French Riviera Beaches
The beaches of the French Riviera
The distance from the property to the sea and the beaches is usually important for real estate buyers on Côte d’Azur. Often clients ask us to show them the access to the sea and the closest beaches as a part of their viewing.
Locals, as well as tourists who come to the region often have each their personal preferences and favourite spots. While sand is important for some, others prefer to have a good restaurant nearby, and for yet another group social setting is the most important factor.
As a rule, owners of luxury villas on the French Riviera prefer swimming in their own pools, or in the sea from aboard a yacht. Locals who do not own either often prefer secret spots in the rocks and small bays to avoid tourists.
The most famous beaches of Côte d’Azur
Without a doubt beach holidays on the French Riviera are strongly associated with Saint-Tropez. The most famous sand beaches, like Club 55, are located in Ramatuelle – a small village in the Pampelonne Bay, next to Saint-Tropez. Generally, sandy beaches on the French Riviera start after Antibes and Juan-Les-Pins in the direction of Cannes and Saint-Tropez. On the other side, from Nice to Monaco, beaches are mostly covered in pebbles.
Cap Ferrat Beaches
There are several beaches on Cap Ferrat, but the most famous and popular ones are Plage Passable on the western side and Paloma Beach on the eastern. Each has a free public area, as well a private beach with sunbeds and a restaurant.
In the evening, tables with white tablecloths are set next to the water for dinner. If you are on a yacht or in a different bay, the restaurant can send a boat to get you.
The headlands are great for swimming in general, as you can move between the eastern and the western side depending on the time of the day and sun position. It has also been noticed that if you spot medusas on the western side, there will not be any in the east, and vice versa.
Beaulieu-sur-Mer Beaches
There are two large sand beaches in Beaulieu-sur-Mer – in the beginning of the town, and behind the port with restaurants. Families with young children love the beaches in Beaulieu, because of the sand and the easy access to the water. There are private beaches next to the public ones.
Most of the restaurants are located in the port; African Queen is the most famous among them. There is a gastronomic restaurant in the 5* hotel La Reserve.
The beach in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Villefranche bay is considered one of the most beautiful panoramic views in the world. Emerald water, many restaurants close to the beach and the picturesque old town will charm you. The beach here is larger than in Beaulieu and Cap Ferrat, and a new private beach has been recently constructed.
You can also have a lovely meal in one of the restaurants on the other side of the bay, next to the old town. La Mère Germaine, for example is a decent place with traditional cuisine and Micheline stars..
Eze-Bord-de-Mer beaches
The beaches in Eze-Bord-de-Mer may seem less comfortable then in Beaulieu and Cap Ferrat because of the pebbles, but they have their charm. There are less people here during the high season.
The Eze bay is quite large, so you can find a quiet spot. There are two private beaches and the famous restaurant Ajuna. The special atmosphere here especially valued by the English.
Cap d’Ail beaches
Mala is the most famous beach on Cap d’Ail. It is situated in a picturesque bay with emerald water and steep rocks. There is a public beach here, and two private ones with restaurants.
The nearby mansions are beautiful samples of the sumptuous Belle Epoque architecture. You can also explore the pathway to Monaco along the seaside.
The access to Mala beach is not very convenient – you need to walk down for quite a while. It is much more convenient to arrive by boat. By the way, most of the beach restaurants can organise a transfer by boat. This is quick, enjoyable, romantic, and very convenient if you are on a yacht at sea.
Cap d’Antibes beaches
La Garoupe is the most famous beach on the eastern side of Cap d’Antibes. This is a sandy beach in a small and cosy bay. A nice walk along the sea away from all traffic starts here. Keller restaurant is famous for its amazing combination price-quality-service. Sunday brunches are super popular here.
There are beautiful sandy beaches with decent restaurants on the western side too, next to Belle Rives hotel: Provençal and Les Pirates, as well as Les Pecheurs with a gastronomic restaurant.
Generally speaking, most people can be divided into two groups – those who love Cap Ferrat, and those who prefer Cap d’Antibes.
