Beach-by-Beach Guide

Nice Area

Baie des Anges The 7km stretch offers multiple personalities: - Near Airport: Quieter, locals, plane watching - Promenade Central: Tourist concentration, facilities - Eastern End: Younger crowd, volleyball - Best Access: Any point along Promenade

Coco Beach (East of Port) - Rocky but pristine - Gay-friendly tradition - Restaurants overlook beach - Less touristy - Great snorkeling

Villefranche Bay - Deep natural harbor - Sandy beach (rare) - Family perfect - Train access excellent - Morning calm waters

Antibes/Juan-les-Pins

Plage de la Salis - Between old town and Cap - Mix of sand and pebbles - Views of Alps - Low-key atmosphere - Good facilities

Juan-les-Pins Beaches - Multiple sandy stretches - Full summer scene - Water sports galore - Evening beach bars - Youth magnet

Cap d'Antibes Coves - Plage de la Garoupe most famous - Smaller coves require walking - Crystal waters - Limited parking - Early arrival essential

Cannes Area

Public Beaches of La Croisette - Between private concessions - Well-maintained sand - Free showers/toilets - Very crowded summer - People-watching supreme

Plage du Midi - West of old port - Locals' choice - Better value dining - Sports facilities - More spacious

Îles de Lérins - Ferry to island beaches - Less crowded even summer - Natural beauty - Bring supplies - Worth the journey

Monaco/Menton

Larvotto Beach (Monaco) - Surprisingly public - Imported sand - Full facilities - Expensive surroundings - Morning swimming ideal

Menton Beaches - Mix of sand and pebbles - Less scene, more families - Italian atmosphere - Reasonable dining - Mountain backdrop

Western Riviera

Théoule-sur-Mer - Red rocks meet sea - Small coves - Family atmosphere - Reasonable prices - Esterel beauty

Saint-Raphaël/Fréjus - Long sandy beaches - Family paradise - Camping nearby - Full facilities - Less pretentious

Saint-Tropez Peninsula - Pampelonne: Famous but accessible - Quieter alternatives exist - Parking challenges - Bring everything - Avoid peak season