Discover the Best Beaches in the South of France
The South of France is renowned for its glamorous private beaches and exclusive beach clubs, but it also offers a variety of public beaches with stunning natural scenery. From the Côte d'Azur to the Languedoc-Roussillon coastline and the Atlantic Coast of the Basque Country, there's a beach for every taste.
While Biarritz, Saint-Tropez, Cannes, and Nice are known for their glitzy beach clubs, places like Antibes and the Île de Porquerolles offer expansive sandy shorelines and unspoiled landscapes. Whether you're looking for a summer beach vacation or a seaside day trip, the South of France has a wealth of coastal treasures.
1. Beaches of Biarritz
Biarritz, in the Basque country, is a white-sand paradise on the Atlantic Coast, drawing surfers and sunbathers alike. The city boasts elegant amenities and historic hotels like the Hôtel du Palais. The central Grande Plage and the picturesque Plage du Miramar are among the top beaches, offering rentals and fine dining options.
Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Biarritz
2. Beaches of Saint-Tropez
Saint-Tropez, once a humble fishing port, is now a symbol of French Riviera luxury. The famous Plage de Pampelonne and the more relaxed La Bouillabaisse Plage offer fine sand and turquoise waters, with private beach clubs like the iconic Club 55.
3. Beaches of Antibes
Antibes is home to a variety of beaches, from the sandy stretches of the Cap d'Antibes peninsula to the lively shores of Juan-les-Pins. The area is known for its luxury accommodations like the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc.
4. Cannes Beaches
Cannes is famous for its private beach clubs and public beaches like Plage Macé and Plage Zamenhof. The city offers a mix of glamour and accessible beach experiences along the Boulevard de la Croisette.
5. Plage de la Paloma
Hidden in a cove on the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, Plage de la Paloma is a secluded beach with lush surroundings and views of Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Eze.
6. Île de Porquerolles
The tranquil Île de Porquerolles, part of a national park, is a short ferry ride from Hyères and offers peaceful beaches with Caribbean-like sands and waters.
7. Plage de l'Espiguette
In Languedoc-Roussillon, the Plage de l'Espiguette is a nature reserve with sprawling sand dunes and a serene atmosphere.
8. Saint-Jean de Luz
Saint-Jean de Luz is a family-friendly Basque resort with calm, sheltered beaches and a charming historic town.
9. Beaches of Nice
Nice offers a blend of beach luxury and cultural attractions, with public and private beaches along the Promenade des Anglais.
10. Argelès-sur-Mer
Argelès-sur-Mer features a long sandy beach with amenities and water sports, set against the backdrop of the Pyrenees.
11. Narbonne Plage
Narbonne Plage offers a sunny, sandy shoreline with volleyball courts and a promenade, near the historic town of Narbonne.
12. Beaches of Palavas-les-Flots
Palavas-les-Flots is a barrier island with sandy beaches and luxury accommodations like the Plage Palace.
13. Plage des Marinières in Villefranche-sur-Mer
The Plage des Marinières is a family-friendly beach near the village of Villefranche-sur-Mer, offering sand and pebbles with calm waters.
14. Beaches of Menton
Menton, near Italy, has a variety of well-maintained beaches, both public and private, with calm waters for safe swimming.
For more beach destinations in France and Spain, visit tripates.com for a comprehensive guide to the best coastal spots.
