The most beautiful beaches on the Côte d’Azur for swimming this summer

Formerly known as the “French River”, the beautiful Côte d’Azur attracts yachtsmen from all over the world. Its film sets, glamorous atmosphere and translucent waters are what make this dream region so famous. Naturally, it’s impossible to stay in the vicinity of mythical Provence without succumbing to the charm of its magnificent beaches. The Mediterranean is full of intimate coves, sandy beaches and pebbled beaches.

What are the most beautiful beaches on the Côte d’Azur?

To help you make the right choice, here’s our top selection of the most beautiful beaches on the Côte d’Azur for your holidays.

1. Menton, the Sablettes beach

photo credit shutterstock

Smell the vitamin-rich scent of lemons on this long beach in Menton. With its family atmosphere and welcoming waterside, Plage des Sablettes stretches along the old town, not far from the famous Roquebrune Cap Martin. The strip is made up of very fine gravel and will give you (almost) the illusion of a sandy beach close to the old port and the port of Garavan.

Here you’ll enjoy fabulous views of the Italian mountains and the magnificent colourful houses of Menton. You can also opt for a public or private beach and take advantage of the new facilities on the Esplanade des Sablettes: bars, restaurants, shops… The choice is yours!

2. Cap d’Ail, La Mala beach

photo credit Villa Hostels

Many are quick to refer to this strip as the most beautiful beach on the Côte d’Azur. Nevertheless, this pearl of the coastline has to be earned! There are two ways to reach it. Option 1: via the 100-plus steps beside the illustrious Eden Palace. Option 2: via the coastal path from the Gramaglia cove. Once there, the view is absolutely marvellous. With cliffs, umbrella pines and turquoise waters, your only regret will be leaving.

3. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the Passable beach

photo credit Nice-Matin

Bathe in the crystal-clear waters of this pretty secret beach on the Côte d’Azur, near Villefranche-sur-Mer. You’ll appreciate the confidentiality of the place, the privileged access to the water and the view of the Citadel. Another good point is that its location will keep you sheltered from the wind when you’re in your swimming costume. You can also get to the private part of the beach, with its restaurants and snack bars.

4. Nice, la plage de la Réserve

photo credit Love Spots

Located just a stone’s throw from the famous pebble beaches of the Promenade des Anglais and Nice city centre, La Réserve beach is the seaside meeting place for locals. Anecdotally, it was on this beach that “Brice de Nice” waited indefinitely for his wave! Make the most of the beach, the clear waters and the rocks – which make great diving boards – along the seafront. The real bonus here is the panoramic view over Nice and the Baie des Anges.

5. Antibes, La Garoupe beach

photo credit shutterstock

Named after the lighthouse that dominates Cap d’Antibes, the delightful sandy beach of La Garoupe is a real Mediterranean gem. It introduces a well-known coastal path: the Cap d’Antibes path. This beach with its crystal-clear waters is also the ideal place to enjoy a meal overlooking the sea. Plage de la Garoupe is also the starting point for the coastal path.

6. Cannes, the Plage du Midi

photo credit Fréquence Sud

Close to the magnificent Notre-Dame d’Espérance church, this superb stretch of sand in Cannes is less frequented than the Plage de la Croisette. The Plage du Midi is just off the Port of Cannes and stretches as far as Mandelieu-La-Napoule. From the comfort of its sandy beach-bed, you can enjoy an unrivalled panoramic view of the Lérins islands and the Estérel massif. The Plage du Midi has a number of private beaches and a beach volleyball court. Perfect for a workout with a view of the sea. Not far away is the beach of Pointe Notre Dame, a discreet and intimate cove in Saint-Raphaël.

7. Ramatuelle, Pampelonne beach

photo credit shutterstock

This iconic beach, just a few kilometres from Saint-Tropez, is ideal for sunbathing. The sand stretches for several kilometres and gives you access to the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Alpes Maritimes. Pampelonne is divided into 5 zones: les Moulins, les Tamaris, Patch, les Barraques and Bonne Terrasse. Each of these zones offers access to numerous private beaches, activities and restaurants that are very popular in the Alpes Maritimes.

8. Lavandou, Cavalière beach

photo credit Le Lavandou

Of the 12 beaches that border Le Lavandou in the Var, Cavalière is in a class of its own. Made of white sand and surrounded by pine trees, its natural beauty gives it a real charm. The beach is a popular playground for families and sports enthusiasts. Boaters come to enjoy the activities on site. Sail, jet-ski or pedal-boat to your heart’s content.