Paloma Picasso, as her family used to frequent the area.

Access:

A short walk down a scenic coastal path leads to the beach, making it perfect for those who love a bit of adventure before relaxing by the water. Parking is limited, so many visitors arrive by foot, bike, or even by boat.

Facilities:

There’s a small but chic private beach club with sun loungers, beachside dining, and bar service. The public section is smaller but still stunningly beautiful. No public showers, but there are nearby restrooms.

Sand & Water:

The beach is a mix of fine pebbles and soft sand, making it comfortable for sunbathing but also perfect for snorkeling and paddleboarding. The water is clear, calm, and an incredible blue-green shade, with plenty of underwater rock formations that attract marine life.

Why go? Paloma Beach is the ultimate secret paradise if you love secluded beauty, clear waters for exploring, and a touch of Riviera exclusivity.

Plage de l’Espiguette, Le Grau-du-Roi

Best for: 🚶‍♀️ The Coastal Wanderer & 🌊 The Water Adventurer

Location:

Located in the Camargue region, near Le Grau-du-Roi, Plage de l’Espiguette is a completely wild, untouched beach that stretches for over 10 kilometers. It’s a world away from the glitzy Riviera, offering vast sand dunes and a true sense of escape.

Access:

Unlike most beaches in the South of France, Espiguette requires a bit of effort to reach. There’s a long drive through the Camargue, followed by a walk through the dunes, but the reward is a peaceful, unspoiled landscape with no crowds. Parking is available, though it’s a bit of a trek to the water.

Facilities:

This is a wild beach, so don’t expect beach clubs or cafés. There are no sunbeds, no restaurants, and no amenities, making it perfect for those who love a back-to-nature experience. Bring your own picnic, water, and shade.

Sand & Water:

The fine white sand dunes here are some of the largest in France, giving the beach a desert-like feel. The water is shallow, making it great for swimming and kitesurfing, as the area is famous for strong coastal winds.

Why go? If you want a wild, untouched paradise, love long walks on an endless stretch of sand, or are looking for one of the best kitesurfing spots in France, Plage de l’Espiguette is your ultimate adventure beach.

Calanque d’En-Vau, Cassis

Best for: 🚶‍♀️ The Coastal Wanderer & 🌊 The Water Adventurer

Location:

Hidden within the Calanques National Park, between Marseille and Cassis, Calanque d’En-Vau is a dramatic fjord-like inlet with towering limestone cliffs and unbelievably clear, turquoise waters. It’s one of the most breathtaking beaches in the South of France.

Access:

Getting here is an adventure in itself! You have two options:

• By foot: A challenging 1.5-hour hike from Cassis, winding through rocky terrain with incredible views.
• By boat or kayak: A more relaxing way to arrive, with rentals available from Cassis and La Ciotat. I did this and it’s an experience I’ll never forget. It was so peaceful and stunningly beautiful.

Facilities:

Absolutely none. This is a completely wild beach, so bring everything you need (water, snacks, and good shoes if you’re hiking).

Sand & Water:

There’s no soft sand here, just small, smooth pebbles, but you won’t care once you see the crystal-clear, deep blue-green water. It’s perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, and cliffside sunbathing.

Why go? If you love adventure and stunning natural beauty and don’t mind a bit of effort to reach paradise, Calanque d’En-Vau is an unmissable gem. This is the place for explorers, not sunbathers.

Plage de la Mala, Cap d’Ail

Best for: 🌞 The Sun Seeker, 🚶‍♀️ The Coastal Wanderer, & 🌊 The Water Adventurer

Location:

Tucked beneath steep cliffs in Cap d’Ail, just west of Monaco, Plage de la Mala is a hidden paradise with a secluded feel. Surrounded by lush greenery and rocky headlands, it has a private, exclusive vibe, even though it’s open to everyone.

Access:

Getting here is part of the experience. You’ll need to walk down a long set of stairs or take the scenic Sentier du Littoral coastal path, which offers stunning sea views. There’s no direct parking, so be prepared for a little trek.

Facilities:

A mix of public and private areas, with two chic beach clubs (Eden Plage Mala and La Réserve de la Mala) with sun loungers, cocktails, and fresh seafood. Public restrooms and showers are available, but there’s no easy access to shops, so bring anything extra you need.

Sand & Water:

A mix of golden sand and fine pebbles, making it softer than most Riviera beaches. The crystal-clear, calm water is perfect for swimming and snorkeling, with plenty of rock formations to explore just offshore.

Why go? If you want a hidden beach with a luxe atmosphere, love a scenic walk before a dip, and enjoy tranquil, turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling, Plage de la Mala is a must-visit retreat.

Plage de l’Almanarre, Hyères

Best for: 🌊 The Water Adventurer & 🚶‍♀️ The Coastal Wanderer

Location:

Located on the Giens Peninsula, just outside Hyères, Plage de l’Almanarre stretches for 5 kilometers, making it one of the longest beaches on the French Riviera. It’s part of a protected nature reserve, with a wild, unspoiled feel and stunning views of the Îles d’Hyères.

Access:

Easily accessible by car or bike, with several parking areas along the coastal road. If you’re coming from Hyères, it’s a short drive or a scenic 15-minute cycle ride.

Facilities:

This is a mostly natural beach, so facilities are limited, but you’ll find a few small snack bars and food trucks nearby. There are no sunbeds or beach clubs, but lifeguards are present in peak season.

Sand & Water:

The sand is fine and golden, and the shallow, crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming. However, strong winds often create waves, making it a top spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Why go? If you love wide, open beaches with plenty of space, enjoy water sports or simply want to walk along the shore with the wind in your hair, Plage de l’Almanarre is a dream destination.

Plage de l’Estagnol, Bormes-les-Mimosas

Best for: 🌞 The Sun Seeker & 🍹 The Comfort Lover

Location:

Nestled in a hidden cove near Bormes-les-Mimosas, Plage de l’Estagnol is a little slice of paradise on the Var coastline. It’s known for its calm, shallow waters and pine tree backdrop, giving it a tropical, almost Caribbean feel.

Access:

The beach is located inside a private estate, so there’s a small entry fee (around €12 per car), but this keeps it less crowded than other beaches in peak season. There’s plenty of parking just a short walk from the shore.

Facilities:

Perfect for those who like a bit of convenience with their beach day. There are two beachfront restaurants serving fresh seafood and Provençal dishes, as well as toilets, showers, and picnic areas. No sunbeds or rentals, so bring your own beach gear.

Sand & Water:

The sand here is incredibly soft and powdery, making it one of the most comfortable beaches to relax on. The shallow, crystal-clear water extends far out, making it perfect for families, casual swimmers, and floating in the sun.

Why go? If you want a peaceful, picture-perfect beach with soft sand, warm waters, and a relaxed atmosphere, Plage de l’Estagnol is the ideal spot to unwind.

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