Best Beach Towns in the South of France
Quick List: Best Beach Towns in the South of France
Saint-Tropez
Cassis
Antibes
Menton
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Villefranche-sur-Mer
The South of France is home to some of the most beautiful coastal towns in Europe. From glamorous Riviera resorts to charming Mediterranean fishing villages, the region offers a wide range of destinations for travelers seeking sun, great food, and extraordinary scenery.
While large cities like Nice attract the most visitors, many travelers prefer smaller beach towns where life revolves around harbor cafés, seaside markets, and long afternoons on the Mediterranean.
Below are the best beach towns in the South of France, each offering its own mix of beautiful beaches, historic charm, and exceptional restaurants. Check our full list of Best Hotels in South of France here.
Saint-Tropez
Saint-Tropez is the most famous beach destination on the French Riviera.
Once a quiet fishing village, it became internationally known in the 1950s and has remained synonymous with glamorous summer travel ever since. The harbor is lined with cafés and yachts, while nearby Pampelonne Beach is home to some of the world’s most famous beach clubs.
Why visit Saint-Tropez
• Legendary beach clubs
• Beautiful old harbor
• Exceptional restaurants and nightlife
Where to stay in Saint-Tropez
Lily of the Valley : This health-focused stunner overlooks the Gulf of Saint-Tropez yet feels far enough removed to be peaceful.
Airelles Château de la Messardière: One of the best hotel brands in Eurupe delivers a remarkable stay in Saint Tropez.
Best Beaches in Saint-Tropez
The most famous beaches sit just outside town along Pampelonne Beach. The sand here is soft and wide—rare on the Riviera—and lined with legendary beach clubs. The best spots include Club 55, the original Saint-Tropez beach club, as well as newer favorites like Casa Amor and Byblos Beach.
Best Restaurants in Saint-Tropez
Saint-Tropez has some of the best restaurants on the Riviera, ranging from classic institutions to stylish new arrivals. La Vague d’Or at Cheval Blanc is one of the most celebrated restaurants in France, while La Petite Maison is perfect for long lunches and people watching. For something more relaxed, Le Girelier on the harbor serves excellent seafood.
Cassis
Located just east of Marseille, Cassis is one of the most charming coastal towns in Provence. The small harbor is surrounded by colorful buildings and lively restaurants, while dramatic limestone cliffs and turquoise coves form the nearby Calanques National Park. Read our full Travel Guide for Cassis here.
Why visit Cassis
• Beautiful harbor and waterfront restaurants
• Easy access to the Calanques
• Relaxed Provençal atmosphere
Where to stay in Cassis
Les Roches Blanches: Beautiful design hotel overlooking the harbor while still being walking distance to town.
Hotel de la Plage Mahogany: Another more budget-friendly option in the heart of Cassis.
Best Beaches in Cassis
The town beach, Plage de la Grande Mer, sits right beside the harbor and is perfect for a swim before lunch. For something more dramatic, the Calanques nearby—especially Calanque d’En-Vau and Calanque de Port-Pin—offer turquoise water surrounded by limestone cliffs.
Best Restaurants in Cassis
Cassis is known for excellent seafood and Provençal cuisine. La Villa Madie, perched above the water, is one of the best restaurants on the Mediterranean. For something casual, Chez Gilbert on the harbor serves classic bouillabaisse and grilled fish. Read our full list of Best Restaurants in Cassis here.
Antibes
Located between Nice and Cannes, Antibes offers one of the most beautiful historic centers on the Riviera. The old town sits behind medieval ramparts overlooking the Mediterranean, while nearby beaches and the Cap d’Antibes peninsula provide beautiful swimming spots.
Why visit Antibes
• Charming historic old town
• Excellent beaches
• Beautiful coastal walks
Where to stay in Antibes
Hotel Les Roches Rouges: A stylish option with ocean-front pool a short way outside of town.
Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel: One of the few options in the region with a beautiful sandy beach (not the usual rocky cutouts) on property. This is a classic, stylish stay in Antibes.
Best Beaches in Antibes
Plage de la Salis is the most popular sandy beach near the old town and has beautiful views of the Alps across the water. For something more secluded, the beaches along Cap d’Antibes are stunning, including Plage de la Garoupe.
Best Restaurants in Antibes
Antibes has an exceptional dining scene. La Passagère at Hotel Belles Rives offers refined Riviera cuisine with incredible views, while Les Vieux Murs inside the old town serves elegant Mediterranean dishes beside the ancient ramparts.
Menton
Located near the Italian border, Menton is often considered one of the most beautiful towns on the Riviera. The pastel-colored buildings climbing the hillside above the harbor create one of the most photographed scenes in the region. Menton also enjoys a mild climate year-round, which has made it famous for its gardens and citrus groves.
Why visit Menton
• Beautiful colorful old town
• Mediterranean beaches
• Charming Riviera atmosphere
Where to stay in Menton
The Maybourne Riviera: Look at the beach deck (above) and start booking your stay immediately for the sun, the charm, and the wonderful ambiance.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
The small peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is one of the most elegant destinations on the Riviera. The town offers beautiful harbor views, coastal walking paths, and one of the region’s best beaches at Paloma Beach.
Why visit Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
• Elegant Riviera atmosphere
• Beautiful coastal paths
• Stunning Mediterranean views
Where to stay in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel: Book this for a classic French Riviera stay full of glitz and glam.
Best Beaches in Cap-Ferrat
Paloma Beach is one of the most famous beaches on the Riviera, with crystal-clear water and views toward Monaco. Passable Beach on the western side of the peninsula is another favorite, especially for sunset swims.
Best Restaurants in Cap-Ferrat
Paloma Beach Restaurant is perfect for lunch after a swim, while Restaurant des Rois at the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat offers one of the most elegant dining experiences on the Riviera.
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Just minutes from Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of the most picturesque towns on the Riviera. The harbor curves around a deep turquoise bay, while colorful houses climb the hillside above the water.
Why visit Villefranche-sur-Mer
• One of the Riviera’s most beautiful harbors
• Excellent swimming beaches
• Charming restaurants along the waterfront
Where to stay in Villefrance-sur-Mer
Welcome Hotel: While more of a no-frills option than the other hotels on our list, this is still worth a stay for the sake of being emersed in the charm of this wonerful town.
Best Beaches in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Plage des Marinières is one of the best natural beaches on the Riviera, with calm water ideal for swimming. The beach runs along the entire bay and offers spectacular views back toward the pastel harbor.
Best Restaurants in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Villefranche is known for relaxed waterfront dining. La Mère Germaine is a classic Riviera restaurant overlooking the harbor, while Lou Bantry serves excellent seafood right on the beach.
Planning a Trip to the South of France.
Many travelers combine several destinations during a trip to the South of France, pairing glamorous Riviera towns with quieter villages in Provence. A typical itinerary might include a few nights near Saint-Tropez or Antibes before exploring coastal villages like Cassis.
You may also want to read:
These guides will help you plan the perfect trip along the Mediterranean coast of France.