Planning a summer trip to the French Riviera? From glamorous beach clubs in Saint-Tropez to hidden turquoise coves near Cassis, the best beaches in the South of France are some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
Known for its crystal-clear Mediterranean water, luxury coastal towns, scenic cliffs, and colourful seaside villages, the South of France is filled with incredible beaches for every type of traveller.
Whether you’re searching for:
- hidden beaches in the South of France
- the best beaches near Nice France
- sandy beaches on the French Riviera
- luxury beach clubs in Saint-Tropez
- or scenic swimming spots along the C么te d’Azur
…this guide covers the absolute best South of France beaches to add to your itinerary.
Why Visit the South of France?
The beaches in the South of France are famous for:
- Turquoise Mediterranean water
- Luxury beach clubs
- Scenic coastal towns
- Hidden swimming spots
- Relaxed Riviera atmosphere
What makes the best beaches French Riviera so special is the variety. One day you can be relaxing at a glamorous beach club in Saint-Tropez, and the next you’re discovering secluded coves surrounded by cliffs and pine trees.
Whether you’re planning a luxury getaway, romantic Europe trip, or building the perfect South of France travel guide, visiting the best beaches C么te d’Azur should absolutely be on your bucket list.
If you’re wondering where to swim in the South of France, this guide includes some of the clearest and most scenic swimming spots along the Mediterranean coast.
1. Pampelonne Beach, Saint-Tropez
Pampelonne Beach is one of the most famous French Riviera beaches and easily one of the best beaches near Saint Tropez.
Known for its luxury yachts, designer boutiques, and beach clubs, Saint-Tropez is a must-visit as part of any South of France itinerary. The town itself is filled with colourful streets, waterfront restaurants, and lively summer atmosphere.
This iconic stretch of coastline is known for:
- Luxury beach clubs
- Soft golden sand
- Crystal-clear water
- Celebrity hotspots
- Stylish restaurants
If you’re searching for glamorous C么te d’Azur beaches, this is one of the best places to visit.
Pampelonne is also one of the best sandy beaches in the South of France, making it perfect for full beach days and swimming.
馃憠 Popular beach clubs: Club 55 and Nikki Beach.
2. Paloma Beach, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Paloma Beach is one of the most scenic hidden beaches in the South of France visitors can discover.
Paloma Beach is located on the beautiful peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, one of the most scenic and exclusive areas on the C么te d’Azur.
This quiet coastal town is known for luxury villas, scenic walking paths, and relaxed Riviera charm, making it one of the prettiest hidden gems in the South of France.
Surrounded by pine trees and cliffs, this beach feels far more peaceful than many busier French Riviera beaches near Nice or Cannes.
The calm turquoise water makes this one of the best answers to the question of where to swim in the South of France.
馃憠 Perfect for:
- Scenic swimming spots
- Relaxed Riviera beach days
- Hidden Gems in the South of France
- Coastal photography
If you’re creating a French Riviera Itinerary, this beach absolutely deserves a spot on the list.
3. Mala Beach, Cap d'Ail
Mala Beach is one of the most breathtaking hidden beaches South of France has to offer.
Mala Beach sits in Cap d’Ail, a peaceful coastal town located just minutes from Monaco.
Compared to the busier Riviera destinations nearby, Cap d’Ail feels quieter and more relaxed while still offering incredible Mediterranean views and scenic coastal walks.
Located near Monaco beneath dramatic cliffs, this beach is famous for:
- Bright turquoise water
- Crystal-clear swimming spots
- A secluded atmosphere
- Scenic coastal views
This is easily one of the most beautiful beaches in France and one of the top hidden coves on the Riviera.
If you’re searching for quieter South of France beaches, Mala Beach is one of the best hidden gems to visit.
馃憠 Travel tip: Arrive early during summer as this beach becomes very busy.
4. Villefranche-sur-Mer Beach
Villefranche-sur-Mer is home to one of the best beaches near Nice France and one of the prettiest seaside towns on the Riviera.
Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of the most beautiful seaside towns in the South of France, known for its colourful buildings, waterfront caf茅s, and picturesque harbour.
Located between Nice and Monaco, it’s one of the best day trips on the French Riviera and a perfect place to slow down and enjoy the Riviera atmosphere.
Compared to some other beaches in the South of France, the water here often feels calmer and clearer for swimming.
The colourful waterfront buildings surrounding the bay make this one of the most photogenic C么te d’Azur beaches.
馃憠 Perfect for:
- Day trips from Nice
- Scenic caf茅s
- Swimming in the Mediterranean
- Relaxed beach days
This is one of the best beaches in the French Riviera travellers should not miss.
5. Calanque d'En-Vau, Cassis
One of the most spectacular best hidden gem beaches in France is Calanque d’En-Vau near Cassis.
Often considered one of the prettiest towns in Provence, Cassis is famous for its colourful harbour, seafood restaurants, local wine, and dramatic cliffside scenery. It’s also one of the best starting points for exploring the calanques along the Mediterranean coast.
Surrounded by limestone cliffs and bright turquoise water, this hidden cove feels completely different from the glamorous beaches near Cannes or Saint-Tropez.
Although reaching the beach requires a hike, it’s one of the most rewarding answers to where to swim in the South of France.
This is one of the:
- most beautiful beaches in the South of France
- best hidden swimming spots in France
- most scenic South of France beaches
If you love adventure travel and photography, this beach is unforgettable.
6. Notre-Dame Beach, Porquerolles
Notre-Dame Beach is often ranked among the best beaches in France travellers should visit.
Located on the island of Porquerolles, this beach is famous for:
- Calm turquoise water
- Pine tree-lined coastline
- Soft sand
- Relaxed atmosphere
If you’re searching for quieter beaches in the South of France, Porquerolles feels far less crowded than many Riviera hotspots.
This is also one of the best sandy beaches in the South of France for a slower-paced beach day.
7. Larvotto Beach, Monaco
Larvotto Beach is one of the most popular French Riviera beaches near Monaco.
Larvotto Beach is Monaco’s main public beach and is located close to many of the city’s luxury hotels, restaurants, and casinos.
Monaco itself is famous for Formula 1, luxury shopping, and its glamorous marina, making it one of the most iconic destinations on the French Riviera.
Although smaller than some other Riviera beaches, it’s ideal if you want:
- Easy beach access
- Restaurants and caf茅s nearby
- Scenic city views
- Convenient swimming spots
For travellers combining Monaco sightseeing with beach time, this is one of the best South of France beaches to visit.
8. Plage de l'Espiguette, Camargue
If you’re looking for wide sandy beaches in the South of France, Plage de l’Espiguette offers a completely different atmosphere compared to the rocky Riviera coastline.
Plage de l’Espiguette is located near Le Grau-du-Roi in the Camargue region of southern France.
Unlike the glamorous C么te d’Azur, this area is known for wild landscapes, flamingos, salt flats, and huge sandy beaches, giving visitors a completely different side of the South of France.
This is one of the best lesser-known hidden beaches in the South of France visitors can explore.
馃憠 Perfect for:
- Sunset walks
- Escaping crowds
- Nature-focused trips
- Relaxed beach days
This is one of the best options for travellers wanting quieter South of France beaches away from the busy Riviera hotspots.
Final Thoughts on the Best Beaches in the South of France
From glamorous Saint-Tropez beach clubs to secluded coves near Cassis, the beaches in the South of France offer something for every type of traveller.
Whether you’re planning a luxury Riviera getaway, creating the perfect South of France itinerary, or searching for the most beautiful beaches in France, this coastline is filled with unforgettable places to swim, relax, and explore.
Between the glamorous French Riviera beaches, scenic hidden coves, and crystal-clear Mediterranean water, it’s easy to understand why the South of France beaches are considered some of the best in Europe.