Imagine blissful days under the sun, plunging into inviting pristine waters, and relishing delightful meals at trendy waterfront venues. This picturesque scene perfectly captures the essence of a classic Southern French beach vacation.
South of France’s coastline is a tapestry of gorgeous beaches, extending far beyond the glitz and glamour of the French Riviera. While the Riviera undoubtedly shines with its opulent allure and dreamy azure waters, this article will cover some of the most beautiful beaches that adorn the entire Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts.
With so many options to choose from, how do you decide which beach to visit? Well, don’t worry, because I have curated a list of the finest beach spots, promising the 14 most beautiful beaches in the South of France. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the list!
Beautiful Beaches in Occitanie
Collioure
Nestled along the stunning Côte Vermeille, Collioure is a true gem of southern France. Its beaches, with their pebbled shores and crystal-clear waters, are nothing short of breathtaking. As you bask in the sun, the vibrant colours of the Catalan-style buildings and the imposing Royal Castle in the background create a picturesque backdrop.
The main beach in Collioure, Boramar Cove, also known as Plage de Collioure, is a family-friendly destination thanks to its calm and shallow waters, making it ideal for children to splash and play. However, it might be wise to bring along a pair of water shoes as the Pebble rocks, despite being beautiful, can be pretty painful when getting in or out of the sea. Alternatively, you can go to another beach in Collioure, called Plage de Port d’Avall, which is mostly sandy.
Collioure itself is a delightful town with a rich history and a vibrant artistic atmosphere. With its captivating hues and incredible sunlight, Collioure has been a cherished destination for artists such as Pablo Picasso, Dalí, and Henri Matisse.
While the primary allure of Collioure lies in its natural beauty, there are also plenty of activities to enjoy. The clear water is perfect for snorkelers to explore the marine life beneath the surface, while paddleboarders and kayakers will enjoy the calmness of the sheltered bay.
Banyuls-sur-Mer
Located at the foothills of the Albere range, Banyuls is a captivating seaside town in Occitanie that perfectly combines natural beauty with a rich cultural heritage. Its crescent-shaped beach, fringed by palm trees, offers a peaceful setting for sunbathing and swimming.
Banyuls Beach is known for its tranquil atmosphere, making it a popular choice for those seeking a relaxed coastal retreat. The calm waters provide excellent conditions for swimming, snorkelling, and even diving.
Surrounded by the picturesque town and the stunning Pyrenees landscape, Banyuls Beach offers breathtaking views in every direction. The backdrop of palm trees and hills covered with Vineyards creates a postcard-worthy scene, inviting you to unwind and soak up the beauty of the Mediterranean away from the crowd.
After a day at the beach, take a stroll through the charming streets of Banyuls, exploring its museums, art galleries, aquariums, and local shops. Don’t forget to indulge in a glass of Banyuls wine, renowned for its sweet and fortified taste, which will perfectly complement a seafood lunch at one of the many restaurants along the shore.
Leucate – the windy beach
Snuggled between the Mediterranean Sea and the tranquil waters of Étang de Leucate, this beach destination offers a remarkable blend of landscapes, where land meets the sea seamlessly. Leucate entices visitors with its long stretches of sandy beaches and shallow water, creating an idyllic playground for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Leucate is renowned for its exceptional conditions for water sports. With steady winds and calm waters, it has become a paradise for thrill-seekers and outdoor adventurers. Whether you’re an experienced kitesurfer or a beginner looking to learn, the perfect wind conditions provide an ideal environment for a variety of water-based activities.
However, if you’re seeking a place to go swimming, Leucate may not be the ideal spot in the area unless the wind is exceptionally calm. There is nothing worse than getting battered by the sand when getting out of the water!
Beyond water sports, Leucate also offers several trails along majestic limestone cliffs, ideal for a sporty morning to a beautiful vantage point over the Mediterranean Sea and the hilly countryside.
Grau du Roi – Plage de l’Espiguette
Plage de l’Espiguette is one of the most beautiful natural beaches in the South of France. It is located near Le Grau-du-Roi in Gard, a charming seaside town with a fishing port and a marina. The beach stretches for over 10 km and is surrounded by dunes and pine forests. It is a protected site with high ecological value, as it hosts a variety of flora and fauna adapted to the sandy and salty environment.
It is one of the best places to visit in Occitanie if you’re into kitesurfing. You can enjoy the vast and wild beach, the clear and refreshing water, and the views of the Mediterranean Sea. You can also visit the nearby lighthouse and learn about its history and function. If you are looking for some adventure, you can also explore the dunes on foot, by bike, or by horse. You can also try water sports like sailing, jet skiing, or parasailing.
Plage de l’Espiguette is family-friendly, with lifeguards on duty during the summer months, as well as showers, toilets, and a playground. You will also find some restaurants and snack bars along the beach, where you can taste some local specialities, such as seafood, paella, or fougasse. You can also rent a sunbed and an umbrella at one of the beach clubs, or bring your equipment and find a quiet spot.
The far North of the beach is dedicated to nudists, away from the crowds and noise. Here, you can sunbathe, swim, or relax without any clothes on, as long as you respect the rules and the privacy of other nudists.
To get to Plage de l’Espiguette, you can take a car or a bus from Le Grau-du-Roi. There is a paid parking lot on the site during the high season (April to September). It costs €7 until 4 pm, when the cost is reduced to €4. The beach is accessible by a staircase from the Corniche road or by a sandy path from the parking lot.
Gorges du Verdon
While the coastline of South East France is home to some beautiful sprawling beaches, there are a few hidden gems that can be found further inland. Two of the best beaches in the South of France can be found within the Gorges du Verdon, a 24km long mountainous valley.
The “Plage de Chabassole” and “Plage du Galetas” are located at the mouth of the winding Verdon River, near the impressive Pont du Galetas (Galeta Bridge). They sit on the azure waters of Lake Sainte-Croix, which gets its unique turquoise-green colour from tiny rock particles mixing with microscopic algae.
The beaches at Gorges du Verdon are fun for all the family, with paddleboats, kayaks and motorboats available to rent. Adventure enthusiasts will be pleased to know that they can choose from a variety of adrenaline activities, including rock climbing, hiking, paragliding, and bungee jumping. Birders should bring their binoculars and keep an eye out for unique species like Griffon Vultures, Black Vultures and Eagle, while hikers can enjoy the 14km Blanc Martel trail.
Verdon Gorges is easily accessible by car, following the mountainous and winding D957 from Marseille, Nice, or Avignon. Guided day trips can also be arranged. There is a car park at each beach on either side of the bridge, as well as public toilets, campgrounds, and vendors on site.
Beautiful Beaches in Provence-Alpes-cote-d’azur
Cassis – Plage de la Grande Mer
Located at the foot of gorgeous cliffs plunging into the Mediterranean Sea, the beach of Cassis is a perfect spot to spend a day lounging in the sun in the southeast of France.
The Plage de la Grande Mer looks heavenly, with clear blue water and white sand. Furthermore, it’s only a 40-minute drive from Marseille, the largest city nearby, or about a 20-minute train ride. If you are visiting the area on a road trip, Cassis is only a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the stunning Gorges du Verdon.
The beach is ideally located in Cassis, right in front of the city centre. You will be very close to the main restaurants, bars and alleys and can easily spend a whole day in this area. The beach is quite large, and you shouldn’t worry about finding a spot to lie down. Unfortunately, our 4-legged friends will have to stay home as it’s not a dog-friendly beach.
The Plage de la Grande Mer is perfect for a quick swim or a longer day chilling, as it is a walkable distance from Cassis’ town centre and can be reached without a car. The water is so clear, you can also do snorkelling with your equipment and discover the beautiful underwater world of Cassis.
Cassis is one of the most beautiful small towns in southern France! To find out all the other lovely villages in Southern France, check out our dedicated article here!
Cap D’ail – Plage de la Mala
Plage de la Mala is a picturesque cove with a crescent-shaped Blue Flag beach, incredibly clean seawater, and some dramatic cliffs. It is located in Cap d’Ail, between Nice and Monaco.
Cap d’Ail can be comfortably reached by train or bus from both Nice and Monaco, and then it’s a scenic 15-minute walk from the train station to the beach. The walk itself is on a pathway just by the sea and offers some outstanding views, along with some stairs to navigate. By the way, the same path in the opposite direction leads to Monaco, which is less than an hour away on foot.
The beach is pebbly, primarily with some coarse sand here and there. It has both a public and private part (the latter belonging to two beach restaurants), with showers and toilets available.
The sea is a different shade of blue–azure, aqua, and deep blue- and is amazingly clean and usually calm, as the whole bay is relatively sheltered. It’s an excellent place for swimming, snorkelling, and even a family picnic. For the more adventurous, paddleboarding, kayaking, and jet skiing are also available.
Recommended by Michal from Wanderlust Designers
Villefranche sur Mer – Plage des Marinieres
Plage des Marinieres is a picturesque public beach located at the base of the cascading hillside town of Villefranche-sur-Mer. Known for its panoramic views of the Côte d’Azur and scenic beauty, going to this beach is like stepping into a postcard.
Accessing this idyllic spot is convenient from anywhere in the French Riviera. The train station is on an elevated track just above the beach, making it a hassle-free way to escape the crowds in Nice or Monaco for a more relaxed beach day. You can also reach Plage des Marinieres by car and take advantage of the parking lot above the beach that includes 400 paid parking stalls.
The shore consists of a course of sandy beach, which is much more comfortable for tender feet when compared to the pebbly beaches of Nice. The gently sloping shoreline makes the shallow waters ideal for swimming enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.
The area is equipped with clean public restrooms and shower facilities. During the summer season, lifeguards are on duty and a first aid station is available. Anti-jellyfish nets are also installed during July and August to keep swimmers safe from painful jellyfish stings.
The town of Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of the most charming areas in southern France and elevates Plage Mariniers to “can’t miss” status.
Toulon – Plages du Mourillon
Toulon is a fabulous little town in the South of France, which should be on your South of France bucket list. The Plages du Mourillon nearby are worth visiting due to their proximity to the Toulon city centre, gorgeous beachfront, and family-friendly green parks. As the French say: “Dépaysement garanti” (Change of scene guarantee).
It’s quite easy to get to Plages du Mourillon with Bus 3, which takes you directly from the Liberté stop (in Toulon city centre) to Ste Hélène for only €1.40. The journey is about 25 minutes, and the transition from the pedestrian city to the beaches will seriously wow you. Although if you’re driving, you’ll find free parking nearby.
The Plages du Mourillon includes five coves or beaches: Lido, Mistral, les Pins, Source, and Tabarly. They’re all within walking distance of each other. There are a variety of activities, including sailing, volleyball, football, mini golf, and go-karts. There’s also a designated area for dogs to swim with a ramp at L’Anse Tabarly.
There are many more stunning shorelines in the South of France, including the best beaches near Montpellier, just waiting for you.
Nice Plage
Within the South of France, it’s no secret that numerous scenic beaches can be found in the charming seaside towns along the French Riviera. However, of them all, arguably the best beaches can be found in Nice.
The beaches in Nice go by many names, but in general, they are all located along the famous Promenade des Anglais and just a few minutes walk from Nice’s bustling Old Town. It is one of the best things to add to your Nice itinerary. And with plenty of space available to lay out a beach towel and soak up the sun, swimming and sunbathing are the main activities.
But, if you’re looking for something more luxurious, there are also private clubs where you can reserve a lounge chair and umbrella for the day to take cover from the heat.
Whichever option you choose, whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, or as a family, it’s worth visiting Nice’s beaches to take in the incredibly bright turquoise blue waters of the Côte d’Azur!
Paloma Beach
In a sheltered bay on the east coast of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, overlooking the bay of Beaulieu-sur-Mer, lies one of the most scenic beaches of the French Riviera. Paloma Beach has been a popular playground for aristocrats and artists since the early 19th century. It was even named after the daughter of one of its regular guests: Pablo Picasso’s daughter.
From paddle boards to jet skis, the Paloma Beach Club offers many water sports activities. This iconic beach club has been in operation since 1948 and is located on a section of Paloma Beach. The rest of the beach is open to the public. There’s a lifeguard on duty throughout summer, making this an excellent beach for families.
The tranquil bay is embraced by hills adorned with pine trees, resulting in serene, pristine waters and a gentle wave caress. Paloma Beach is not sandy, and the gravel-sized pebbles can be somewhat sore on the feet. Make sure to bring water shoes! The luxurious yachts that anchor in the bay may remind you of Saint-Tropez, but the ambience at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is much more understated and tranquil.
Paloma Beach is within walking distance of the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat town centre, which, in turn, is just a short bus ride from Nice. Driving there yourself is an option, but in peak summer, it’s usually impossible to find a parking spot on the Cap-Ferrat peninsula.
Beautiful Beaches in Nouvelle-AQuitaine
Biarritz
Renowned as one of Europe’s premier surfing destinations, Biarritz attracts water sports enthusiasts from around the world. Situated on the stunning French Basque coast, this vibrant resort town boasts a combination of dramatic coastline, sandy beaches, and powerful waves, creating an exhilarating experience for surfers of all levels.
Biarritz’s beaches, such as Grande Plage and Plage de la Côte des Basques, are known for their consistent surf breaks and challenging waves, attracting surfers of all levels. The town’s long surfing tradition and vibrant surf culture are evident as you watch skilled surfers gracefully ride the waves or participate in surf schools and lessons offered along the coast.
Even if you’re not hitting the waves, the splendid views from the coast are worth a visit. Backed by luxurious villas and the iconic Hôtel du Palais, the beachside promenades are a lovely spot for an evening stroll, watching surfers showcase their skills, or simply soaking up the sun.
Beyond surfing, Biarritz offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. You can explore the town’s rich history by visiting landmarks like the Rocher de la Vierge or the Biarritz Lighthouse. Another highlight here is to indulge in the town’s renowned cuisine, with its Basque influences and delicious seafood offerings, or browse the stylish boutiques and local markets.
For more about Biarritz, visit our city guide to find all the best things to do and see in Biarritz.
Lacanau
Situated on the Southwest coast of France, the majestic Lacanau Beach is one of the best beaches near Bordeaux. The best way to get here is by car or by taking a bus from Bordeaux.
If you like endless sandy beaches with soft sand and shallow water, Lacanau Beach is for you! The only downside of Lacanau Beach, like most Atlantic beaches, is the sea temperature. Even in the peak of summer, the water will be rather chilly, nothing like Côte d’Azur’s warm beaches.
If you want to learn how to surf, this is one of the best places in France. A wide sandy beach with small but consistent waves makes for perfect beginner surfing conditions.
Lacanau is almost like a resort town, coming alive in the summertime with numerous restaurants, bars, small shops, and activities to choose from. However, it’s still a laid-back, family-friendly spot, with plenty of surfing and water sports to enjoy.
Arcachon – Dunes du Pilat
The city of Arcachon in southwestern France is blessed with 7 kilometres of white sandy beaches, making it a very popular seaside destination in France.
Busy Central Beach is a favourite stretch of sand. The 800-metre-long beach has a lengthy seaside promenade with restaurants, cafés, shops, a casino, and activities for the whole family. Importantly, it’s also an excellent place for swimming and water sports, such as surfing. From there, it’s possible to take a ferry across to the headland of Cap-Ferret for a fun day trip.
A bit further south, out 300 metres from the shore at Thiers Beach, there is a brightly coloured whale’s tail sculpture that protrudes out of the water. The 5-metre-high artwork is repainted every year. Water sports enthusiasts would also enjoy the area of Abatilles-Arbousiers Beach. Other areas, including the beaches of L’Aiguillon and La Pointe, located farther to the north, are quieter.
Moulleau Beach is the section that is farthest south of Arcachon, with a beautiful view of the Dune of Pilat, Europe’s highest dune, and the Cap-Ferret lighthouse, shops, and pier. Both the dune and the cape are worthy of day trips from Arcachon.
Arcachon and its long stretch of sandy beaches are easily accessible by train from Bordeaux. There are dozens of trains each day, with travel times ranging from 37 to 51 minutes.
Please note │ This blog post may also include affiliate links to hostels or products we recommend, which means if you buy something following a link on this page, we’ll get a small commission. This will be of no extra cost to you but will help us continue running this blog. Thank you for your support.
ARE YOU ON PINTEREST?
What about saving this post to your Pinterest board?
Click on the photo to save this blog post for later. We are also on the platform, and we love pinning great travel tips. Follow Tales From The Lens’ boards to see our latest pins.
Don’t be shy, come say hi!
About the Author
Jen is the Funder, Author & Photographer behind Talesfromthelens.comJen has lived for the past 15 years across Oceania and Ireland while also travelling in Latin America, North America, and Europe. She has visited more than 65 countries and set foot on every continent in the world! She is a coffee nerd, passionate about photography, wildlife, and outdoor activities.
For more info, check out the About page.