From the sun-washed elegance of the Côte d’Azur to rugged Mediterranean coves and quietly glamorous fishing ports, France’s beach towns continue to define timeless summer sophistication. For 2026, these destinations stand out not for excess, but for atmosphere, authenticity, and effortless style.

Menton

A colourful old town scented with lemon trees, Menton sits gracefully near the Italian border. Its pastel façades, gentle beaches, and slow Riviera rhythm make it a refined alternative to louder coastal neighbours.

Nice

Big-city energy meets Mediterranean ease along the Promenade des Anglais. Rooftop cocktails, museum culture, and morning swims define Nice as a destination where urban life flows seamlessly into the sea.

Bandol

Known for its prestigious rosé vineyards and crystal-clear waters, Bandol offers calm coves and understated elegance — a favourite for travellers seeking serenity without sacrificing taste.

La Ciotat

Just past Cassis, La Ciotat reveals dramatic rock formations, hidden inlets, and a more rugged interpretation of Mediterranean beauty. It feels untouched, cinematic, and quietly powerful.

Roquebrune-Cap-Martin

Perched between Monaco and Menton, this clifftop haven is defined by luxury resorts, historic villas, and sunsets best enjoyed with an Aperol in hand.

Marseille

Raw, vibrant, and unapologetically alive, Marseille blends urban culture with swimming coves and deep-rooted coastal identity. A city for those who like their seaside escapes with character.

Saint-Tropez

Designer boutiques, iconic beach clubs, and glittering yachts in every direction. Saint-Tropez remains the ultimate symbol of Riviera glamour — playful, confident, and forever magnetic.

Cassis & The Calanques

Cassis charms with its fishing port soul and boat rides into the Calanques, where towering white cliffs and turquoise waters create some of the most breathtaking coastal landscapes in Europe.

Théoule-sur-Mer

Red rock coves, quiet sands, and a sense of escape. Théoule-sur-Mer offers intimacy and natural drama away from the crowds.

Antibes

A harmonious blend of sandy beaches, lively markets, and marina life. Antibes balances tradition and leisure with effortless charm.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Home to legendary villas and scenic coastal walks, this peninsula is pure Riviera refinement framed by luminous blue bays.

Villefranche-sur-Mer

One of France’s most picturesque bays, Villefranche enchants with calm waters, colourful hillside homes, and a painterly sense of place.