France’s 5 most beautiful beaches

With over 2,000 miles of varied coastline, France has more than her fair share of beautiful beaches. But according to global travellers, the best are all in Provence.*

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

With its peaceful, pine-clad coastline, private beaches and grand villas, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat has an exclusive feel. But there are plenty of pretty coves open to the public, for those clamouring for its unspoilt beauty. Follow the steep steps down to the small, shingle Paloma plage, a prime spot for snorkelling. Or there’s Les Fosses, a beautiful beach backed by mountains and marking the start of the path that takes you along the rocky Provençal coastline. Cros deï Pin is another option; the first beach to be opened on the forested peninsula, it looks out onto the bay of Beaulieu-sur-Mer and now boasts a beach volleyball pitch and a watersports club. Treat yourself to a stay at the Royal Riviera Hotel, located right on the beach at the tip of the peninsula.

Ramatuelle, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

The small, medieval walled village of Ramatuelle, within a commune of the same name, is the place to base yourself to visit La Plage de Pampelonne, a 3-mile stretch of fine, white sand that helped make the French Riviera famous. From the 1950s onwards, this is the beach where Brigitte Bardot, Johnny Halliday and Jane Fonda gathered and gave the area its glamorous (and debaucherous) reputation. Stretching along the Côte d’Azur not far from Saint Tropez, Pampelonne boasts numerous private beach clubs, sparklingly-clear waters, a wooden jetty to jump off, pretty, striped parasols and super yachts moored in the bay. Check into Cap Nioulargo, just a 1-minute walk from Pampelonne Beach.

Istres, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

Between Marseille and Montpellier, Istres is an infinitely lovely little town set on the western bank of Étang de Berre lake. Its Plage de la Romaniquette is a sandy beach on the lake’s shore dotted with trees perfect for picnicking in the shade. The lake is a flurry of activity, with colourful sailboats floating across its surface as well as people tubing, riding jet skis (that are available for hire) and various other watersports. Stay at Residence de Tourisme la Provence for easy access to the area’s many blissful beaches.

Théoule-sur-Mer, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

The coastline around the town of Théoule-sur-Mer is characterised by the Esterel massif, a Mediterranean mountain range whose ochre cliffs run down to coves and inlets by the sea. The contrast with reddish mountain and azure water is most spectacular at Plage de l’Aiguille, a beach looking out towards Cannes and the Lerins Islands and backed by thick oak forest. There are several other beaches for those who want to explore, offering rock formations, snorkelling and plenty of sunbathing, or head to the town’s delightful marina for some authentic moules marinières. Guests at Tiara Miramar Beach Hotel & Spa also have an outdoor swimming pool and private beach to enjoy, in addition to the town’s public beaches.

Sausset-les-Pins, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

Not far from Marseille, the humble fishing port of Sausset-les-Pins is overlooked by a 19th-century château and has eight kilometres of blissful sandy beaches. Head to the harbour fish market in the morning before sunbathing on Petit Nid beach (a small, sheltered cove made up of pebbles) or Four à Chaux beach (a remote-feeling stretch of sand backed by pine forest), before watching the sunset over the bay from Plage de la Beaumette. Check into the highly rated Mer et Soleil, right in the centre of town.

** These destinations were the most highly rated by Booking.com customers for ‘beaches’ in France.