Under the French Sun: The Best Beaches of the Côte d'Azur
– 7 min read
Côte d'Azur is a destination for true connoisseurs of luxury and joy. The crystal vasts of the Mediterranean sea annually lure thousands of celebrities, millionaires and aesthetes into their fishnets. Only on the famous Cote d'Azur you can meet a star after the Cannes Film Festival or like-minded souls at the Red Cross Ball. The excitement from Michelin-starred restaurants combined with French elegance will make your stay unforgettable. A striking charm fills the air and envelopes the local population with their adherence to etiquette and sophistication, reminding you of exclusivity and elitism. Many celebrities have already snatched a piece of the local flavor by purchasing houses with the best panoramic views.
We also suggest that you do not delay your decision and embrace the mild climate and blue waves of the French Riviera.
To appreciate the delights of luxurious locations, we advise you to visit the local beaches. Believe us; real yin-yang reigns here, where the beauty of nature harmoniously merges with urban chic.
Monte Carlo Beach
A timeless yet resolutely modern lifestyle
This glamorous and modern beach located at the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel, a seaside hotel, designed by architect India Mahdavi, exudes elegance. The private beach has an Olympic-sized pool and Elsa, a 100 % organic food & wild caught fish Michelin-starred restaurant Ecocert certified.
Its an iconic place for enjoying la dolce vita of the Rivera: that was what the creators had in mind back in the 1930s. Contemporary and chic with an intimate feel, the Monte-Carlo Beach redesigned by architect and designer India Mahdavi is a like a poem paying tribute to the colours and shapes of the sea.
Get ready to relax in the sun... with the solarium, tents, cabins and bungalows. Whether you’re seaside or poolside by the Olympic-sized pool, relaxation is the only thing on today’s agenda. If you enjoy sports & leisure activities, the Monte-Carlo Beach Club offers a wide array of water sports: parasailing, tubing, boating aboard the Mastercraft®, Flyboard® and more. And let's not forget the charming spa!
Eden Plage mala, Cap D’ail
The bay and beach of Mala are famous for their clear water and breathtaking views of the sea and mountains. Many say the name Mala comes from the Russian word "small", which could be true, considering the Russian nobility of the 19th century being frequent visitors at Cap d'Ail for relaxation and upscale service. Eden Plage boasts friendly service and great food. Many say the beach restaurant owner travels every day to buy fish from the local market and even travels to neighbouring Italy for the Mediterranean Sea. Bali-style interior, great food, smiling waiters and magnificent marine vasts. We recommend spending a whole day here and then taking a water taxi to the Monaco Yacht Club. Be sure to check out a local boutique for a unique outfit or a peculiar souvenir from your vacation.
Balzi Rossi, Ventimiglia/Menton
This secluded beach between the towns of Menton (France) and Ventimiglia (Italy) is divided into two zones: paid and free. The paid area has amazing sun loungers, umbrellas, and everything is as it should be. But the game-changer is a white sand two meters from the shore. The free zone is a bit on the wild side with a natural stone backdrop. There is also a museum very close to the beach, a grotto cave overlooking the sea vasts.
Baia Bella, Beaulieu-sur-mer
Baia Bella is a dream come true for those in love with luxurious summer getaways. This art-oriented, eco-friendly, locally sourced beach club aims to bring together visitors in the beautiful surrounding nature of Beaulieu-Sur-Mer. The platforms for artists, food producers, and intergenerational people to exchange ideas and enjoy their holidays, Baia Bella takes great pride in its menu, which embraces the Mediterranean culture as well as the slow-food movement. If you are after simple things in life, great food, welcoming company, ambient decor – choose Baia Bella.
Club Dauphine Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
With the crystal clear waters of the infinity pool and sparkling sea in a backdrop, this open-air poolside restaurant and club invite its visitors to indulge in all-day poolside relaxation accompanied by Provençal salads and grilled fish paired with a glass of local rosé wine. Besides, the spot boasts picturesque views of the magical sunset – the natural highlight of Cap-Ferrat. Those who enjoy romantic dinners will surely savour colors that range from the deepest, vivid red to a light pastel tone, evoking bright emotions.
Passable Plage Cap Ferrat
Right at the base of the Cap Ferrat peninsula, Plage Passable is a small but perfect beach composed of sand and small stones. Originally called Letitia beach, it was destined to please the celebrated guests of the Grand Hotel. Facing west, the plage opens up the magnificent views of Villefranche bay, especially at sunset. The protected cove has calm waters and a shallow drop-off. To escape into the majestic Middetarenean horizon, get one of the boats docked in Villefranche bay.
Anjuna Eze
Nestled in a cove at the foot of the cliff, this beach restaurant has evolved season after season, re-inventing and improving itself each year, becoming more beautiful and especially more audacious to lure locals and tourist crowds alike. With its secluded location in a secret bay, the restaurant invites its visitors to experience the islands of the Indian Ocean by incorporating Indonesian decor. Tropical plants and turquoise chairs create a unique hue reminiscent of the colours of the Balinean sea. You will discover local cuisine showcasing savory Mediterranean recipes made using fresh produce.
Keller plage Antibes
This sandy beach is located at the tip of Cap d'Antibes in La Garoupe Bay – an unspoiled natural site. Whether you sit at the table or lying down on a deckchair, you will thoroughly enjoy the magical view of the Bay of Angles and the peaks of the Alps, still snow-covered at the start of the season. What can be better than relaxing with multicoloured Mediterranean views, the sky, yachts and fabulous houses while savoring delicious dishes paired with exquisite local wines?
La Môme, Cannes Croisette
Founded by Antoine and Ugo Lecorché, this restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine made with fresh and seasonal products. Every evening, the restaurant La Môme welcomes locals and foreigners to enjoy the pleasure of a little corner of beach tranquillity in the heart of a busy city. Just opposite the La Môme restaurant is its Cocktail Bar. Inspired by New York speakeasies with an intimate and cosy atmosphere, this establishment offers you the opportunity to accompany your evening with beautifully crafted cocktails. Whether you are having a tête à tête or a quiet evening with friends, you will be welcomed to sample the best of the best beverages in the whole Cannes.
Annex Beach, Cannes Croisette
In the middle of La Croisette and near the Hotel Carlton, L'Annex provides an elegant backdrop, boasting with a unique ambiance of relaxation. Fusing fine dining and sunbathing, this beach is great for both foodies and those in love with spending vacations under the sunshine. It's also a great place to sample cold fish and seafood, from chilled oysters to hand-crafted sushi. Here, we also recommend sampling wonderfully cooked in different styles from Sicilian and Thai to French and even Moroccan. Don’t miss out on Annex – the culinary gem of Cote d'Azur.
La Guérite, Sainte-Marguerite island
Boasting a spacious sandy beach Since 1902, this restaurant nestles on the rocky cove of Sainte-Marguerite island in front of Cannes, offering authentic Mediterranean cuisine with a healthy flair. The beach offers over 400 m2 of sand bordered by the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Thanks to its three separate areas that include the restaurant, the beach, and the lounge La Guérite seduced a worldwide clientele with its charm, authenticity, and excellent cuisine.
cannes.restaurantlaguerite.com
Naos
Care to start your day with a combination of fabulous sea views, crystal clear waters and fresh local produce? Then there's no need to hesitate with your decision – come to Naos. You are welcome to discover and share the pleasures of our Mediterranean cuisine, fruity juices, floral wines and hot drinks. Boasting with comfortable sunbathing areas and sublime fine dining establishments, you can enjoy the sunshine by day and dinner under the stars by night.
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