Famed by Brigitte Bardot, the Cote d’Azur is still considered the ideal destination for a luxurious getaway. Here you can stroll leisurely along the ideal coastline, view cozy coves, ride catamarans and spend time in coastal clubs. However, the Côte d’Azur has one clear drawback – it is too popular among tourists. We suggest that you drive a little further away from popular destinations such as La Croisette and Pampelonne Beach to ensure that the south of France has not lost its natural splendor. Here are 10 most beautiful beaches in the south of France.
Calanque D’an Vaud, Cassis
Calanque D’an Vaud is hidden among limestone cliffs that color the sea turquoise. You should come here for the whole day. The beach can be reached by land. The walk will not be short – 1 hour 40 minutes on foot. However, that shouldn’t stop you. When you reach your destination, you will understand why you started the whole journey. This is by far the most beautiful corner of the entire coast. If you want to get to the beach by water, then you should rent a kayak in the town of Cassi. The journey will take no more than an hour, but the impressions will last for a long time.
10 most beautiful beaches in the south of France
How to get there: Walk 1.5 hours from Cassi town along the Calanque de Port-Miou, or rent a boat or kayak from the port of Cassie.
La Paloma beach, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Named after Picasso’s daughter, this tiny cove is a pebbled paradise centered on a legendary restaurant. Rent a sun lounger for access to changing rooms as well as fresh seafood. Anyone can go kayaking or snorkelling. First-class yachts skirted the coastline and their owners enjoy stunning views of the Eze coastline and the Monaco cliff.
10 most beautiful beaches in the south of France
How to get there: Most come by boat, but if you are traveling by land, this beach is within walking distance of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat harbor.
Plage de Sylvabelle, La Croix-Valmer
You can only descend to the white sands of the Silvabel coast by overcoming steep rocky steps. This means that even during the high season, there will be few people on this beach. Fine and golden sand, clear sea are natural components of almost any beach on our list, but what distinguishes Silvabel is the absence of any infrastructure: no bars, no cars, no music. So make sure you have your lunch in advance, and don’t forget to bring a book and a towel with you.
10 most beautiful beaches in the south of France
How to get there: Drive to the roundabout next to Chez Dada Pizzeria or to the terminus of the bus from the village, then head straight down the dirt road towards the sea.
Plage de Polity, Port Vendres
In this part of the bay, there is not a hint of the endless sandy beaches of the nearby town of Argeles-sur-Mer and its inhabitants. However, this coast fascinates with a rich variety of underwater inhabitants, who are carefully guarded by rescuers and guards. It is a good choice for diving enthusiasts.
10 most beautiful beaches in the south of France
How to get there: Park next to Bernardi Beach (arrive early if you are off-season to get a seat) and walk to Cape Bear. There is an alternative – a local bus that stops right at the coastline.
Le Rayol Canadel beach
An ideal place for a family vacation. Every evening, a magical view of Cape Negre, which belongs to Carla Bruni, opens from the shore. You have two options: firstly, sunbathe on a rented sun lounger, and secondly, spread your own towel to minimize costs.
10 most beautiful beaches in the south of France
How to get there: We advise you to travel by public transport, because there is a high probability of arriving at a fully occupied parking lot. In addition, buses stop on the famous coastal road D559. Follow from there to the Tropicana Club, and further down the steep slope to the beach.
Plage de Portissol, Sanary-sur-Mer
Sanary Harbor in Provence is well worth a visit. This beach illustrates how the indigenous people of the south of France live with either a fishing boat or a fish restaurant at every corner. The sea in the harbor is not very deep, which is ideal for those who cannot swim professionally and prefer to bask in warm water. If a person wants to explore the seabed, then steps will come to his aid, which facilitate the path from shallow water to depth. There are showers at the exit from the bay.
10 most beautiful beaches in the south of France
How to get there: walk a couple of minutes from Sanari harbor
Plage de la Mala, Cap d’Ail
Although the coast is located between the beaches of Monaco and the resort of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, it is empty most of the time, especially during the off-season. Largely due to the fact that not everyone is ready to overcome the stone descent on the way to the bay. For those who do make it to the beach, we recommend having a bite to eat in one of the two Provencal restaurants located by the sea.
10 most beautiful beaches in the south of France
How to get there: Finding parking near the beach is an impossible task. She’s just not there. Better take the train to Cap-d’Ail station and walk.
Notre Dame Beach, Porquerolles
The tiny island of Porquerolles is a snorkelling paradise. There are several protected reserves on its territory, according to the rules of which you cannot move by car in order to preserve the pristine beauty on the island. Rent a bike and cycle from the pier to Notre Dame Beach. It is located on the opposite side of the island. The forest and cool water, which does not have time to heat up under the shade of the trees, saves vacationers from the scorching sun. There are no shops or cafes here, so prepare your meals in advance or dine at the nearby Fondation Carmignac restaurant.
10 most beautiful beaches in the south of France
How to get there: Ferries to Porquerolles run from the following cities: Hyères, Le Lavandou, Cavalier-sur-Mer and La Croix-Valmer. You can walk or cycle from the pier to the beach.
Pointe de L’Aiguille beach, Theoule sur Mer
The coastline between Saint-Raphael and Cannes is quite unusual, with brick beaches and red cliffs more reminiscent of Mars than Earth. This area is almost completely packed with hotels, but the town of Théoul remained untouched. Don’t expect white sand – Pointe de L’Aiguille beach is dotted with pebbles and large rocks. This coast offers a magnificent view of Cannes and the yachts passing by. The rocky coastline that surrounds the beach is both beautiful and dangerous for desperate hikers who want to get close to the water.
10 most beautiful beaches in the south of France
How to get there: The route to the beach starts at the Théoule car park. The road down to the bay will take a few minutes.
Plage de Louille, Collioure
A secluded beach at the foot of the Pyrenees Mountains. People come here to take a break from the bustle of the city and swim with fish in clear water. If you have not brought a mask with you, this is not a problem, the water is so clear that you can clearly see even your toes. The entire beach is served by only one restaurant and, as you would expect, it specializes in seafood. A short walk from the coast is the beautifully preserved fortress of the 18th century – Fort Carré.
10 most beautiful beaches in the south of France
How to get there: If you are going to travel by car, it is better to leave it in Collioure and walk along the seashore.
