Top 20 most beautiful beaches in Provence - Alpes - Côte d'Azur2026 ranking

This cove is truly stunning. You get the feeling of being at the end of the world in a setting that is still very natural and wild. The only small downside is the crowds. As soon as the weather is nice, it is packed. If possible, try to come off-season to really enjoy it.

As you might have guessed, I am not the biggest fan of the large public beaches in Marseille. For swimming, I recommend the Bain des Dames instead, especially early in the day, or any other more secluded spot. On the other hand, I really like Prado Beach off-season, just for walking. It is very pleasant.

Probably one of the most accessible beaches in Marseille, especially from the Vieux Port. Plus, it is close to the Corniche, another spot you will probably pass by. As a local from Marseille, I recommend going early in the morning. Otherwise, since it is small, it gets crowded quickly. On the other hand, it is a decent place to take a walk by the sea in the winter.

Cassis is full of pretty beaches with turquoise water, some more hidden than others. If you have kids, I recommend Grande Mer beach, which is the biggest, most accessible, and best equipped in town. It is also the most crowded. Go before 11 a.m. or in the early evening. Not far away, Bestouan beach is quieter, but you should definitely bring water shoes for swimming because of the rocks and large pebbles. If you have a boat, you can get to small, wild coves that are sometimes completely empty.

One of the most beautiful beaches on the French Riviera! Fine sand, turquoise water, yachts, chic restaurants, and private clubs, Pampelonne is the very image of the softness and elegance of Saint-Tropez. I appreciate its setting, which remains natural, and its rather posh atmosphere. It is the ideal place for a swim. Unfortunately, it gets crowded in the summer. I recommend going off-season, early in the morning, or in the evening. A pro tip, the parking lots are free before 10 am and after 7 pm.

Located east of the Giens tombolo, La Capte beach is the counterpart to Almanarre beach. My advice is to go there as soon as the mistral wind picks up, the beach is more sheltered! La Capte beach is ideal for families, you can walk out quite a ways, the sand is soft, and you can find bars and restaurants nearby. In the summer, crowds are guaranteed, but if you walk along the sea toward the south, you will definitely find more space! If you can go off-season, the setting is much more pleasant, with walks in the shade of the pine trees and guaranteed peace and quiet.

The setting of this beach is very pleasant, with fine sand, turquoise water, and green, shaded areas. The place has all the necessary amenities for families, including showers, playgrounds, and restaurants. There are lots of activities offered on site, like diving or paddleboarding. Unfortunately, in the summer, the beach is completely overrun. It really ruins the scenery, especially when people do not respect the cleanliness of the site. I would still recommend it for families with children, since this beach remains very convenient.

I have such great memories of this beach where I used to go as a kid! (And it is still visibly quite pleasant). It remains associated with the color of the water and the softness of the sand. There are also several good restaurants nearby. It is also easily accessible from the town center if you want to take a dip at the end of the day.

I preferred this beach to the one in Le Lavandou. It has the same perks: blue water and fine sand. There are some restaurants that make for a really nice atmosphere. On the other hand, do not go during peak season. I think you will easily find photos online. It would clearly ruin the experience for you.