15 of the best · the French Riviera, France
Pampelonne’s beach clubs, hotel beaches on the capes and La Croisette, the great marinas and yacht charter.
Our 15 favourites, listed A–Z · Updated October 2026
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Three of our favourites from this list, vetted by people who know and love the Riviera.
Pampelonne
The Pampelonne institution: lunch under the tamarisks, feet in the sand.
43 boulevard Patch, 83350 RamatuelleExplore View on map
Below the old town
The great yacht harbour of Antibes, below the ramparts and Fort Carré.
A cove on Cap Ferrat
A beach restaurant in a sheltered cove on Cap Ferrat, facing Monaco.
In-depth stories behind the list.
The back story
Sand or pebbles, public or private, Pampelonne or a cove on Cap Ferrat: how to choose a Riviera beach, and how to book the famous clubs.
The back story
Day boats, skippered sailing and crewed superyachts: what to ask before you charter on the Riviera.
On the sand.
Pampelonne
The Pampelonne institution: lunch under the tamarisks, feet in the sand.
43 boulevard Patch, 83350 RamatuelleExplore View on map
Seawater pool
The Grand-Hôtel’s beach club, with a heated seawater pool on the rocks.
Closed until next summer
A party beach club on the route de l’Épi, Pampelonne.
1093 route de l’Épi, 83350 RamatuelleExplore View on map
A cove on Cap Ferrat
A beach restaurant in a sheltered cove on Cap Ferrat, facing Monaco.
Yachts and fishing boats.
Yachts on the quay
The port of Saint-Tropez, its yachts moored stern-on to the pastel quay.
Fishing boats and ferries
Nice’s harbour, with yachts, ferries to Corsica and its brightly painted pointus.
Below the old town
The great yacht harbour of Antibes, below the ramparts and Fort Carré.
Since 1838
The old harbour below Le Suquet, where the boats leave for the islands.
Charter and sales.
25 of the best Restaurants
5 of the best Cafés
8 of the best Bars
25 of the best Hotels14 of the best Sights14 of the best Art & Culture
12 of the best Beaches & Gardens7 of the best Walks
9 of the best Shopping
14 of the best Health & Spas6 of the best Property6 of the best Developments5 of the best Driving13 of the best Getting Around6 of the best Casinos7 of the best Vineyards7 of the best Film & Cinema6 of the best Mountains & Ski6 of the best Diving & Water Sports