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5 family-friendly beaches on the Côte d'Azur


5 min read
3 October 2023
Type of traveller
Family holidays
Outdoor & nature
Beaches

Summer is here! With so many beautiful beaches lining the Côte d'Azur, it can be hard to choose – particularly when you’ve got your whole family to take into consideration.

We’ve put together five beaches that are bound to keep every generation happy and entertained – from family-friendly atmospheres to safe, shallow waters, surrounded by pine forests, pretty marinas and golden sands.

Plage du Port Gallice, Juan-les-Pins

Allow the waves' beat and your family's laughter to lead you to complete joy at Juan-les-Pins' Plage du Port Gallice.

Plage du Port Gallice is a hidden gem, a local secret tucked away on the Cap d'Antibes. This public sandy cove is backed by a faded stone wall overflowing with greenery, creating a picturesque setting. The beach enjoys a tranquil atmosphere, thanks to its sheltered location next to the humble Port Gallice harbour and its calm, child-friendly waters. With stone pools to explore, rocks to climb and the absence of watersports and beach clubs, it offers a laid-back experience. The fine sands are relatively quiet, away from the busy roads and provide a lovely view of the Estérel hills. Amenities like a spacious car park, café and toilets are available. For a convenient and delightful stay, Hôtel Le Sud is just 200 metres away, and offers family rooms and a kid-friendly outdoor pool perfect for family fun.

Plage de Notre-Dame, Île de Porquerolles

Discover the untouched beauty of Plage de Notre-Dame on Île de Porquerolles. A tranquil oasis where turquoise waters meet pristine white sands, it's a paradise for families seeking serenity and adventure.

Île de Porquerolles, a car-free natural paradise off the Riviera, offers sandy paths, outdoor restaurants serving fresh fish and Plage de Notre-Dame, a favourite beach for French families. Take a 20-minute ferry from Hyères, hire a bike or walk to the beach, and stay at the convenient peach-coloured Hotel Residence Les Medes on Porquerolles near the port.

Plage de l’Escalet, Ramatuelle

Not far from Saint Tropez, the golden sands of Plage de l’Escalet are far more peaceful.

Not far from the glitzy and renowned Pampelonne Beach, Ramatuelle's Plage de l’Escalet is a private oasis, with fewer people, natural beauty and plenty of things to do. You can hire a paddle board and head out onto its calm waters, climb the cliffside and rock pools, snorkel, or just sunbathe and swim on its golden sands. Facilities include toilets and showers, and while there is a snack stand, it’s best to take a picnic filled with fresh, local produce. Stay just a two minute walk from Plage de l’Escalet, in the classic, Riviera-style La Villa d'Andrea.

Plage de la Gravette, Antibes

Unveiling the hidden gem of Antibes, Plage de la Gravette, where sun, sand, and smiles abound. Embrace the warmth of the Mediterranean as you stroll along this charming shoreline.

This sandy beach is calm and shallow enough for small children, situated below the old town of Antibes. Start your day in the Antibes market, where you can find an array of fresh olives, cheeses, cured meats and local tapenades, then head to the beach for a picnic and an afternoon of swimming and games. As a public beach, there are no private clubs, so there’s an emphasis on wholesome fun rather than partying. You can also find facilities here including toilets, a snack van and a carpark. Wake up to breathtaking views of Antibes harbour from your balcony at Apartment Port Prestige.

Plage Passable, St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

The pine forest-covered peninsula of St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.

Tucked away on the pine forest-covered peninsula of St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, this hidden gem of a beach offers amazing views of the Bay of Villefranche. While it may require a bit more effort to reach, the journey is well worth it. Hidden from sight along the road with limited parking, you can opt to take a bus or enjoy a scenic walk via the Cap Ferrat coastal path. Plage de Passable boasts longer sun exposure compared to its neighbouring beaches, allowing for extended, balmy evenings on its pristine golden gravel shore, embraced by palm and pine trees. The beach also features a jetty for jumping off and rock pools that little ones can explore. Treat your entire family to a memorable stay at the Royal Riviera, creating cherished moments on this remarkable coastline.