12 of the best · the French Riviera, France
Beaches, Gardens and National Parks on the French Riviera
The sandy beaches of Cannes and the coves east of Nice, Menton’s garden town, Parc Phœnix and the Paillon in Nice, the monastery garden at Cimiez and two national parks by the sea.
Our 12 favourites, listed A–Z · Updated October 2026
What's onThis week in the French Riviera
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Insiders' picks
Three of our favourites from this list, vetted by people who know and love the Riviera.
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Check fire-risk closures
Calanques National Park
White limestone cliffs and turquoise inlets between Marseille and Cassis.
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Terraces and pools
Serre de la Madone
A terraced garden in a valley above Menton, with pools and rare plants.
The full list: Beaches & Gardens, A–Z
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Beaches 5
Sand, gravel and pebbles.
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Gently shelving
Plage des Sablettes
Menton’s largest beach, between the old port and Garavan, below the old town.
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3.5 km of pebbles
The beaches of Cros-de-Cagnes
A former fishing village west of Nice with 3.5 km of pebble beaches.
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More than 7 km of fine sand
The beaches of La Croisette
Public and private beaches of fine sand along La Croisette and the Boulevard du Midi: the sandy beaches nearest Nice.
Gardens 5
Green space and rare plants.
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Tropical plants
Jardin botanique Val Rahmeh
A botanical garden in Menton, famous for its subtropical plants.
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Views over Nice
Jardin du Monastère de Cimiez
A formal garden beside the Franciscan monastery at Cimiez, looking over the city to the hills.
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A giant glasshouse
Parc Phœnix
Seven hectares of gardens by the airport, with a large tropical glasshouse.
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Water mirror and fountains
Promenade du Paillon
The green ribbon through the centre of Nice, with its water mirror by Place Masséna.
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Terraces and pools
Serre de la Madone
A terraced garden in a valley above Menton, with pools and rare plants.
National parks 2
The Calanques and Port-Cros.
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Check fire-risk closures
Calanques National Park
White limestone cliffs and turquoise inlets between Marseille and Cassis.
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Islands and sea
Port-Cros National Park
A protected island and sea off Hyères, with a marked underwater trail.
Explore more of the French Riviera
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5 of the best Cafés
8 of the best Bars
25 of the best Hotels14 of the best Sights14 of the best Art & Culture7 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 Around15 of the best Beach Clubs & Marinas6 of the best Casinos7 of the best Vineyards7 of the best Film & Cinema6 of the best Mountains & Ski6 of the best Diving & Water Sports