The South of France has long attracted visitors with its unique blend of beauty, artistic heritage, and Mediterranean charm. This gorgeous region is replete with stunning landscapes, rich history, and cultural vibrancy. From the lavender fields of Provence to the pristine beaches of the Cote D’Azur, there is really something for everyone. But for beach lovers, the Cote D’Azur is the place to be.
The Cote D’Azur is famous for its brilliant azure waters, warm and sunny climate, and its sweet, quaint villages, like Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Gordes. Here, visitors will find an idyllic setting that has served as inspiration for many artists, including Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse, and Pablo Picasso. The region has incredibly unique light that draws in painters and photographers.
As a region, the South of France has historically been made up of a melange of cultures. The ancient Greeks and Romans saw the strategic importance of the region, and established settlements like Massilia (now Marseille) and Nemausus (Nîmes). The area is dotted with ancient ruins, like the amphitheatre in Arles and the Pont du Gard aqueduct, standing as testimony to the ancient history and appeal of the area.
Later, in the twentieth century, the French Riviera became synonymous with luxury and with glamour. For the past few decades, celebrities, royalty and artists have become regular visitors to its beautiful beaches, attending iconic events like the Cannes Film Festival. Nowadays, the region continues to captivate visitors with its timeless appeal, its rich culinary heritage, history, and natural beauty.
Plage de la Mala, Cap D’Ail
This stunning beach is often described as the most beautiful beach in the Cote D’Azur, and it is hardly a surprise as this is truly a special place. Plage de la Mala is hugged by cliffs that descend into the deep azure waters of the sea. However, the beach does not give up its beauty so easily—it can only be accessed by more than 100 stairs beside the famous Eden Palace, or by the coastal path from Gramaglia Cove. The effort only makes the beach more worthwhile, though, as nothing can beat lying in the sun on its golden sands or taking a leisurely swim in its clear waters.
Plage de Pampelonne, Ramatuelle
Plage de Pampelonne is situated near Saint-Tropez and is one of the most celebrated and glamorous beaches in the world. It spans over five kilometres and is a sandy paradise known best for its crystal-clear waters, incredible beach clubs, and lively atmosphere. The beach has been a favourite spot for celebrities, jet setters, and sun seekers since the 1950s and was famously shown in the Brigitte Bardot film And God Created Woman. The beach clubs at Plage de Pampelonne are a mixture of luxury and Mediterranean charm and they are the perfect place to enjoy delicious food, drinks, and people watching. Although this is a luxury location, the beach caters to all visitors and there are public access areas where anyone and everyone can enjoy the unbelievably beautiful scenery.
Plage des Sablettes, Menton
Plage des Sablettes is the place to go for those with young families, there is a well appointed Esplanade, pergolas, sports facilities and restaurants and bars all along the beach. The sand here is fine and the waters are calm and turquoise, making it the perfect spot to take a swim. The beach itself is tucked between two rocky outcrops and from the beach it is possible to see all the way to the nearby Saint-Mandrier peninsula and the open sea. The beach has a gentle slope and generally shallow waters, making it a safe swimming spot for younger children.
Plage de la Garoupe, Cap D’Antibes
Plage de la Garoupe is a beautiful beach known for its incredible natural beauty and tranquillity. The crescent-shaped beach is surrounded by verdant vegetation and offers incredible views out over the Mediterranean Sea. This beach has been particularly popular with artists and writers over the years—the writer F. Scott Fitzgerald and the artist Pablo Picasso are among those who have visited over the years. The beach has a mix of private beach clubs and public areas, meaning it is a great spot for those seeking a luxurious experience and for those looking for a spot of casual sunbathing. The clear, azure waters are great for swimming and the area is also known for its gorgeous, vibrant sunsets so it’s the perfect place to sit back with a glass of wine and watch the orange and pink rays make their way below the horizon.
Plage du Midi, Cannes
Plage du Midi is a popular and accessible beach that stretches along the Mediterranean coast. The beach is situated just west of the famous Palais des Festivals, the primary venue for the Cannes Film Festival. Plage du Midi has soft, golden sand and gentle waves, with a stunning view of the Esterel Mountains in the distance, too! The beach is popular with both tourists and locals, and it is a great spot to set up for the day due to its proximity to the city of Cannes. There is a wide variety of clubs, restaurants and cafes nearby in which to refuel after a long, gruelling day of relaxing in the sun and surf.
Calanque des Anglais
Calanque des Anglais is located near Marseille and is one of the gorgeous inlets that make up the Calanques National Park. It is known for its rugged, red limestone cliffs and its crystal-clear turquoise waters. This is a relatively quiet beach, popular with locals, as it is not entirely easy to reach—the beach is accessible by hiking trails with breath-taking views along the way. Calanque des Anglais is the perfect setting for a peaceful day away from the bustle of the world.
The Cote D’Azur is really the place to go for all beach and sun lovers as there are endless stretches of spectacular coastline on offer, whether you’re looking for an adventure or a quiet afternoon on the beach reading a book. Let the serene, azure waters be the focus of your horizon and relax into the calm of a coastline like no other.
