The Riviera Journal · By travel interest
Best beaches on the French Riviera
Coves, family beaches and easy-access spots from Nice to Menton: choose the right French Riviera beach for your day.
All Riviera Guide adviceAt a glance
- Suggested time
- 2 hours to a full day
- Best for
- Swimming, families, couples and scenery
- Access and getting around
- Beaches vary greatly for parking, pushchairs and steps. Check the exact access before leaving, especially in summer.
Local selection
Stops worth keeping
Iconic cove
A turquoise cove
Paloma Beach · Cap-Ferrat · Half day
A small pebble beach beneath the pines, facing Èze’s cliffs and the peninsula’s clear water.
Wild cove
The cove beneath the cliffs
Mala Beach · Cap-d’Ail · Half day
A spectacular setting and limpid water. Access includes steps, so arrive light and early in the day.
Easy swim
The bay with children
Villefranche-sur-Mer · 3 hours to 1 day
A sheltered bay, a charming old town and the long Marinières beach, convenient for a family day by the sea.
Sand · Family
Salis Beach
Antibes · At your own pace
Shallow, supervised in summer and practical with young children, with beautiful views of Antibes and the Alps.
Shallow · Accessible
Sablettes Beach
Menton · At your own pace
The large family beach facing the old town, with a promenade, restaurants and easy access.
Monaco · public beach
Larvotto Beach
Monaco · 2 to 4 hrs · Free
Monaco’s public beach combines swimming and a seafront promenade. Handiplage bathing assistance is seasonal: check that the service is open before visiting.
Free access
Itinerary advice
How to organise your visit
Choose one stretch of coast, arrive early, bring water shoes for pebbles and keep a backup plan if the sea is rough.
Practical questions
Plan this outing well
How much time should you allow?
2 hours to a full day
What is the best way to get there?
Beaches vary greatly for parking, pushchairs and steps. Check the exact access before leaving, especially in summer.
What order works best once there?
Choose one stretch of coast, arrive early, bring water shoes for pebbles and keep a backup plan if the sea is rough.