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Travelling to France and looking for the best southern France beaches, then this guide is just for you, outlining some of the best beaches south of France has to offer!

France has long since been an alluring country to visit. From the gorgeous lavender fields of Provence to the wines of Burgundy, Champagne, and various other regions, to the iconic landmarks of Paris, France is a country with unbridled diversity and beauty.

One such area, in particular, has been a firm amongst tourists visiting France, the idyllic French Riviera. Although it’s often regarded as a playground for the rich and famous, the French Riviera shouldn’t be discounted, even if you’re travelling on a budget.  

Sun-seekers especially will adore the south of France, in large part thanks to the amazing southern France beaches located here. That’s why we’ve decided to round up some of the best beaches in the south of France to help inspire you to plan your own holiday to the South of France. Grab your sunscreen, beach towels, pack a picnic basket and let’s explore these beautiful French Riviera beaches.

P.s. Are you looking for the perfect beach quote or caption to accompany your South of France beach photos?! Be sure to bookmark this awesome post on the best beach quotes and captions!

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Pssst…Have you packed all your essentials? Make sure to read our packing list for Europe guide to ensure you’ve ticked all the packing necessities off your list!

Best Beaches in Southern France, French Riviera 

Southern France is well-renowned for its glamorous upscale beaches frequented by celebrities, tourists and digital nomads. What draws many people towards these beaches is the gentle, translucent waters, scenic surroundings and soft, white sands. 

While there are many spectacular beaches in France, some of the best beaches are found in the south and are situated in the famous French Riviera. Here, the coastlines are lined with exclusive beach clubs, gourmet restaurants and luxury resorts. 

To help you find the perfect holiday destination, here are some of the best beaches in the French Riviera. 

Saint-Tropez – South of France Beaches

The chic Saint-Tropez, situated along the French Riviera, is one of the best beach destinations in the south of France. Sunbathing celebrities, designer boutiques and luxury yachts all come to mind when describing this stylish and upscale town. 

While today, Saint-Tropez is mostly a resort town, its routes stem from that of a small fishing port. As such, the tree-shaded village remains full of old-world charm and sits surrounded by gorgeous sandy beaches and exclusive beach clubs and bars, perfect for enjoying your French drink of choice as you admire the surroundings. 

Among Saint-Tropez’s many beaches, the most popular may have to be Plage de Pampelonne. Situated comfortably in a beautiful bay, this South France beach is renowned for its fine white sand and calm turquoise waters. Lining this lengthy coastline are a number of posh beach clubs and restaurants. There are also sunbeds and parasols available to rent. 

Other wonderful (less glitzy) French beaches in Saint-Tropez include Bouillabaisse Plage, Plage des Salins and Plage des Canoubiers. Each of these beaches features laid-back shores and swimmable waters, perfect for a day out in the sun. These beaches also offer plenty of amenities and gourmet restaurants where visitors can enjoy some contemporary Mediterranean cuisine. 

For lovely accommodation near the beach, check out the charming Le Mouillage hotel.

Cannes Beaches in France

Cannes perfectly embraces the glamour of a chic French Riviera beach holiday. Home to many exclusive beach clubs, luxury hotels, and stunning beaches, this is a favourite holiday destination among tourists.

One of the most appreciated jewels of the city of Cannes is the Boulevard de la Croisette. The bustling promenade, lined with splendid villas, restaurants and boutiques, seamlessly links the gorgeous stretch of private beaches with the city. Here, visitors can enjoy a sun-soaked afternoon on the beach and swim in its gentle, blue waters. 

In addition to the private beaches, Cannes also has a number of excellent public beaches. Among these is the palm-lined Plage Macé and sandy Plage Zamenhof. Each of these beaches has plenty of facilities on-site, as well as sunbed rentals and snack bars. For those looking for something more secluded, the golden-sand Plage de la Bocca is a lovely option. 

Hop on board and try this half-day catamaran cruise through the Bay of Cannes. From the boat, take a dip in the sea, snorkel and admire the stunning scenery. 

Nice – Beaches in the South of France

As far as beach destinations in south of France go, it doesn’t get more iconic than Nice!

Blending the glitz and glamour of a cosmopolitan city and the charm of an old village, there are few places in France that can compare to Nice. Much like the other places along the French Riviera, Nice is a popular holiday destination among tourists. Boasting year-round sunshine, beautiful natural scenery, vibrant street life and a lovely seaside location.

Among Nice’s beaches, there are several popular public seashores that frame the Baie des Anges. The beach here is characterized mainly by its cobblestone shore, which is met with limpid, blue waters. As the waves here are placid, the beach is safe for swimming and perfect for families. 

Also found in Nice are several excellent private beaches. Two noteworthy beaches are the Castel Plage and Ruhl Plage. Both of these south of France beaches are well-organized and can only be accessed provided you rent a sunbed or dine at one of the seafront restaurants. Both places boast a vibrant atmosphere throughout the day and night. 

Of course there are plenty of other great things to do in Nice! Along with its beaches, Nice is also well-renowned for its rich history and stunning art. For those interested in living the history of the capital of the French Riviera, check out this amazing old town treasures walking tour. 

Plage de la Paloma

Hidden in a quiet cove on the French Riviera’s Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula is the exclusive Plage de la Paloma. A half-sand, half-pebble shore nestled between lush vegetation and turquoise water, this secluded beach truly feels like paradise. It’s no wonder the beach is a prime location for many A-listers looking for a private getaway. 

The area of Plage de la Paloma is dominated mostly by a stylish seaside restaurant. Here, visitors can rent a sunbed or indulge in some Mediterranean cuisine while watching the waves. The luxury yachts passing by, and the stunning hilltop town of Eze in the distance, serves as a spectacular backdrop to Paloma’s stunning coast. 

Plage de la Paloma is also a great spot for watersports. Sailing, paddle-boarding and water-skiing are among the many activities on offer. 

Antibes – Southern France Beaches

One of the most charming places along the French Riviera is the historic town of Antibes. It’s a place so attractive that it stole the hearts of many artists and writers, including Picasso, who featured the town in many of his paintings. For lovers of art wanting to see the world-renowned artist’s work, take a look at this Picasso Museum drawing tour.

Among the many attractions in Antibes, the town is also home to a wide selection of public and private beaches. These beaches can be found in various parts of Antibes, particular around the historic town, along the Cap d’Antibes peninsula and Juan-les-Pins. 

Many of these shores are flagged with luxury beach clubs and restaurants, offering visitors excellent beachside service and tasty Mediterranean cuisine. Some of the most popular beaches in Antibes include the Cap d’Antibes’ Plage de la Garoupe and Juan-les-Pins’ Grande Plages. 

These glamorous coastlines are also lined with a variety of luxury resorts and hotels. For an oceanfront accommodation in Antibes, take a look at the Royal Antibes – a Luxury Hotel, Residence, Beach & Spa. 

Plage de la Mala

If you’re looking for a beach that is not too crowded, try visiting this hidden gem. Nestled between the verdant Cap Mala and rising cliffs is a stunning little beach known as Plage de la Mala. Here, the vivid-blue waters remain remarkably clean as there are no harbours nearby. 

At the centre of this beautiful semi-circular beachfront are two excellent private restaurants – Eden Plage Mala and La Mala Reserve. At these restaurants, visitors can relax with a refreshing beverage and some fresh seafood. 

Also found on the beach is a watersports gear hire centre. Besides watersports, a popular activity at Plage de la Mala is cliff diving. Head to the left-hand side of the coast, where you’ll be able to jump off some concrete pillars. 

Calanque d’En Vau

The final beach on this list is one that you’ll most certainly want to post on Instagram or include in your travel blog. Tucked between dramatic limestone cliffs is one of Southern France’s most well-kept secrets. The breathtaking Calanque d’En Vau, with its soft sand and turquoise waters, is truly a beautiful sight, and situated in the Calanques National Park, considered one of the best National Parks in Europe!

To access this beach, visitors are required to follow a one-and-a-half-hour hiking trail down a dramatic descent. While the hike is challenging, the destination is more than worth it.

Not much of a hiker? Head to the seaside village of Cassis, where you can hire kayaks, boats and e-bikes to make the journey a little less challenging. Another great way to reach Calanque d’En Vau is on a guided tour. Explore the Calanques National Park on a catamaran cruise from Marseille.