Best beaches in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur  is renowned for its beautiful Mediterranean coastline, which offers a variety of beaches to suit different preferences. To find the ideal beach, consider your preferences—whether it’s the glamorous beaches of Nice and Cannes, the family-friendly shores of Saint-Tropez, or the natural beauty of Calanques near Marseille. Each offers a unique coastal experience, so choose based on your desired atmosphere, activities, and scenery.

Best beaches in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

Here are some of the best beaches:

1. Plage de Pampelonne, Saint-Tropez: This famous beach is known for its long stretch of fine white sand, clear blue waters, and vibrant beach clubs. It’s a favorite destination for celebrities and sun-seekers.
2. Paloma Beach, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: Tucked away on the tranquil Cap Ferrat peninsula, Paloma Beach is a hidden gem. It offers a relaxed and secluded atmosphere with stunning views of the Mediterranean.
3. Plage de l’Almanarre, Hyères: Located on the Giens Peninsula, this beach is famous for its shallow waters and excellent windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions. It’s ideal for water sports enthusiasts.
4. Plage de la Garoupe, Antibes: Known for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful surroundings, this beach is a favorite among locals and tourists. It’s also close to excellent restaurants and cafes.
5. Plage de la Palud, Porquerolles: This beach on the island of Porquerolles is part of the Port-Cros National Park. It offers pristine white sands and turquoise waters, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and snorkeling.
6. Plage de l’Estagnol, Bormes-les-Mimosas: Surrounded by lush greenery, this beach is a peaceful escape with calm waters. It’s a great place to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
7. Plage de la Pointe Rouge, Marseille: Located in Marseille, this sandy beach offers various water sports and sailing activities. It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
8. Plage de l’Escalet, Ramatuelle: Nestled in a picturesque cove near Saint-Tropez, this beach is known for its clear waters and natural beauty. It’s a bit less crowded than some of the neighboring beaches.
9. Plage de Notre-Dame, Porquerolles: Another stunning beach on the island of Porquerolles, Plage de Notre-Dame is a serene paradise with soft sand and calm, shallow waters.
10. Plage de la Baumette, Nice: Located near the city center, this pebble beach offers beautiful views of the Promenade des Anglais and the Bay of Angels. It’s a convenient spot for those staying in Nice.
11. Plage de Gigaro, La Croix-Valmer: Gigaro Beach is known for its fine sand and natural surroundings. It’s an excellent choice for a relaxed day by the sea.
12. Plage de Portissol, Sanary-sur-Mer: This small, family-friendly beach is known for its calm waters and charming atmosphere. It’s a great spot for swimming and picnicking.

These are just a few of the many beautiful beaches you can find in PACA. Whether you’re looking for glamorous beach clubs, water sports, or serene natural beauty, you’ll find a beach that suits your preferences along the stunning Mediterranean coast of this region.

Paid and free beaches in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

Many beaches in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur offer both free sections (mainly within town territories but often overcrowded in the high season) and paid sections (predominantly found in most towns, with prices ranging from 25 to 35 € per person for beach access). The paid sections, often referred to as ‘private beaches’ or ‘plages privées,’ typically provide additional amenities and services such as sunbeds, umbrellas, restaurants, and sometimes entertainment.

Of course, there are some large free beaches that are not crowded, such as the sandy beach in Cannes or the pebble beach in Nice. However, these are far from being paradise destinations for most tourists.

Some public beaches may have designated areas where you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas for a fee. These areas are typically operated by private companies under agreements with local authorities.

The cost of visiting a paid beach can vary significantly depending on the location, time of year, and the services provided. In the summer, the majority of beaches cost between 25 and 40 € per person for entry, typically through a restaurant, in high season, and between 15 and 25 € in September.

For example, in Juan-les-Pins, where the beaches boast beautiful blue waters and fine sand, there are only a couple of free beaches along the town’s coastline. Especially those close to the city center, with a width of less than 70 meters, are densely populated during the day, leaving little room even for a small towel. Finding space is a challenge, not to mention having some extra room. Another beach about 1 km away is larger, providing a slightly better chance to find a spot, but it remains one of the most crowded beaches I’ve experienced. Beyond the town’s limits, you can find many free beaches, but you’ll need a car to reach them. If you have a car, you’ll likely have to pay at least 30 € per day for hotel parking…

How much it cost to enjoy beaches in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur?

As I mentioned before, the most beautiful beaches in the French Riviera are either private and expensive or located quite far from hotels. For example, the longest and best beach on the French Riviera, Pampelonne, near Saint-Tropez, is a considerable distance from the town. You can take a bus to Ramatuelle (which takes about 15 minutes), and the bus fare is reasonable. However, from the bus station, you still need to walk downhill for about 10 minutes. There is parking available near the beach, which costs around 10 euros per day. Additionally, you’ll need to factor in the cost of either renting a car or parking it somewhere overnight.

Another option is to stay at a campsite near this beach, which offers free parking. However, the prices at this campsite during the high season are also quite high, ranging from 150 to 300 euros per night.

So, before choosing your paradise location on the French Riviera, check first if there are any free beaches nearby and the distance you’ll need to travel to reach one. Alternatively, be prepared to budget for the expenses associated with a paid beach, which can be around 50 euros per day for a couple.