The French Riviera has been synonymous with sea, sun, and cinematic glamour for more than a century, and nowhere is that legacy more visible than along the beaches of Nice, Antibes, Cannes, and the small coves in between.
Today the coastline is evolving again, with new regulations favoring public access, ongoing renovation projects, and a growing focus on water quality and sustainability.
French Riviera Beaches
Before choosing your perfect patch of sand on the Côte d’Azur, it helps to understand how French Riviera beaches work. The coastline is a mix of free public areas and concessioned private sections, with differences in facilities, pricing, and atmosphere that can dramatically shape your day at the sea.
New public-access rules and long-term coastal protection projects are also reshaping famous strips of shoreline, particularly around Antibes and Juan les Pins.
In practical terms, the region’s major beach destinations share some common traits. Most urban beaches are managed and patrolled during summer, and many carry Europe’s Blue Flag label for water quality.
Pebble beaches dominate in and around Nice, while softer sand appears as you move west toward Antibes, Juan les Pins, and Cannes. Beach clubs still exist and are often luxurious, but authorities are steadily reducing their footprint in favor of wider public zones.
Public vs Private Beaches
Along the French Riviera, the seafront itself is public domain, but municipalities grant seasonal concessions to private operators, resulting in a patchwork of paid and free zones. Private beaches typically offer sunbeds, umbrellas, waiter service, changing cabins, and on-site restaurants. A sunbed on a prime stretch in high season can easily reach a significant daily rate, especially in Cannes and central Nice.
Public beaches are free to access and are increasingly prioritized in planning decisions. On many bays, authorities are working to ensure that at least half, and in some cases much more, of the coastline remains public. This shift is especially visible in the Juan les Pins area, where an ongoing coastal rehabilitation program is cutting the percentage of concessioned sand and expanding free sections.
Key Rules and Safety Basics
Beach rules are posted at the entrance to each site and are broadly similar from Nice to Cannes. Common regulations include no open fires, no camping, no loud music that disturbs other bathers, and bans on fishing or spearfishing from bathing areas.
Dogs are generally not allowed on main urban beaches in summer, with specific dog-friendly stretches designated elsewhere along the coast. Night-time access can be restricted, particularly where authorities are trying to limit informal camping and protect dunes or fragile zones.
Lifeguards are present on major beaches during the official summer season, usually from late May or June through early September. Color-coded flags indicate conditions: green for safe bathing, orange or yellow for caution, and red when swimming is prohibited due to swell, pollution alerts, or storms.
On pebble beaches, especially where the seabed drops quickly, weak swimmers should take extra care and families may wish to equip children with proper flotation devices and beach shoes.
Planning Your Visit by Season
The character of Riviera beaches changes dramatically with the calendar. July and August bring intense crowds, peak prices for beach clubs, and a buzzing holiday atmosphere that suits travelers who enjoy noise, nightlife, and packed promenades.
Late May, June, and September are ideal for visitors looking for warm water and a calmer rhythm, with more space on the sand and easier last-minute restaurant bookings.
From October through April, many private beach clubs dismantle their structures, leaving wide open public spaces. Swimming is still possible for hardy locals and visitors during mild spells, and winter is popular for seaside walks along the Promenade des Anglais in Nice or the coastal paths around Cap d’Antibes. The light is crisp, and hotel rates are often significantly lower than in high summer.
Nice: Pebble Bays, Long Promenades, and Urban Energy
Nice is often the first stop for travelers arriving on the French Riviera, and its broad crescent of beach stretching along the Baie des Anges defines the city’s identity. The seafront is lined with a continuous promenade, with more than 7 kilometers of shore divided into named sections in front of each neighborhood.
The beaches here are almost entirely made of smooth pebbles, which give the sea its famous deep turquoise color but also require a slightly different approach to beachgoing.
Nice offers a mix of public and private beaches along the central bay, alongside a few smaller sandy incursions east and west. The city is especially attractive for those who want an easy walk from hotel to shore, access to restaurants and nightlife just steps away, and good public transport connections to quieter coves further along the coast.
Promenade des Anglais Urban Beaches
The core section of Nice’s coastline runs in front of the Promenade des Anglais, framed by grand Belle Époque hotels and apartment blocks. Here you will find dozens of publicly accessible zones interspersed with private beach clubs that set up terraces, sunbeds, and restaurants on raised platforms built over the pebbles.
Public beaches typically provide basic showers and occasionally lockers, while private clubs offer loungers, parasols, and full-service dining. The water grows deep quickly, and waves can be powerful on rough days, so this area suits confident swimmers.
The upside is exceptionally clear water and panoramic views: to the east, the old town and castle hill; to the west, the curve of the bay leading toward the airport and beyond.
Carras and Western Nice
Further west toward Nice Airport, the beaches of Carras and the neighboring sections are somewhat less crowded than the central Promenade in high season. They retain the same pebbly character but offer a more local, relaxed ambiance with fewer hotels directly behind the shore.
Families often appreciate the slightly calmer scene, while younger visitors may use this area as a base for water sports such as paddleboarding and kayaking.
Transport remains straightforward, with regular tram and bus services connecting western beaches to the city center. These stretches are also convenient for travelers arriving with rental cars, since parking options are less constrained than in the old town area.
Practical Tips for Nice Beaches
First-time visitors are often surprised by how challenging it can be to walk barefoot on Nice’s pebbles, especially at the waterline where the stones can be slippery underfoot. Simple neoprene beach shoes are a valuable investment, providing grip and comfort. A folding beach mat is also more practical than a standard towel, which tends to bunch up and offer little padding on the stones.
Due to the steep drop near the shoreline, small children may be more at ease at other Riviera resorts with sandy, shallow bays. However, for couples, solo travelers, and groups of friends looking for a city-and-sea break, Nice remains one of the most convenient and atmospheric beachfront capitals in Europe.
Antibes & Juan les Pins: Sandy Strands and Evolving Shorelines
Antibes, sitting between Nice and Cannes, combines a medieval old town with a string of sandy beaches that are among the most appealing on the Riviera for families.
Just around the headland lies Juan les Pins, a 1920s-born resort famed for its wide bays, nightlife, and annual jazz festival under the pines. Together with Cap d’Antibes they form a dense cluster of options, from busy urban sands to secluded rocky coves.
The shoreline between Antibes and Juan les Pins is undergoing one of the most ambitious coastal improvement programs in the region. Authorities are reshaping certain beaches, reinforcing the coastline, and progressively reducing the footprint of private concessions so that public beaches will account for most of the accessible sand.
While work is being phased to preserve the summer season, visitors may encounter sections of ongoing construction outside peak months and some changes from guidebooks published only a couple of years ago.
Plage de la Gravette: Old Town Classic
Plage de la Gravette is a sheltered sandy beach nestled just below the ramparts of Antibes’ historic center. Shaped like a horseshoe and protected by breakwaters, it offers calm, shallow waters that make it especially attractive for families and novice swimmers. The dramatic backdrop of walls, towers, and the old port adds an almost cinematic feel to a straightforward urban beach day.
This beach is entirely public and usually monitored in summer, with basic facilities such as showers. Food options are a short walk away in the old town, where bistros and ice cream stands crowd the narrow lanes. Given its popularity and small size, space can be tight from late morning onward in high season, so early arrivals will have the pick of the sand.
Ponteil and Salis: Accessible Sandy Bays
South of the old town, the long curves of Plage du Ponteil and Plage de la Salis stretch toward Cap d’Antibes. These two sandy beaches are among the most user-friendly on the coast, thanks to gently sloping, shallow water and spacious public stretches backed by walking paths and parks. They are particularly recommended for travelers who prioritize easy sea access, including families with toddlers and visitors with limited mobility.
Parking areas, sailing schools, and accessibility ramps are located nearby, and both beaches are generally supervised during the main season. The sense of space and openness here contrasts with the sometimes dense arrangement of beach clubs elsewhere, while still keeping Antibes’ old town and harbor within easy strolling distance.
Juan les Pins: Grande Plage and Central Strips
Crossing to the west side of the headland, Juan les Pins offers a more overtly resort-like feel, with a string of beaches running parallel to a palm-lined promenade.
Grande Plage serves as the flagship beach, a broad public stretch of sand that draws large crowds in summer yet retains a celebratory, holiday atmosphere. The views sweep toward the Lérins Islands and the red-tinted Esterel hills beyond Cannes, making sunset particularly memorable.
Alongside the public zones, a series of private beach clubs operate on the sand, offering carpets over the hot grains, sunbeds, and restaurant service ranging from casual snacks to full fine-dining menus. In 2025, a major coastal rehabilitation project was reshaping parts of this frontage, including the beaches near the famous pine grove that hosts the Jazz à Juan festival.
Quieter Corners: Plage de la Gallice and Plage du Crouton
For those seeking a softer, more local ambiance near Juan les Pins, two smaller beaches stand out. Plage de la Gallice, tucked beside Port Gallice at the start of Cap d’Antibes, is one of the rare entirely public beaches in the area. Set back from the main road, it feels more secluded than the town’s central strips, attracting a mix of local families and visitors in the know.
A little further along, Plage du Crouton offers a narrow but attractive stretch of white sand, partly public and partly occupied by a small private beach club. Sheltered and less visible from the main resort, it can be a good fallback when Grande Plage is packed. From both sites, it is easy to continue on foot toward Cap d’Antibes’ coves or back into the nightlife of Juan les Pins.
Beach Works and What They Mean for Visitors
The current coastal overhaul around Juan les Pins and Cap d’Antibes has several aims: to restore a more natural shoreline, reinforce sea defenses, and rebalance the ratio between public and private beach space. Long-term planning documents envision public beaches covering roughly four-fifths of the area once works are complete, significantly curbing the dominance of concessioned sections.
For visitors, the key takeaway is that access to the sea remains assured. Local authorities and tourism offices emphasize that beaches and swimming areas are open throughout the 2026 summer season, with heavy works paused during peak months.
Outside high season, travelers may encounter construction zones or temporary diversions on seafront paths, but the net effect over the coming years will be wider, more open public beaches with improved facilities and better coastal resilience.
Cap d’Antibes and Hidden Coves
Between Antibes and Juan les Pins, the pine-covered headland of Cap d’Antibes shelters some of the most atmospheric swimming spots on the French Riviera. Here the coastline becomes wilder and more irregular, with a mix of small sandy pockets and rocky platforms cut into the stone.
Water quality is typically excellent, and the headland’s relative inaccessibility keeps crowds lower than on the main town beaches.
Cap d’Antibes suits confident swimmers and walkers willing to trade a short hike or stair climb for a quieter place to enter the sea. Facilities are minimal or non-existent on many of these coves, so visitors should come prepared with water, snacks, and suitable footwear. In high season, early mornings and later afternoons are the best times to experience the area at its most peaceful.
Plage de la Garoupe and Surroundings
Plage de la Garoupe is the best-known beach on the eastern side of Cap d’Antibes. Historically lined with private beach clubs and restaurants, it has been at the heart of recent debates over coastal access, with local regulations gradually limiting the amount of sand that can be occupied by permanent structures.
The result is a more balanced mix of public and private space, set against brilliantly clear water and views back toward Antibes and Nice.
The adjacent coastal path, popular in calm weather, offers a superb way to link coastal viewpoints and small rocky inlets. On busy days, Garoupe can fill quickly, but walkers willing to continue along the headland will find smaller landing spots for a swim from the rocks.
Port de l’Olivette and Plage des Ondes
On the western flank of Cap d’Antibes, the tiny beach at Port de l’Olivette has become a minor social media star, thanks to its picturesque harbor of traditional wooden fishing boats.
The beach itself combines sand and pebbles and is modest in size, better suited to short visits and photographs than long days stretched out under an umbrella. Swimming is limited near the moored boats, but the atmosphere is undeniably charming.
Nearby Plage des Ondes is a narrow sandy strip with a distinctive stone tower in the shallows, overlooking the bay toward Cannes and the Lérins Islands. While it lies close to the road and offers limited space at high tide, it provides a scenic setting and easier water entry than rocky coves. These small beaches are best enjoyed outside peak hours, when parking is less pressured and the light is softer.
Wild Rocky Coves and Coastal Path Spots
Beyond the named beaches, Cap d’Antibes hides a series of rocky niches and bathing platforms, many accessible only by footpaths and short stairways. These spots offer quiet, clear-water swimming in natural rock pools, but they demand caution. There are typically no lifeguards, no railings, and few signposts warning of slippery surfaces or sudden drops.
Travelers who choose to explore should wear closed water shoes or sturdy sandals, respect private property boundaries, and avoid cliff jumping, which is prohibited in many areas and dangerous throughout.
On days of strong swell, waves can break directly onto the rocks, making these coves unsuitable for swimming. In calm conditions, however, they can provide some of the Riviera’s most memorable swims away from the crowds.
Cannes: Glamour, Sand, and Island Escapes
Cannes is shorthand for red carpets and luxury hotels, but its beaches are remarkably accessible, with a continuous ribbon of sand spanning from the old harbor to the newer districts in the east and west.
Compared with Nice, the shore here is mostly sandy, though the grain can be coarse in places. The atmosphere reflects the city’s dual identity: high-end beach clubs in front of grand hotels, and wide public areas within a short walk of residential neighborhoods and the train station.
For visitors, Cannes offers a choice: lean into the high-gloss version of the Riviera, with private cabanas and champagne service, or stay on the public sections and simply enjoy the generous sands and wide horizon. Day trips by boat to the nearby Lérins Islands add a wilder dimension to a predominantly urban beach scene.
La Croisette Beaches
The most famous strip of Cannes beach fronts the Boulevard de la Croisette, where luxury hotels have operated beach clubs for decades. Here a series of concessioned sections alternate with public gaps, creating an intricate shoreline of piers, floating platforms, and carefully arranged sunbeds.
The city has tightened regulations in recent years, gradually reclaiming portions of sand for public use while allowing clubs to continue under stricter conditions.
Water access is straightforward, with soft sand underfoot and gently shelving seabeds that suit families better than the pebbles of Nice. Prices for private facilities remain among the highest on the coast, especially in peak season and during major events.
For many visitors, however, the spectacle of this environment is half the appeal, and a stroll along the Croisette’s seafront walkway offers people-watching on a grand scale.
Public Beaches East and West
To the west of the old port, towards the Plages du Midi, Cannes’ atmosphere becomes more local and relaxed, with long public stretches favored by residents. To the east, beyond the main Croisette cluster, newer districts also offer more open public sand with fewer private installations.
These areas provide a useful counterpoint to the high-profile central sector, particularly in summer when space nearer the festival palace is at a premium.
Facilities vary, but showers and seasonal lifeguard posts are common on major public beaches. Access is easy on foot from central hotels and apartments, and the relatively flat terrain suits visitors with mobility concerns. The town’s compact size also means that beach days can be combined with shopping, museum visits, or casual dining without relying heavily on transport.
Lérins Islands: Nature-Focused Beach Day
Just off the coast of Cannes, the Lérins Islands offer an alternative to crowded city beaches. Small ferries shuttle visitors to the islands, where rocky coves, pine forests, and small stretches of shingle or sand create a different, more contemplative atmosphere.
There are no large beach clubs here; instead, you will find simple snack stands, picnicking spots, and trails that link viewpoints and historical sites.
Swimmers should expect rock entries and bring appropriate footwear, but the reward is often crystal-clear water and a feeling of escape, even on busy summer days. For many visitors, a day combining a short coastal hike and a swim in one of the island coves becomes a highlight of a Cannes-based holiday.
Beyond the Big Three: Quiet Alternatives on the Riviera
While Nice, Antibes, and Cannes dominate most itineraries, the French Riviera includes a chain of smaller resorts and coastal villages that can be appealing for day trips or longer stays. Many of these spots offer calmer beaches, more local character, or specific features that set them apart, such as particularly family-friendly sands or excellent snorkeling.
Choosing where to go beyond the main hubs depends on your priorities: ease of train access, likelihood of crowds, parking availability, and the kind of shore you prefer, whether sandy, pebbly, or rocky. It is entirely possible to base yourself in one major town and use regional trains and buses to sample a different kind of beach each day.
Villefranche-sur-Mer and Beaulieu-sur-Mer
East of Nice, the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer hosts a crescent of coarse sand and pebbles backed by pastel houses and steep hills. The deep, sheltered harbor brings in cruise ships, yet the beach itself often feels surprisingly tranquil outside midsummer. The water drops off quickly, creating an almost fjord-like sense of depth, and the views back toward Nice and Cap Ferrat are spectacular.
Further along the line, Beaulieu-sur-Mer offers smaller sandy and shingle beaches near an elegant marina, with a low-key, local feel. Both towns are reachable easily by regional train from Nice, making them useful alternatives when the Baie des Anges feels too crowded.
Golfe-Juan and Vallauris
Between Juan les Pins and Cannes, the beaches around Golfe-Juan provide long, relatively flat stretches of sand with a more residential, everyday backdrop. This area has fewer headline attractions than its neighbors but suits visitors looking to avoid the intense resort ambiance of Juan les Pins or the high prices of central Cannes beach clubs.
Marinas and small ports break up the shoreline, and facilities are straightforward rather than luxurious. The water is generally calm, and these beaches can be a sensible option for families staying in self-catering accommodation nearby or for travelers with cars who want easier parking and shorter walks to the sand.
Menton and the Italian Border
At the eastern edge of the French Riviera, near the Italian border, Menton offers a mix of pebble and sandy beaches framed by gentle hills and belle époque façades. The town is known for its gardens and citrus festivals as much as for its seafront. While the main urban beaches can be busy in season, the overall pace is slower than in Nice or Cannes, and prices tend to be more moderate.
Menton’s location makes it a good base for cross-border day trips to Ligurian seaside resorts, adding variety to a beach holiday without the need for long transfers. For those who want a slightly less glossy, more lived-in version of the Riviera, it is a compelling choice.
Practical Beach Tips for French Riviera Travelers
Whichever stretch of the French Riviera you choose, some shared practicalities can help you make the most of your time by the sea. From navigating public transport with beach gear to understanding how early you should arrive to secure a good spot, a bit of advance planning goes a long way on this popular coastline.
Local tourism offices in each town provide updated information on water quality alerts, construction zones, and accessible facilities, and are worth checking, particularly as certain shorelines continue to evolve. Below are some general guidelines to streamline your beach days from Nice to Cannes and beyond.
Getting Around Without a Car
The French Riviera benefits from a dense network of regional trains and buses running parallel to the coast. Many of the most appealing beaches are within a short walk of a station or bus stop, making it realistic to explore multiple resorts in a single stay without renting a car. Trains link Nice with Antibes, Cannes, and Menton, while local buses reach smaller beach communities and coves.
During high season, services can be crowded at peak times, especially in the late afternoon when beachgoers begin to return to their hotels. It is wise to allow a buffer of time for queues and to travel slightly earlier or later than the peak. For urban beaches in Nice and Cannes, walking or using city trams and buses is often faster and less stressful than driving and searching for parking.
Budgeting for Beach Clubs vs Public Sands
One of the most common questions from visitors is whether paying for a private beach club is worth the cost. The answer depends on your budget, sensitivity to crowds, and how long you plan to stay on the sand.
Beach clubs offer comfort, shade, and service, which can transform a long, hot day with young children or elderly relatives into a much more pleasant experience. They are also social hubs in resorts like Cannes and Juan les Pins, where part of the appeal lies in the atmosphere.
However, with expanding public areas and decent municipal facilities, it is perfectly possible to enjoy the Riviera’s beaches at minimal cost, especially if you bring your own umbrella, mat, and picnic. Many travelers adopt a mixed approach: a few indulgent days at well-known clubs, interspersed with simpler afternoons on public stretches to balance the budget.
Staying Safe and Respectful
Beyond following posted safety flags and local rules, visitors should be mindful of the environmental pressures on this intensively used coastline. Simple steps such as using reef-safe sunscreen, avoiding glass on the beach, and packing out all rubbish help protect the marine environment. Organized beach clean-ups are common, particularly in shoulder seasons, and tourists are increasingly invited to take part.
Noise is another factor. While some resorts embrace late-night music and bars, especially in parts of Juan les Pins and Cannes, quieter family zones typically expect lower sound levels. Observing local norms, including covering up when leaving the sand for town streets and restaurants, helps maintain a smooth relationship between tourism and everyday life in these communities.
The Takeaway
From the polished pebbles of Nice to the sheltered sands of Antibes and the glamorous bays of Cannes, the French Riviera’s beaches deliver a spectrum of experiences in a relatively compact area. What unites them is a shared Mediterranean backdrop, a long tradition of seaside culture, and, increasingly, a commitment to balancing tourism with public access and coastal protection.
Visitors will notice visible changes on parts of the shoreline, particularly around Juan les Pins and Cap d’Antibes, where major works are underway to stabilize and reshape beaches, widen public areas, and adapt to rising seas. Yet the essentials remain: clear water, long sunny days, and a choice ranging from simple public coves to fully serviced beach clubs.
Whether you base yourself in Nice, Antibes, Cannes, or a quieter village in between, the coast rewards those who take time to explore beyond the obvious, follow local advice on conditions, and embrace both the historic glamour and the evolving, more inclusive future of this storied shore.
FAQ
Q1: Are the beaches in Juan les Pins open during the renovation works?
Yes. Local authorities and tourism offices state that the coastal rehabilitation works are phased so that beaches and swimming areas remain open during the main summer season, with heavy construction paused in peak months. You may see equipment or fenced-off areas outside high season, but access to the sea is maintained.
Q2: Which French Riviera town is best for families with small children?
Antibes and Juan les Pins usually offer the most family-friendly conditions, thanks to sandy, gently shelving beaches at places like Plage de la Gravette, Ponteil, Salis, and Grande Plage. These areas typically have calmer water, lifeguards in season, and amenities close at hand, making them easier with strollers and young children than steeper pebble beaches.
Q3: Do I need water shoes for the beaches in Nice?
Water shoes are highly recommended for Nice. The city’s beaches are covered in rounded pebbles that can be uncomfortable and slippery, especially near the waterline. Lightweight neoprene shoes make it much easier to walk, enter the sea, and keep your balance in waves.
Q4: How expensive are private beach clubs in Cannes and Nice?
Prices vary by club and season, but in July and August a full day on a sunbed with umbrella at a central beach club in Cannes or Nice can reach a significant amount per person, with front-row spots often costing more. Food and drinks are additional. Off-season prices are lower, and some clubs offer half-day rates or reduced fees for late-afternoon arrivals.
Q5: Can I bring my own food and drinks onto the beach?
On public beaches you are generally free to bring your own food and non-glass drinks, provided you dispose of rubbish properly and respect local rules on alcohol, which can differ by municipality. On private beaches, outside food and beverages are usually not allowed; guests are expected to order from the on-site bar or restaurant.
Q6: Are there any sandy beaches in or near Nice?
Most of Nice’s main city beaches are pebbly, but there are small sandy or sand-and-pebble stretches in nearby resorts such as Villefranche-sur-Mer and Beaulieu-sur-Mer, reachable by a short train ride. For consistently sandy bays, travelers often head to Antibes, Juan les Pins, Golfe-Juan, or Cannes.
Q7: What is the best time of year to visit French Riviera beaches?
The sweetest spot for most travelers is late May through June and September, when the sea is warm enough for swimming, the weather is generally sunny, and crowds are more manageable than in July and August. Peak summer offers the liveliest atmosphere but also the highest prices and densest crowds. Winter and early spring are ideal for seaside walks rather than full beach days.
Q8: How can I check water quality or pollution alerts?
Each coastal municipality posts water quality results and temporary bathing bans on noticeboards at main beaches and on official channels. During summer, lifeguard stations can also inform you about any short-term restrictions due to pollution incidents or storms. It is important to respect red flags or notices that temporarily prohibit swimming.
Q9: Is it possible to enjoy the Riviera beaches without a car?
Yes. The regional train line links major resorts such as Nice, Antibes, Cannes, and Menton, and local buses reach many smaller coves and villages. Urban beaches are usually within walking distance of stations, hotels, and apartment rentals. During high season, public transport can be crowded at peak hours, but it remains the most practical way to move along the coast for many visitors.
Q10: Are there quiet beaches for travelers who want to avoid crowds?
Quieter options include smaller coves on Cap d’Antibes, sections of Golfe-Juan, and certain parts of the Lérins Islands off Cannes, especially early in the morning or near sunset. Even on busy days, walking a little further from main access points, avoiding midday, and targeting shoulder season months can dramatically reduce crowd levels compared with central resort beaches.