Irresistible and captivating, the French Riviera admirably lives up to its name: it pulsates with the rhythm of its tourists, its peak seasons, and its indescribably charming towns. Furthermore, its translucent waters and indescribably charming beaches attract millions of tourists every year; whether you’re on holiday or just passing through, you’ll surely want to swim at one of the French Riviera’s beaches, but which one to choose?
In this blog post, discover the most beautiful beaches on the French Riviera and see what the French Riviera has in store for your next stay by the Mediterranean Sea!
What Criteria for Choosing the Best Beach?
While the French Riviera has no officially defined boundary, it is generally said to extend from the town of Cassis to Menton; in fact, the choice can seem vast, as the towns that make up the Riviera are so beautiful and unique… That being said, remember that to choose the best beach for you, you must first consider several factors: do you have a vehicle or not? Are you traveling with family, alone, or with friends? What type of beach do you prefer? etc.
All these questions will help you carefully choose the best beach for you, as well as the best accommodation to suit your needs!
Top Family-Friendly Beaches on the French Riviera
Do you want to experience the relaxed atmosphere of the French Riviera with your family? The region has many beaches with all the necessary facilities to welcome children and allow them to enjoy unforgettable holidays.
Thus, several choices are available to you:
- The beaches of Fréjus: as one of the largest seaside resorts in the Mediterranean with over 50,000 inhabitants, Fréjus has many beaches designed so that children will find happiness and safety there; among the different beaches of Fréjus, we recommend visiting Fréjus Plage, which stretches for one kilometer along Boulevard d’Alger and Boulevard de la Libération. Close to the city center, it consists of several public and private beaches and offers a beautiful view of the port of Saint-Raphaël; if you prefer a more natural and preserved beach, head to Saint-Aygulf Beach, one of the largest beaches in the Estérel French Riviera territory with its approximately 800m length. The latter is also a renowned spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing, perfect if you want to introduce your little ones to these sports!
- Family-friendly beaches of Saint-Raphaël : adjacent to Fréjus, Saint-Raphaël is not to be outdone and offers a multitude of beaches that will suit the whole family, such as Arène Grosse beach, a calm beach next to the port of Boulouris which offers shady spots and greenery; Agay beach is also interesting for families, particularly due to its incredible view of the Estérel massif that overlooks it; finally, the Baumette beach is a magnificent, less crowded sandy beach which is ideal for families seeking tranquility.
- The beaches of Cannes: no less than 13 public beaches and 33 private beaches, available to holidaymakers.
Secret Coves and Inlets on the French Riviera
Many beaches on the French Riviera feature unique characteristics such as coves or calanques; furthermore, some of them are kept secret by locals, here are a few that will allow you to combine originality and peaceful relaxation:
- Pointe de l’Aiguille Beach in Théoule-sur-Mer: This small pebble cove with turquoise water is located in the heart of the Pointe de l’Aiguille Natural Park and is the result of lava flow erosion that occurred a few million years ago! By descending stone steps, you will reach a magnificent spot, where it’s possible to snorkel to discover the beauty of the cove’s seabed!
- Lérins Islands Beaches in Cannes: a few minutes by boat from the center of Cannes, the Lérins Islands offer tranquility and serenity, far from the urban hustle and bustle of Cannes; on both Sainte-Marguerite Island and Saint-Honorat Island, you will find the perfect beach in a preserved setting, amidst secret coves, pine forests, and clear waters. Most of the islands’ beaches are made of pebbles, flat rocks, and gravel coves, perfect for laying down your towel in peace!
- Mala Beach near Cap d’Ail: surrounded by high white cliffs, this beach is only accessible on foot, which contributes to its tranquility and secret feel. Although tourists are becoming more present year after year, this beach remains one of the most preserved gems of the French Riviera, with its mix of fine sand and small round pebbles, its enchanting sunrises, and its high-end restaurants (like Eden Plage Mala, for the foodies).
- Château Beach in Mandelieu: this beautiful public sandy beach is located between the marina and the Château de la Napoule, in Mandelieu. Its authentic setting with the castle ramparts as a backdrop, and a breathtaking view of the Lérins Islands and the Red Rocks of Estérel, make your moment of relaxation truly unique; furthermore, the more adventurous can explore the coastal path, or even go snorkeling!
Beaches Accessible by Public Transport
If you’re going on holiday to the French Riviera but don’t have a vehicle, a plethora of beaches remain accessible by public transport, or even on foot! For example, Passable Beach in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, a magnificent beach offering a breathtaking view of the Villefranche-sur-Mer bay, is accessible from the center of the town of the same name on foot or by public transport; another easily accessible beach: Plage de la Réserve in Nice. The latter offers a pebble beach in a discreet and authentic cove, popular with locals from Nice seeking tranquility, ideal if you plan to spend relaxing holidays!
As you will have understood, if you wish to discover beaches accessible by public transport, we strongly recommend choosing your destination carefully and gathering information before your arrival.
Services and Facilities to Know About
Most beaches on the French Riviera are popular due to their facilities and nearby services; indeed, they offer water and underwater activities that will allow you to discover the sea in its entirety, areas for various beach activities, and quiet spots where you can sunbathe. Also, most beaches are supervised due to the high influx of tourists in summer, and the beaches of the French Riviera are accessible to all. However, inquire beforehand about the beaches you wish to visit to ensure they have everything you need for a peaceful day in the sun.
Discover the most Beautiful Beaches on the French Riviera
With all the tips and beaches we’ve shared with you, all that’s left is to organize your next stay and find the ideal accommodation that will easily meet your needs on the French Riviera! To do this, visit Immosol to find the ideal place to stay for your holidays!