The South of France’s beaches are well-liked for a good reason—it’s one of the world’s most opulent vacation spots! Visitors quickly understand that this place places a high priority on relaxing, from the celebrity-studded glitz of Cannes and St. Tropez to the lush inner countryside. That’s a result of the wonderful climate, at least in part. It’s one of the most welcoming climates in all of Europe, balmy and lovely, and it brings out the best in the Côte d’Azur’s breathtaking beaches.
We put on our swimsuits, slathered on some SPF 40, and headed out to find you the top 10 beaches in the South of France to save you the trouble of sifting through countless guides. With hundreds of kilometers of coastline to explore, there are plenty of beaches to choose from.
1. Paloma Beach, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Where: This beach is the place to be if you feel like treating yourself to something a little more upscale during your South of France vacation.
What to do: Half of this half-sand, half-pebble coast is set aside for the exclusive use of the wealthy and attractive, and the other half is open to all. Take lots of cash because you’ll need to rent a sunbed, which is expensive, but there’s also a chance you’ll be able to see a few celebrities from behind your sunglasses.
2. Plage des Marinières, Villefranche-sur-Mer
Where: Villefranche-sur-Mer, Plage des Marinières
What to do: An ideal getaway if you want to avoid Nice’s crowded beaches. It’s not very wide, but it is long (approximately a kilometer), and in July and August, the lifeguards provide parents additional piece of mind.
3. Grande Plage, Hendaye
Where: Hendaye’s 3 km long sandy beach offers activities for the whole family, including long strolls, a moderate drop into calm waters, and locations for surfing and bodyboarding. Hendaye is located close to the Spanish border on the South West coast of France.
What to do: There is something there for everyone, even nudists since there is a section of the beach allocated for them near the Twin Rocks. It’s important to note that there is a section of the beach specifically for persons with mobility challenges, including a wheelchair ramp that leads to the water. The beach is very clean and has lifeguards on duty throughout the summer months. There are a ton of cafés and restaurants close to this beach because it is so centrally located, but we highly suggest taking the 10-minute boat journey to Hondarribia on the other side of the border for a wonderful seafood meal.
4. Valras Plage, near Béziers
Where: When it comes to French beaches, the beach at Beziers is a terrific all-arounder because it is large enough to accommodate everyone without getting congested.
What to do: There are many bars and restaurants, and throughout the summer, an amusement park with many thrilling rides will be a great option for youngsters.
5. Palombaggia Beach, Corsica
Where: Palombaggia Beach is one of the most stunning beaches in a region of the globe that is already breathtaking, located on the island of Corsica in the Mediterranean Sea.
What to do: The beach itself is divided into three coves and is flanked by a ton of high-end stores, cafés, and restaurants. With its turquoise waters and lengthy expanses of fine sand, the beach is reminiscent of the Caribbean. The only issue is that this natural beauty comes at a price; be prepared because it gets very busy in the summer, especially during school breaks.
6. The beaches of Sète
Where: Sète provides an unusual contrast to the South of France seaside experience with its more than 12 kilometers of white, sandy stretches of beach.
What to do: Sète is a functioning port, so it is rather active and doesn’t have the laid-back attitude of other of the more vacation-friendly coastal places. As such, it doesn’t rely on tourists to make money. However, the beaches themselves are serene and immaculate, with breathtaking views of the ocean, and because this area is a port, the seafood is as fresh as you’re ever going to taste!
7. Vias Beach, near Agde
Where: Coastal region of France
What to do: If you enjoy going for a paddle, this French beach is great! Small but wonderfully constructed, this beach is a great place to take babies and young children because it is conveniently protected from strong winds. It is also convenient to find, albeit during peak hours parking might be a real lottery.
8. Point Zero beach, La Grande-Motte
Where: Point Zero Beach may sound like it belongs in an Andy McNab book, but it is another beach that benefits from being close to the town.
What to do: Enjoy a day in the Mediterranean sun at this vivacious and hospitable location. It can get very crowded because it appeals to families, couples, and groups of friends on an equal footing. Therefore, get there early.
9. Gruissan Plage, Narbonne
Where: In addition to being a charming little beach in and of itself. The town of Gruissan successfully strikes the ideal harmony between charming and energetic.
What to do: Adults will have plenty to entertain them with a casino, marina, and thriving nightlife. Excellent for going to the beach for the day, then getting a babysitter and going out at night!
10. Argelès North, Argelès
Where: The north side of the beach next to Argelès is a good place to go if you’re a little nature lover.
What to do: The main beach can become overly commercialized and crowded at the best of times, but if you take a short walk you can still enjoy the quality clear waters and the breathtaking views of the Pyrenees without all the noise and commotion – and right behind you is some equally picturesque grassland that helps block out the rest of the world.
