South of France Beaches

Location:

Cannes, French Riviera, Southeastern France

Recommended For:

Film lovers, luxury travelers, beachgoers, photographers, and anyone seeking a glamorous French coastal escape.

What I Love: ♥

Cannes is synonymous with elegance, cinema, and sun-drenched leisure. Famed for the Cannes Film Festival, this Riviera gem offers palm-lined boulevards, upscale resorts, and golden beaches. Its timeless charm and cultural allure make it a must-visit Mediterranean destination.

• Stroll the iconic Promenade de la Croisette, lined with boutiques, luxury hotels, and sea views.
• Explore the historic charm of Le Suquet, Cannes’ old quarter filled with cobbled streets and panoramic viewpoints.
• Relax on sandy beaches and enjoy the warm, sunny weather nearly year-round.

Cost:

Beach access varies—some public areas are free, while private beach clubs charge for loungers and service. Upscale restaurants and hotels can be pricey, but street cafés and beach picnics offer more budget-friendly options.

Best time to visit:

May through September for sunny skies, lively festivals, and perfect beach weather. May is especially popular during the Cannes Film Festival.

Local tips:

Pack stylish resort wear—Cannes is fashion-conscious. Book restaurants in advance during festival season. Use local buses or walk to enjoy the scenery without parking hassles. Stop by the Marché Forville for gourmet treats and Provençal charm.

Distance:

About 16 miles (25 km) west of Nice and 19 miles (30 km) from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport.

How to Get to Cannes:

Fly into Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE), then take a 45-minute train ride or drive along the scenic coastal route to Cannes. Trains and buses run frequently, and the town is walkable once you arrive.

Location:

Grande Plage, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Basque Coast, Southwestern France

Recommended For:

Beach lovers, surfers, cross-border travelers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a scenic, family-friendly beach near the French-Spanish border.

What I Love: ♥

Nestled near the Pyrenees and just minutes from Spain, Grande Plage offers a stunning setting with Caribbean-like beauty on the Atlantic. With its backdrop of lush hills and mountains, this beach is a visual treat and a tranquil escape.

• Sunbathe on the soft, soothing sands while taking in breathtaking coastal scenery.
• Surf and swim in the beach’s ideal water conditions for aquatic fun and fitness.
• Enjoy panoramic views of forested slopes and nearby mountain peaks, creating a picturesque setting perfect for photos and picnics.

Cost:

Free public access. Surfboard rentals and lessons are available from local shops. Nearby cafes and restaurants offer a range of local Basque and French cuisine.

Best time to visit:

June through September for warm water, ideal surf, and vibrant coastal energy. Early mornings offer the calmest conditions and best photo lighting.

Local tips:

Bring your own beach towel and sunscreen. Visit the town’s covered market before heading to the beach for picnic treats. Consider extending your trip into northern Spain—it’s just a short drive away!

Distance:

Less than 12 miles (20 km) from the Spanish border and about 20 minutes from Biarritz by car.

How to Get to Grande Plage:

Fly into Biarritz Airport (BIQ), then take a train or drive south to Saint-Jean-de-Luz. The beach is centrally located in town, a short walk from the train station and local amenities.

Romantic South of France Beaches:

Location:

Gruissan Plage, Narbonne, Occitanie Region, Southern France

Recommended For:

Families, couples, culture seekers, seafood lovers, and travelers looking for a peaceful seaside retreat with access to historical cities.

What I Love: ♥

Tucked along the Mediterranean coast, Gruissan Plage blends relaxed beach charm with vibrant local culture. Surrounded by famous towns like Carcassonne and Béziers, this beach offers soft sands, a laid-back atmosphere, and entertainment for all ages.

• Relax on family-friendly shores with calm, warm waters perfect for swimming and sandcastle-building.
• Enjoy the nearby casino, restaurants, and bars for a lively evening after a day at the beach.
• Explore the scenic area with day trips to Carcassonne’s medieval fortress or Béziers’ Roman ruins.

Cost:

Free public access. Local businesses offer food, drinks, and beach gear rentals. Casino entry and special events may have additional fees.

Best time to visit:

May through September for the best beach weather. July and August bring peak warmth and lively activity, while June and September offer more space and serenity.

Local tips:

Head to the beach early in the day to enjoy quieter mornings. Try the fresh oysters and seafood platters at one of the marina restaurants. Bring sun protection—shade is limited. Evening walks along the beachside promenade are especially beautiful.

Distance:

About 10 miles (16 km) from Narbonne and around 45 miles (72 km) from Carcassonne.

How to Get to Gruissan Plage:

Fly into Carcassonne Airport (CCF) or Béziers Cap d’Agde Airport (BZR). From Narbonne, take a short drive or local bus to Gruissan. The beach is well-signposted and easily accessible by car or bicycle.

Location:

Saint Tropez, French Riviera, Southeastern France

Recommended For:

Luxury travelers, beach party enthusiasts, celebrity spotters, water sports lovers, and those seeking iconic Mediterranean glamour.

What I Love: ♥

Saint Tropez is one of the world’s most legendary beach destinations, famous for its glamorous atmosphere, opulent beach clubs, and stunning seafront resorts. Its golden sands, crystal waters, and celebrity buzz make it the ultimate Riviera experience.

• Party at world-renowned beach clubs along the Baie de Pampelonne, where music, sun, and champagne flow freely.
• Relax on one of several distinct beaches—each offering a unique vibe, from family-friendly to ultra-luxury.
• Engage in thrilling water sports like windsurfing, waterskiing, and scuba diving in the clear Mediterranean sea.

Cost:

Public beach access is available, though many beaches are lined with private clubs offering loungers, food, and exclusive amenities for a fee. Water sports and dining range from mid-range to high-end prices.

Best time to visit:

June through early September for the liveliest scene, sunny skies, and celebrity sightings. For a quieter and still luxurious experience, visit in May or late September.

Local tips:

Book beach clubs and restaurants in advance during peak season. Bring stylish beachwear—fashion is part of the experience. Consider taking a boat tour for stunning views of the coast and luxurious yachts.

Distance:

About 62 miles (100 km) southwest of Nice, reachable in just over an hour by car or shuttle.

How to Get to Saint Tropez:

Fly into Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE), then drive or take a private transfer along the scenic coastal route. Ferries and shuttle services are also available from nearby cities like Cannes and Nice.

South of France Beaches with Kids:

Location:

Plage des Marinières, Villefranche-sur-Mer, near Nice, French Riviera, Southeastern France

Recommended For:

Couples, families, solo travelers, swimmers, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape from the busier beaches of Nice.

What I Love: ♥

Just outside the heart of Nice, Plage des Marinières is a serene retreat known for its crystal-clear waters, quiet ambiance, and romantic coastline. It’s a gem tucked between colorful cliffs and the glistening sea, perfect for a more intimate Riviera experience.

• Unwind on this less crowded, scenic beach with a laid-back and tranquil vibe.
• Swim in calm, shallow waters—ideal for kids and relaxed wading.
• Soak in the panoramic views of the surrounding hills and Mediterranean villages as yachts drift in the distance.

Cost:

Free public access. Beach umbrellas and chairs are available for rent in peak season. Nearby cafés and kiosks offer light refreshments.

Best time to visit:

Late May through September for warm, swimmable waters and the best weather. Arrive early to claim a good spot during summer weekends.

Local tips:

Pack reef shoes for easier walking on the pebbly areas. Bring your own snacks or pick up local fare from Villefranche-sur-Mer before heading to the beach. Trains from Nice stop just a short walk from the sand.

Distance:

Around 4 miles (6 km) east of central Nice—about 15 minutes by car or local train.

How to Get to Plage des Marinières:

Take a local TER train from Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer station, which is just a few steps from the beach. Alternatively, drive along the picturesque coastal route or catch a regional bus from central Nice.