Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur is famous for its coves (calanques), creeks (criques) and inlets (anses). With pebbles or sand, wild or well-known, you're sure to find one you love. What could be better than good sea air to help you relax and unwind, opening new horizons shared with your loved ones far from the bustling crowds.
If you're staying near the coast the beach is bound to be on your mind. It doesn't matter if you prefer somewhere untouched and nearly unknown, seen from afar or in the centre of town with every amenity close at hand. Discover the best 10 beaches in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.
- 1
Notre Dame beach on Porquerolles Island
Is this the most beautiful beach in Europe?
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Notre Dame beach on Porquerolles Island (la plage Notre Dame, sur l’île de Porquerolles), lying in a wooded bay and lapped by turquoise water, has been voted the most beautiful beach in Europe.
World famous for its beautiful sand and crystal clear water, whether you want to lie in the sun or swim in the sea you can enjoy your time on the coast sheltered from the local winds. If you want a picnic away from the sand the pine and oak forests offer endless possibilities in the shade. This 800 metre long beach leads into shallow waters that are warm for almost 300 metres.
Locatie: Porquerolles Island, Hyères, France
Kaart - 2
Garoupe beach in Antibes
A beautiful cove with a view of the mountains
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Garoupe beach (la plage de la Garoupe) is a beautiful cove of turquoise water, well protected from the wind, on the Cap d'Antibes. Parts of the beach are private but there are also public areas where you are free to enjoy the beautiful sand. There is a large car park from which you can take the path to the beach.
The path has wonderful views over the snow capped Alps making the short walk to the calm sea a real pleasure. If you think the beach is too crowded there are other little inlets further along the coastal path. What you're looking for could be just behind the next rock.
Locatie: 06160 Antibes, France
Kaart - 3
Portissol beach in Sanary-sur-Mer
Not just sunbathing, you can dive or surf here too.
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Portissol beach (la plage de Portissol) is a beautiful sandy beach very close to the centre of the town with the same name. There are lifeguards, as well as ladders to make access easier for divers and the Mistral wind makes it a great surfing spot too - this charming beach in Sanary has everything going for it.
There is disabled access and a free car park. And if all you want to do is soak up the sun there are sunbeds for hire. There are plenty of restaurants and cafés nearby for when you want a snack or a drink.
Locatie: 1-131 boulevard Frédéric Mistral, 83110 Sanary-sur-Mer
Kaart - 4
Croisette beach in Cannes
An area of public sand wher eyou can enjoy watching fireworks
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Croisette beach (la plage de la Croisette) is one of the rare public beaches in Cannes and one of the most popular in this city of luxury. It is at the end of the promenade just before Port Canto. Most of the rest of the beach is private but at the other end, near the Palais des Festivals and the town centre, there is another public section. It is disabled accessible, with showers, parking and plenty of places to get something to eat and drink.
The beach invites you to sunbathe, swim and take a breath of sea air whenever you like. In the summer evenings you can sit here to enjoy the fireworks of the Cannes Fireworks Festival which takes place in the Bay.
Locatie: Boulevard de la croisette, 06400 Cannes, France
Kaart - 5
Levant island
A haven for naturists
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Levant island (L’île du Levant) is an island off the Mediterranean coast that is exclusively for naturists. It faces the Maures mountains (massif des Maure) and is still wild and unspoiled with an exceptionally beautiful coastline. Half the island belongs to the military but the rest is dedicated to naturism.
It has one of the highest numbers of sun-hours in France so visitors can relax and enjoy all its beauties under a true Mediterranean climate. There are lots of beautiful sights here, especially the sunsets over the Ile de Port-Cros. So, one of the more unusual tourist places in Var, but a place to enjoy a gentler pace of life with like-minded people.
Locatie: Hyères, France
Kaartfoto door hyerestourisme (CC BY-SA 4.0) bewerkt
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Cabasson beach in Bormes-les-Mimosas
A cove with a beautiful view
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Cabasson beach (Plage de Cabasson) in Bormes les Mimosas is hidden behind plant covered dunes. This beautiful cove of fine sand has an amazing view of Brégançon fort (le fort de Brégançon). It is 375 metres long with toilets and showers, as well as a restaurant and shady picnic tables; so there is everything you need to enjoy a day lying in the sun.
In the summer there are life guards and a first aid station. If you like exploring, there are several inlets along the coastal path, although some of them can only be got to by scrambling over the rocks.
Locatie: Ca Pa Lo, avenue Guy Tezenas, 83230 Bormes-les-Mimosas
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Calanque d’En-Vau
Kayaks and boars
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A calanque is a narrow steep inlet off the Mediterranean sea and between Marseille and Cassis is the Calanque d'En Vau, one of the most beautiful, as well as one of the most remote, in the Calanque National Park (le Parc national des Calanques). But it's well worth the trouble of getting there. If you don't have a boat, be prepared for a long walk. But once you get there, the high cliffs, crystal water and pretty stone beach make it all worthwhile.
This sheltered inlet is loved by kayakers and swimmers, and you'll sometimes see boar taking a dip too. If you're still feeling fit you can climb up the Belvedere d'En-Vau for a panoramic view over the turquoise sea and cliffs below.
Locatie: 13009 Marseille, France
Kaart - 8
Sylvabelle beach in La Croix-Valmer
A breath taking view
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Sylvabelle beach (Plage de Sylvabelle) is a beautiful and unspoiled beach reached from a long staircase set into the cliffs. Among the luxuriant vegetation on the cliffs is a single villa, built for Sarah Bernhardt at the beginning of the 20th century, looking out over the long sandy beach.
As well as lots of sun there is a beautiful view as far as Cap Lardier. In a sheltered cove, this beach haven is out of the wind and the water is very clear and bright. A place to find peace and quiet not far from St Tropez, Ramatuelle and Gassin.
Locatie: 83420, La Croix Valmer, France
Kaart - 9
Estagnol beach in Bormes-les-Mimosas
A great place for families
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Estagnol beach (Plage de l’Estagnol) has white sand and clear water, in front of big pine trees offering shade when needed. This 475 metre long beach at Bormes-les-Mimosas offers you picture postcard views while you enjoy the sun. The water is shallow, so great for paddling with little ones.
There are toilets and showers, as well as a 500 square metre inflatable playground to help keep the children amused. You can picnic or there are restaurants nearby.
Locatie: 1631 route de Léoube, 83230 Bormes-les-Mimosas
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Crine Cove in the Frioul Islands
Fishing, snorkelling and peace
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Crine Cove (la calanque de la Crine) is a charming mix of sand and gravel beaches on Pomègues Island (l’île de Pomègues) in the Frioul archipelago (l’archipel du Frioul). It's about an hour's walk from the port but well worth it. Especially when you can see why it has been nicknamed "Tahiti beach".
It's a sheltered place to swim with views of some of the other islands, like Tiboulen and Ratonneau (l’île de Ratonneau). The white rocks of one of them are easy to climb and lots of children go there to fish and dive. The sea bottom is also particularly interesting here, so bring your snorkel.
Locatie: Îles du Frioul, 13007 Marseille, France
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