The Most Beautiful Beaches of the French Riviera for Swimming This Summer

What are the most beautiful beaches of the Côte d'Azur?

To guide you in your difficult choice, here's our top selection for your vacation of the most beautiful beaches of the Côte d'Azur.

1. Menton, Sablettes Beach

photo credit shutterstock

Breathe in the vitamin-rich lemon scents on this long Menton beach. With its family atmosphere and welcoming water access, Sablettes Beach stretches along the old town, not far from the famous Roquebrune Cap Martin. The strip is made of very fine gravel and will give you (almost) the illusion of a sandy beach near the old port and Garavan port.

You'll enjoy a fabulous panorama of the Italian mountains and Menton's magnificent colorful houses here. You can also opt for a public or private beach and enjoy the new amenities of the Esplanade des Sablettes: bars, restaurants, shops... Your choice!

2. Cap d'Ail, Mala Beach

photo credit Villa Hostels

Many don't hesitate to designate this strip as the most beautiful beach of the Côte d'Azur. However, this coastal gem must be earned! Two options are available to reach it. Option 1: by the stairs of more than 100 steps located next to the illustrious "Eden Palace". Option 2: by the coastal path along the coast, from Gramaglia cove. Once there, the view is absolutely marvelous. With the cliffs, umbrella pines and turquoise waters, your only regret will be leaving it.

3. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Passable Beach

photo credit Nice-Matin

Bathe in the crystal-clear waters of this pretty secret beach of the Côte d'Azur, close to 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, its location will keep you sheltered from the wind when you're in swimsuits. You can also reach the private part of the beach, with its restaurants and snack bars.

4. Nice, La Réserve Beach

photo credit Love Spots

Located a stone's throw from the famous pebble beaches of the Promenade des Anglais and Nice city center, La Réserve beach is the seaside meeting point for locals. For the anecdote, it's on this beach that "Brice de Nice" waited indefinitely for his wave! Fully enjoy the beach, clear waters and rocks – which make formidable diving boards – along the sea. The real plus of this place is the panorama over Nice and the Baie des Anges.

5. Antibes, Garoupe Beach

photo credit shutterstock

Named after the lighthouse that dominates Cap d'Antibes, the ravishing fine sand beach of Garoupe is a true Mediterranean gem. It introduces a well-known coastal path: the Cap d'Antibes trail. This crystalline water beach is also the ideal place to have a meal with a sea view. Garoupe Beach is also the starting point of the coastal trail.

6. Cannes, Midi Beach

photo credit Fréquence Sud

Near the magnificent Notre-Dame d'Espérance church, this superb strip of sand in Cannes is less crowded than the Croisette beach. Midi beach is located after the Port of Cannes and extends to Mandelieu-La-Napoule. Comfortably installed on its bed of sand, you'll enjoy an unprecedented panorama of the Lérins islands and the Estérel massif. Midi beach is divided into numerous private beaches as well as a beach volleyball court. Perfect for exercising with a sea view. Not far from there is Pointe Notre Dame beach, a discreet and intimate cove located in Saint-Raphaël.

7. Ramatuelle, Pampelonne Beach

photo credit shutterstock

Here's an iconic beach located just a few kilometers from Saint-Tropez, ideal for a good sunbath. The sand stretches for several kilometers 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 highly appreciated in the Alpes Maritimes.

8. Lavandou, Cavalière Beach

photo credit Le Lavandou

Among the 12 beaches that border Lavandou in the Var, Cavalière has something special. Made of white sand and surrounded by pines, its natural beauty gives it incredible charm. The beach is a playground highly appreciated by families and sports enthusiasts. Boaters come to enjoy the on-site activities. You too, practice sailing, go jet-skiing or even pedal boating, as you wish.