A Guide to the Best Beaches on the French Riviera

If you’re after an ultra-luxe beach getaway and a truly memorable holiday, look no further than the beautiful French Riviera. And with its northernmost location on the coast, Monaco makes a great take off point to all the best spots in this famous destination.

The French Riviera, also called Côte d’Azur (the Azure Coast), has long been one of the premier tourist attractions in the world. Its roughly 180 kilometers of shoreline spans Menton at the France–Italy border on the east, all the way to Toulon, Le Lavandou, or Saint-Tropez on the west.

Teeming with natural beauty and replete with luxurious properties that can wow even the most seasoned travelers, it definitely deserves a spot in any pleasure-seeker’s list of places to visit.

The best beaches to visit on the French Riviera

These are some of the best beaches to visit along this fabulous coast.

Plage de la petite Afrique

Located in the French town of Beaulieu-sur-mer, just less than 20 minutes by car from Monaco, Plage de la petite Afrique is an ideal place for a great day of basking under the sun and enjoying the gorgeous scenery. You can also choose to engage in activities such as swimming, jet skiing, paddle boarding, and banana boat rides.

Plage de Passable

Plage de Passable is located on the western part of the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, just around 30 minutes west of Monte Carlo. This palm tree-filled bay provides a breathtaking view of the harbor and the citadel of the Villefranche-sur-mer. It has a public section and a private beach that can be booked for exclusive events. Activities here include kayaking, water skiing, jet skiing, and more.

Paloma Beach

Paloma Beach is a private beach club in Paloma Plage, which is also found on the Saint Jean Cap Ferrat peninsula. Named after Pablo Picasso’s daughter, Paloma Beach is one of the oldest and most famous beach clubs in the French Riviera. It is a highly sought-after yacht anchorage, thanks to its excellent services and friendly and competent staff. The beach is also a great place for water skiing, jet skiing, paddle boarding, and numerous other water sports.

Anjuna Beach

If you’re in for a more upscale vacation experience, the French Riviera has several options for you. One of the more popular destinations is Anjuna Beach in the Eze-sur-mer, just less than thirty minutes from Monaco. Popular among celebrities, yachties, and F1 fans during the Monaco Grand Prix season, the beach is well known for its beauty and party atmosphere, with live music featured almost daily.

Plage de la Gravette

About 45 minutes from Monaco City is the horseshoe-shaped beach of Plage de la Gravette. Located in the resort town of Antibes, France, the beach not only provides a day of water fun but also a chance to immerse yourself in some local history and culture. Be sure to visit old town Antibes, the numerous ports in the area, and the amazing Picasso Museum.

Plage du Camp Long

Found in the town of Saint-Raphael, France, about one and a half hours from Monaco, Plage du Camp Long is a tranquil cove surrounded by red cliffs, with vast pine forests not too far away. Also known as Tiki Plage, this private beach is perfect if you’re looking for a bit of adventure during your stay. It is a great spot for snorkeling and is famous for the many shipwreck sites in its waters. This is the best place to visit if you want to add a dash of excitement to your vacation.

Plage de la Bastide Blanche

For the truly adventurous, Plage de la Bastide Blanche in the famous French town of Saint-Tropez is the perfect destination. The only access to the beach is a 45 minute hike or short kayak ride from the popular Plage de l’Escale. But your efforts will be rewarded by stunning views of crystal clear waters, fine white sands, and unspoiled nature.

The Calenques

If you can’t get enough of the French Riviera’s azure waters and stunning vistas, you may want to travel a bit more and check out The Calanques, a series of coves found between the towns of Cassis and Marseilles. Must-visits are Calanque d’En-Vau and Calanque de Sugiton, two stunning beaches that will surely leave you breathless. At around 2.5 hours from Monaco, they require a bit of a road trip, but they’re perfect to visit if you’re planning a side trip to the southern coast of France.

Truly, you’re spoilt for choice in the French Riviera when it comes to beaches. Your best vacation is waiting—you just have to plan your itinerary, pack your bags, and visit the Azure Coast.

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