11 Best Beaches in the South of France for Sunshine and Seaside Charm

Best for postcard-perfect views

Menton is exceptional in many ways. For one, it marks the beginning of France, sitting right on the Italian border. It’s also renowned for its centuries-old lemon production, a tradition dating back to the 15th century. And it’s home to Sablettes Beach, among the most beautiful in the South of France. Here, you can swim at the foot of Menton’s photogenic Old Town, where colorful houses climb the hillside, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Southern Alps.

It’s a pebble beach with trademark cyan waters, impeccably clean and incredibly scenic. It’s also family-friendly, with shallow water access and a playground nearby. Plus, its close proximity to the city center means you can easily unwind at a bar or savor Provençal cuisine with a beautiful view.

Best for easygoing Riviera leisure

Get the ultimate Riviera feel at Carnolès. The best beach in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin boasts crystal-clear waters, a pebbled shoreline and killer views of the Cape Martin headland. It’s that postcard-worthy vista everyone craves in the South of France. Never too busy, Carnolès is ideal for all-day lounging and sunbathing. There’s a train station steps away and a bus stop with frequent connections to Menton, Nice and Monaco. Lifeguards keep everyone safe and there’s a water sports facility with catamarans, kayaks and sailing boats for rental.

Best for scenic swimming 

I’m not going to lie—I gasped with astonishment when seeing Plage des Marinieres for the first time. Set in the picturesque bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer, it’s a long crescent-shaped strip with unbelievable blue water. The beach is made of tiny pebbles, so it’s more comfortable on your feet than other French Riviera stretches. And you’ll definitely feel an urge to snap many pics here. Rail tracks above the beach give it a photogenic appearance. The tall mountains towering over and the boats in the distance make it seem like a painting come to life. It’s a top spot to try paddleboarding or kayaking and see the pretty town of Villefranche-sur-Mer from the water. Or to just take an inspired dip surrounded by the photogenic beauty. Marinieres is located right under the train station, so access is easy, too.

Best urban beach in the South of France

City beaches are rarely as stunning as Les Ponchettes in Nice. France’s fifth-biggest city is proud to have a superb public stretch with azure waters, plenty of space and an easygoing vibe. Right under the Old Town and the Colline de Château, it’s the go-to spot for locals and visitors, perfect for swimming, lounging and sunset watching. Ponchettes is a stone beach, so don’t forget the swimming shoes to enjoy it more. Also, it’s not remote or hidden—its central location means the whole city is watching. If you prefer a more secluded beach experience, explore other spots on this list. Don’t forget to take an Art-Deco elevator to the top of Colline de Château for the best vantage point of the city.

Best for high-end beach fun and city vistas

We can’t talk about the Côte d’Azur without mentioning Monaco. This glamorous city-state is a must-visit for anyone exploring the region. And what better way to unwind after strolling its elegant streets than by soaking in the welcoming blue waters of the Mediterranean? Larvotto, Monaco’s only beach, is an experience you can’t miss. With skyscrapers and trendy restaurants lining the shore, it feels more like Miami or Dubai—a stark contrast to the wilder beaches along the coast. Yet, the tiny pebbles and turquoise waters ensure it’s still a quintessential Mediterranean escape. Come to Larvotto if you want to combine swimming with exclusive dining and cocktails. After all, if you’re going to splurge, there’s no better place than Monaco.

Best sandy beach in the South of France

If soft sand is what you’re after, Plage du Midi is one of the best choices in the South of France. Located outside the red carpet bustle of Croisette Boulevard, it’s the top family-friendly stretch in the French Riviera. Soft sands make it comfortable for kids to play around, wade in shallow water and build castles. Plus, it’s less crowded than the central Croisette Beach, making for a more relaxed, hassle-free experience. Public toilets and showers add extra convenience. For something different, take a boat ride (starting from Cannes port) to the idyllic Lérins Islands. A journey to Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat is a great family day trip where you’ll find charming small coves for bathing.

Best for scenic dips next to the historic center

There’s something special about the beaches that overlook historic towns. This tiny stretch of sand offers a spectacular view of Antibes’ walled city center, making it one of the most charming beaches on the French Riviera. Surrounded by the fortress walls and steps away from the bustling center of Antibes, it’s a beautiful retreat. Public showers and toilets, cleverly built into the ramparts, add to its convenience. Unlike many Riviera beaches, Gravette is fully public and free of beach bars, creating a more laid-back atmosphere. Don’t miss the Marché provençal in Antibes—a covered traditional market where local farmers sell their fresh produce.

Best for dramatic views and secluded vibes

Located halfway between Monaco and Nice, La Mala is a hidden gem. It’s a secluded pebbly stretch overlooking dramatic cliffs. Although close to the Cap d’Ail train station, you’ll have to walk down the stairs to reach it. This little hike only adds to the secret allure of this place. Another way to get to this heavenly stretch is by following the seaside promenade, which starts at Marquet Beach near the border with Monaco. La Mala has two upscale beach bars and restaurants, with parasols and loungers for a luxurious seaside experience. If you’d rather not spend money, the public section of the beach is just as enjoyable, with gorgeous views and clear waters. Just be sure to bring swimming shoes for the pebbly surface.

Best for untouched Mediterranean beauty and transparent waters

Escape it all and head to Porquerolles, the largest of the Hyères Islands, nestled between Toulon and Le Lavandou. With pristine Mediterranean landscapes and long, sandy beaches, it’s a true paradise. If you visit just one beach, make it Plage Notre Dame. Accessible only by bike or boat (as cars are not allowed on the island), this breathtaking stretch of sand feels more like French Polynesia than mainland France—a place where you’ll forget you’re even in Europe. At this underrated European beach, you’ll find transparent turquoise waters and magnificent island vistas. The remoteness means you’ll have a semi-wild beachgoing experience with lush vegetation flanking the strip and no civilization around. It’s made of a mix of tiny pebbles and sand. Families will love the shallow waters and plenty of shaded spots in the pine forest.

Best for glamorous beach bar hangouts

Set on the Cap Ferrat peninsula, Plage Paloma is the go-to beach for celebrities on the French Riviera. Named after Pablo Picasso’s daughter—a nod to the artist’s six-month stay in Antibes—this exclusive spot has welcomed icons like Matisse, Churchill, Cocteau, Elton John and Sean Connery. Coming here, you understand why the wealthy and famous would hang out at this corner of the French Riviera. Paloma is a visually stunning sheltered cove with cyan waters and far-reaching views of the Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Èze coast. The pebbles ensure that the water is crystal-clear. Though the iconic jet-set beach bar, founded in 1948, takes up a large part of the shore, there’s also a public section for those looking to enjoy the beach for free. If you’re up for some adventure, a water sports center offers kayaks, jet skis and paddleboards for rent.

Best for windsurfing and family leisure 

Saint-Aygulf is where the wind blows a little stronger on the French Riviera. Located outside Fréjus, it’s a large, spacious sandy beach divided in three parts by the breakwaters. Colonies of palm trees close to the road give it a tropical feel. You can come without the swimming shoes as Saint-Aygulf offers fine, soft sands. This makes it the ultimate beach for families in the South of France. The sea access is very shallow thanks to breakwaters, so kids can enjoy playing around and wading in the water. When it comes to activities, Saint-Aygulf has it all, offering the full package. Exposure to strong winds creates the best kitesurfing, windsurfing and regular surfing conditions. You can also go parasailing, jet-skiing, kayaking and paddleboarding.