Whether you’re a resident or a visitor to the French Riviera, taking a trip to one of the exquisite beaches is a must all year round!

Here are our favourites in no particular order:

Paloma Plage, Cap Ferrat

Just 5 minutes walk from the village of Saint Jean, Paloma Plage offers the Riviera’s clearest water and softest sand. The coast is lined with fine dining restaurants, friendly bars and cafes, and if you want your own space or a sheltered setting then you may consider hiring one of the many beach cabins available. This is the perfect spot to sit back and enjoy the breathtaking views whilst watching some of the world finest super yachts go by.

Villefranche sur Mer

Located in a picturesque fishing village near Nice, Villefranche sur Mer is one of the quieter locations on the Cote d’Azur and a welcome break from the more popular tourist destinations along the Riviera during the summer months. There is plenty of rocky coves and inlets to explore as well as some excellent facilities including boat trips and kayak hire.

Cap d’Antibes

A prime spot located just a short drive away from Nice and Cannes that has an air of exclusivity about it. The French Riviera has a reputation for being a playground for the rich and famous, and this is definitely apparent in the town of Antibes. The Baie de la Garoupe is a prominent feature of the town, made up of private beaches scattered with white sand and distant rocky terrains that outline the sea. Travel around the coast if you are looking for the Riviera’s more serene and tranquil shores.

Rayol Canadel-sur-Mer

Moving away from the buzzing beaches of St Tropez and going towards Toulon will take you to this intimate stretch of Mediterranean coastline. Rayol Canadel-sur-Mer provides the calm away from the busy tourist areas and is surprisingly overlooked by visitors. It is perhaps the Cote d’Azur’s best kept secret and can often be tricky to find. The best way to locate it is to take the track from the airstrip at nearby Cogolin. There are various bars that surround the coast and a diving platform for those that want to explore the clear blue waters below.

Plage de Tahiti

Perhaps the most infamous beach in all of Europe, the Plage de Tahiti is the epitome of the French Riviera’s playful atmosphere and is a must-see for any visitor. It was originally made famous by Brigitte Bardot in the 1960s when it was used as the central location for her film ‘And God Created the Woman’. Nowadays it is an unofficial naturist beach that attracts all of the beautiful people of the Cote d’Azur. The golden sands, warm waters and excellent Tahitian-style bars around the coast really set the scene for this paradise.

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