When the summer comes, there are few countries with better beaches than France. The Mediterranean coast in the south of France for example has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Here are ten of the most picturesque seaside resorts in the south of France.
Saint Tropez
This famous seaside holiday destination attracts many wealthy vacationers every summer and boasts some of the most exclusive beaches along this stretch of the coastline. Most of these are located about 5 kilometres south of the town of Saint Tropez, for instance Pampelonne Beach where you’ll find plenty of clubs and restaurants. If you’re looking for a holiday house with a sea view, then book near the long, beautiful beach of Pampelonne. For a lively night out, head to the centre of Saint Tropez. It’s brimming with shops and restaurants and it’s fun to see the glamorous millionaire-style yachts in the harbour.
Cannes
Another renowned tourist and seaside town on the Côte d’Azur. Cannes is probably the one that you may know best thanks to the Cannes Film Festival. Each year it brings glamorous celebrities and stars to town. The small strip of beach next to it can get quite crowded, so if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, consider a visit to the town of Théoule-sur-Mer, on the other side of the bay, where there’s a lovely golden beach.
Sainte-Maxime
It is located opposite Saint Tropez and is a great alternative to the more expensive Cannes.
Antibes
This small town is between Cannes and Nice. Antibes is home to two of the most famous and popular international jet-set resorts. Here you’ll find Juan-les-Pins, renowned for its beaches and nightlife. Plus the beautiful promontory of Cap d’Antibes, which offers breath taking views of the Bay of Angels from the La Garoupe lighthouse. While you’re there, don’t miss:
– The village of Saint Paul de Vence (very nice)
– Haut-de-Cagnes (classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
– Grasse, Fragonard. If you love French perfumes this is a must as it’s considered the perfume capital of France
Marseille
As the second largest city in France, Marseille is famous for many reasons but, strangely enough, few associate the city with its beaches. This is a shame, as the area around Marseille boasts many beautiful sandy and rocky beaches. The locals love Borély Beach. Not just perfect for swimming and sunbathing, it also offers many great facilities, including a volleyball area, toilets and lockers and a park for skateboarding. Borély Beach is part of a set of beaches south of central Marseille, known collectively as Plages du Prado. All these beaches are very popular with windsurfers, especially when the mistral, a famous wind in the south of France, is blowing.
Frioul Islands
West of Marseille you will find the Frioul Islands. This group of four islands can be easily reached by ferry from the old port of Marseille. The two largest of these quiet islands offer secluded rocky beaches where the water is crystal clear and deeply blue. The perfect location for a get away from it all type of day.
Six-Fours-Les-Plages
Coastal with a succession of beaches and coves, is the ideal place for those looking for a beach holiday and for those who love diving (recommended the area off the island of Petit Gaou). Along the coast you’ll find wild coves and family beaches.
The most noteworthy are the coves of Gaou, the beaches of Coudoulière and Charmettes.
Le Lavandou
Known as one of the most beautiful areas of seaside areas of southern France. Le Lavandou is located between Toulon and Saint-Tropez, on the French Riviera. It’s nicknamed the city of dolphins and whales and stretches over 12 km of coastline. There are 12 beautiful beaches of silky sand.
Bormes Les Mimosas
With 22 kilometres of coves and beaches, this is a great area for those who like less crowded. Beaches. There are also vineyards in this area, great for those who loves wine.
Juan-Les-Pins
Popular in summer and especially when the jazz festival is on. If you seek crystal clear sea and beautiful beaches, head to Ramatuelle (near Saint Tropez), Le Lavandou, Cavalaire-sur-Mer, Bormes les mimosas, Hyeres and the island of Porquerolles.
