10 Best beaches in the French Riviera

1. The area between Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer has an abundance of white sandy beaches. One of the most outstanding is Paloma Beach on the peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. It has been a very popular holiday destination for celebrities and millionaires, such as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. You might even spot a celebrity yourself at Paloma Beach, as half of the beach is private and the other half is open to the public.
2. Between St. Raphael and Marseille you will find Plage de l’Almanarre in Hyères, which runs from the coast to Giens, a former fisher’s town. This beach is very popular among wind- and kite surfers. On the back of the beach there is a marsh area where you can spot wild pink flamingos! Just south of Giens there is the island of Porquerolles, with its beautiful pine forests and several small beaches with the bluest water in the Mediterranean.
3. One of the most famous beaches of the French Riviera can be found in Cannes. Right along the Boulevard de la Croisette, in the heart of Cannes, it is located east of the Palais des Festivals, where actors, actresses, celebrities and reporters meet every year for the most famous International Film Festival. The small strip of beach next to the Boulevard can get quite crowded during the summer months.
4. If you’re looking for some quieter locations consider paying a visit to the little town Théoule-sur-Mer, located between Cannes and St. Raphaël. When following the coastal road towards St. Raphael you will find la Pointe de l’Aiguille. Following a steep path from the parking lot on Route 6098, you descend to the beach of l’Aiguille. It’s a 20 min walk where you will need good shoes, but the view and the water are worth the effort.
5. The list of French Riviera beaches can’t miss Saint Tropez. Brigitte Bardot’s most favourite seaside town attracts many jetsetters every summer. The most famous Pampelonne beach is located about 5 kilometers (3 miles) south of the town of Saint Tropez. This well-cultivated beach hosts many clubs and restaurants.
6. One of the most important sea cities in France, is Marseille. Borély Beach is a very popular beach among the locals. Besides being a nice beach for swimming and sunbathing, the beach also offers many great facilities such as a volleyball area, a skateboarding park and a lifeguard station. Borély Beach is part of a group of beaches south of Marseille, known as the Plages du Prado. All these beaches are very popular among wind- and kite surfers.
7. Next beach: Frioul Islands: this group of four islands can be easily reached by ferry boat from the old port in Marseille. The two larger islands offer many secluded small rock beaches where the water is turquoise-blue. The group of islands is a great “away from it all” spot.
8.  Finally we find the Calanques, beautiful rock formations with deep valleys that create a one-of-a-kind coastline. Because of their extraordinary shape, the calanques are best visited by boat. Close to the town of Cassis, you will find Ile Riou, an island that is accessible by boat only. This beach is the ideal spot for snorkelers and scuba divers, as the whole area is full of underwater wonders.
9. Plage de la la Baumette  is located in the Massif of the Esterel, in the little town of Agay. The turquoise and crystal clear water extends over approximately 300 meters. The beach is accessible for families, and it is sheltered from the wind. The Baumette beach is slightly away from the road and there is no real parking space nearby.
10. Sainte-Marguerite Island is the bigger one of the Lérins islands facing Cannes and Juan-les-Pins. The smaller one is Saint-Honorat. You can reach them by ferry boat from Cannes and Juan-les-Pins. Here you will find a small coves and beaches. The lagoon between the two islands is full of small boats during the summer.

This is the end of our list of the best beaches in the French Riviera. We hope you’ve enjoyed the article! What is your favourite beach?