The 12 places the travel guides we read name most, what they say about each, and fares from your city.
The places, most named first
From the 7 guides that rank for "best beaches in french riviera"
Named by 4 of 71. Plage des Sablettes, MentonMenton, FranceA jetty keeps the water calm and shallow, which suits swimming and families.Menton's bay is sheltered by the Alps, so the sea tends to be warmer and calmer.
Named by 3 of 72. Plage de Pampelonne, Saint-TropezSaint-Tropez, FranceNearly five kilometres of wide, sandy, shallow beach, rare on a coast of pebble coves.Around a third is free public access; the rest is private beach clubs.
Named by 3 of 73. Plage des Fourmis (Baie des Fourmis), Beaulieu-sur-MerBeaulieu-sur-Mer, FranceBeaulieu-sur-Mer is about 8 km from Nice and a few train stops away.Shallow water near shore makes it a good family beach.
Named by 3 of 7
Fares to French Riviera from your city
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When to go
Travel guides most often name May to June and September as the best time to visit French Riviera.
The seafront has free public beaches, including Macé and Zamenhof.
Shallow water, a promenade with restrooms and ice-cream stalls suit families.
Named by 2 of 75. Paloma Beach, Saint-Jean-Cap-FerratCap Ferrat, FranceA sheltered pine-backed cove with exceptionally clear water, good for swimming and snorkelling.The public beach stays freely accessible.
Named by 2 of 76. Plage Mala, Cap d’AilCap d’Ail, FranceA cove below cliffs reached by about 100 steps, which thins the crowds.A pebble beach that stays tranquil.
Named by 2 of 77. Ponteil Beach, AntibesAntibes, FranceConsidered one of Antibes' most beautiful beaches, with views of the old town.
Named by 2 of 78. Escalet BeachSaint-Tropez area, FranceA fine sandy beach bordered by rocks and small coves, good for snorkeling.
9. Plage du Sud, Saint-TropezSaint-Tropez, FrancePowdery sand, but it can feel packed in July.
10. Castel Beach, NiceNice, FranceLifeguards year-round, wheelchair-friendly paths and cafés.
11. Plage des Marinières, Villefranche-sur-MerVillefranche-sur-Mer, FranceEasy to reach by train from Nice, with harbor-front cafés nearby.
12. Èze-sur-MerÈze, FranceThe coastal side of Èze offers a much calmer experience than the hilltop village.
Named by 4 of 71. Plage des Sablettes, MentonA jetty keeps the water calm and shallow, which suits swimming and families.Menton's bay is sheltered by the Alps, so the sea tends to be warmer and calmer.
Named by 3 of 72. Plage de Pampelonne, Saint-TropezNearly five kilometres of wide, sandy, shallow beach, rare on a coast of pebble coves.Around a third is free public access; the rest is private beach clubs.
Named by 3 of 73. Plage des Fourmis (Baie des Fourmis), Beaulieu-sur-MerBeaulieu-sur-Mer is about 8 km from Nice and a few train stops away.Shallow water near shore makes it a good family beach.
Named by 3 of 7
