French Riviera: Top 5 Must Go Beaches Explore

French Riviera: Top 5 Must Go Beaches

FRENCH RIVIERA Explore:

The beaches of the French Riviera are more than just beautiful stretches of sand or picturesque coves — they’re what capture the unique Mediterranean's atmosphere. From tucked-away bays to wide, lively shores, each spot has its own rhythm and charm. Come along and discover some of my favorite beaches along this iconic coastline.

CAP FERRAT

PLAGE PALOMA

Plage Paloma feels like a quiet escape, even though you are in the heart of the French Riviera. Tucked into the greenery at the tip of Cap-Ferrat, it’s a small, pebbled cove where the water is calm and clear, reflecting the soft blues of the sky. Across the bay, the hills stretch in muted shades of green and, a reminder of how beautifully wild this coastline still is in some places.

I love watching as small boats pull up to the beach club, dropping off passengers straight from their yachts. It’s the kind of place that feels effortlessly exclusive, but never unwelcoming. If you have time, take the Sentier du Littoral before or after your swim. The path follows the water’s edge, leading to Plage des Fossettes, with stunning views along the way. It’s a simple walk, but one of those that make you stop now and then, just to take it all in.
CASSIS

CALANQUE D'EN VAU

Getting to Calanque d’En-Vau isn’t the easiest, but it’s one of those places where the effort fades the moment you arrive. I prefer going by kayak from Cassis, paddling through the still morning waters. As I get into the calanque, the sea turns a shade of turquoise so clear that I can clearly see the pebbles beneath the surface. Instead of going all the way to the beach, I love sitting by the rocks on either side of the Calanque, and just take it all in — the steep rock walls, the light bouncing off the water, the laughter and splashes of the others there.

Some people prefer to hike in, and for those the hike can be a bit more strenuous, and the beach gets a bit more crowded. A few then climb on the rocks and jump, their laughter echoing through the cove. It’s the kind of place that always makes you want to come back.
PORQUEROLLES

PLAGE NOTRE DAME

I’ve always thought of Plage de Notre-Dame on Île de Porquerolles as one of those secret spots you stumble upon and never forget. The island has this almost tropical feel to it, with waters so clear it feels like a dream. It’s easy to get there by ferry, and once you arrive, the place has this peaceful vibe, despite being popular.

I usually head there early in the day, when the beach is quieter and the light is soft. The sea’s a stunning shade of turquoise, and you can see every little ripple and pebble beneath the surface. Even when the beach fills up, there’s something calming about it, maybe because the surroundings are so untouched. Every time I visit, I find myself thinking, "How is this place even real?" It’s one of those spots that never disappoint going back to.
VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-MER

PLAGE DES MARINIÈRES

There’s something easygoing about Plage des Marinières. It’s the kind of beach where you can settle in for hours, watching the gentle waves roll in and the boats drifting across the bay. The clear, shallow waters make it perfect for swimming, and the view is just as captivating from the shore - Villefranche’s colorful buildings rising on your right-hand side, with Cap Ferrat’s lush coastline framing the opposite side of the bay.

Because it’s so easy to reach - just a short walk from the train station - it does get busy in the summer, especially in the afternoons. I always try to go before lunch when the crowds are thinner and the water still has that undisturbed morning clarity. When I’m ready for a break, I like strolling back into town, where there are plenty of good spots to sit by the water and watch the boats come and go.
RAMATUELLE

PLAGE DE L'ESCALET

Plage de l’Escalet has always felt like one of those spots you’re happy to work a little harder to reach. It’s about a 25-minute drive from Saint-Tropez, and finding a parking space in the height of summer can be a small adventure on its own. But the moment you step onto the beach and see that clear, glassy water, all of that is instantly forgotten.

The water here is honestly some of the clearest I’ve seen along this stretch of coast — that perfect mix of turquoise and deep blue where you can see right down to the pebbles. I usually get there early, before it starts filling up, and sometimes I’ll follow one of the little paths along the rocks to find a quieter spot. It’s the kind of place where you end up losing track of time, just lying there, listening to the water and soaking it all in.
FRENCH RIVIERA Explore:

Discover the Guide

A Guide to the French Riviera in 14 Days - the cover page, by Simply Slow Traveler

The French Riviera has beaches for every one and every taste, from family friendly ones to the most secretive and idyllic!

Discover over 15 of my favourite beaches in the region on the 14-day guide to the beautiful French Mediterranean coast.

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