The Côte d'Azur is a place for real luxury and pleasure aficionados. Each year, thousands of celebrities, billionaires, and aesthetes are drawn to the Mediterranean Sea's sparkling shores.
Only on the legendary Côte d'Azur can you bump into a celebrity after the Cannes Film Festival, or get to know like-minded charity enthusiasts at the Red Cross Ball, the largest charity gala in the world. From Michelin-starred restaurants to world-class beach clubs, the world of opulence here is truly limitless. Many celebrities already own properties in the area with a local flavour.
But what keeps them on the majestic Côte d'Azur?
In this article, we will talk about one of the most sacred elements of the allure of this Mediterranean coastline - its beaches. Blending natural beauty with metropolitan style, these sandy wonders are the key to happiness and a great asset for any luxury lifestyle.
Behold the A-list of Côte d'Azur beaches that are totally worth your attention this summer:
La Spiaggetta dei Balzi Rossi
Located just a few steps from where the French Riviera meets the Italian borders of the Ligurian Riviera di Ponente, this plage is the ideal site to appreciate the splendour of the Ligurian Sea and enjoy delicious seafood dishes. On top of that, the location also offers a wide variety of services, including evening events with exclusive guests, an open-air cinema theatre, and a very useful shuttle service. Also known as "Egg Beach", it now gathers crowds of artists, writers, and famous faces from all over the world. The plage’s one-of-a-kind landscape composed of red cliffs, turquoise waters, blooming flora, and the soft aroma of sea salt mixed with jasmine will transport you to simpler times, while its gourmet restaurant will serve unforgettable plates of the highest quality with carefully selected wines to match. After sunset, the plage transforms into a glittering lounge bar by the sea, complete with music and fashionable drinks, and plays host to musical concerts and movies under the stars, with great films projected on a huge screen on the water!
Learn more at: https://www.balzirossi.it/en/homepage-en/
Baia Bella, Beaulieu-sur-Mer
For those who adore lavish summer holidays, Baia Bella is a dream come true. The restaurant of the PALOMA group beach was founded in 2021 by brother and sister duo Agathe and Baptiste Vannini. Their goal is above all to preserve the extraordinary and protected natural habitat of the "Petite Afrique" beach in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, a family-friendly beach, lovely and cool, with ecological sustainability in mind. Here, the art-focused, eco-friendly, and locally-sourced beach club strives to bring guests together in its picturesque surroundings, taking great pleasure in its cuisine, which incorporates both Mediterranean culture and the slow-food movement. It serves as a platform for artists, food producers, and intergenerational people to exchange ideas and enjoy their holidays. Make sure to sample Mafaldine with truffle cream and Tuber Aestivum summer truffle shavings, as well as a whole sea bream grilled over a wood fire with two types of pesto, roasted potatoes and candied fennel. Choose Baia Bella if you value the finer things in life: wonderful cuisine, friendly service, and a relaxing atmosphere.
Learn more at: https://www.baiabella.com/
Eden Plage Mala, Cap d’Ail
Mala's bay and beach are well-known for their crystal-clear water and stunning views of the sea and mountains. Some believe that the name Mala derives from the Russian word for "little," which may be accurate given that Russian nobles visited Cap d'Ail for leisure and luxury service in the nineteenth century. Headed by Sophie Gadoux, who inherited the business from her father, Eden Plage offers fine cuisine and relaxed style to give the feeling of being embraced in an elegant cocoon. Known for its courteous service and delicious meals, the spot’s highlights are the Ceviche Verde - a favourite among guests - and risotto with lemon, bottarga and pesto. Many people believe that the proprietor of the beach restaurant travels to get fish from the local market every day, and even to neighbouring Italy to swim in the Mediterranean Sea. Eden Plage has it all: Bali-inspired interior design, excellent food, friendly wait staff, and breathtaking views of the sea. Spend a whole day here and then take a water taxi to the Monaco Yacht Club - and make a point of visiting a boutique to get a taste of the local sophistication.
Learn more at: https://edenplagemala.com/en
Uvita, Cap d’Ail
Realising an old dream of transposing the culinary vision of the Gusto Family, this resort in Monaco will satisfy even the most demanding clientele with its excellence. The entire beach has been designed to provide you with a one-of-a-kind experience, all while overlooking the Mediterranean. Uvita's natural ornamentation, woody accents, taupe furniture, and elegant sandy hues quickly immerses you in a tranquil realm where your only job is to unwind. The wellbeing session continues in the restaurant, which brims with all kinds of fresh seafood: lobster, caviar, salmon, gilt-head sea bream, and many more. Customers here enjoy treasures not only from sea but from land too, like the Tomahawk prime rib - cooked with care and respect for the ingredients on the table.
Learn more at: https://www.uvita-plage.com/
Monte-Carlo Beach
This elegant and sophisticated beach at the Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel combines everything one needs for the perfect beach experience: plenty of sunshine, fresh air and fine dining. The beach is the ideal spot to enjoy the true Dolce Vita; its design is a poetry that exudes respect to the majestic colours and textures of the sea. Here you will find Elsa, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving 100 percent organic cuisine and wild caught seafood. The restaurant’s culinary guru, Paolo Sari, is not the first chef to receive a coveted Michelin star, but he is the first to do so for an all-organic restaurant. The Venetian-born maestro employs 30 local producers from France and Italy, deals with a selection of wineries, and even makes his own mozzarella. We recommend you to start with the assorted summer vegetables from the chef’s own garden, finished with extra-virgin olive oil and fleur de sel from Camargue. Then, proceed with one of the main dishes - perhaps gold risotto with saffron, juicy roasted suckling pig with caramelised shallots and potatoes, or a roasted rack of lamb coated with honey celeriac and licorice puree. If you have any space left for dessert, we recommend sampling the soufflé with almonds or the three-chocolate and caramel mille-feuille with caramelised fig sauce - all with a picture-perfect view of the Mediterranean from Elsa’s spacious terrace.
Learn more at: https://www.montecarlosbm.com/en/hotel-monaco/monte-carlo-beach
Anjuna Beach, Eze sur Mer
Nestled in a secluded harbour, Anjuna Beach’s restaurant encourages you to escape in a secluded setting brought back from the Indian Ocean's islands. The beach is adorned with Indonesian sculptures and tropical vegetation, as well as turquoise chairs that create a unique hue reminiscent of the colours of the Bali Sea. The multicoloured bar and tables mirror the colours of fishermen's boats in the Indian Ocean - and it’s no surprise they do, given that they’re manufactured from repurposed wood. Overall, the spot boasts a setting from another world, while serving fantastic local cuisine with hearty Mediterranean delicacies made from fresh ingredients. The menu invites guests to embark on a flavourful journey that will include fresh sashimi, lobster rolls, calamari and fish, as well as a highly-rated truffle burger. For starters, we suggest you sample the Caprese salad with burrata. Complement it with a glass of wine from a carefully-curated beverage list and enjoy the melodic sound of splashing waves. During the summer season, Anjuna Beach hosts beach parties with live music and world-class DJs on weekends, allowing guests to dance their way into the night.
Learn more at: https://www.anjunabay.com/
La Paloma Beach Club, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
A popular destination for celebrities, residents, and tourists from all over the world, Paloma Beach is one of the greatest and most traditional beach clubs in France, if not the world. The club's decor is traditional and sleek, with white sunbeds scattered around the beach’s grounds. Considering the volumes of people who flock here on a sunny afternoon, comfortable sunbeds should be reserved in advance. Unlike some other beach clubs on the French Riviera that focus solely on partying, Paloma Beach boasts an incredibly quiet, pleasant, and elegant setting during the day - making it perfect for swimming, sunbathing and just relaxing from the world outside. But what’s particularly great about this place is the food - it's utterly stunning. We recommend going for the tomato and mozzarella salad, any “catch of the day”, which is sourced daily by local fishermen, or the pasta with pesto. Add a cold bottle of dry white to the equation and all your worries will fade away - simply fantastic!
Learn more at: https://www.paloma-beach.com/
Plage Keller, Antibes
This pristine natural spot is situated near the point of Cap d'Antibes in La Garoupe Bay. Whether you take a seat at a table or enjoy lounging on a deckchair, you’ll be able to appreciate a wonderful view of the Bay of Angels and the Alps, snow-covered at the start of the season. What could be better than unwinding with multicoloured Mediterranean vistas, the sky, boats, and magnificent homes while tasting delectable food complemented with great local wines?
Learn more at: https://www.plagekeller.com/en/
Belles Rives, Antibes
The Belles Rives Beach, a lovely cove tucked away at the start of the Cap d'Antibes, epitomises the mood and ambiance of Francis Scott Fitzgerald's Tender is the Night. The club has a terraced sundeck, a sandy beach, a jetty where private boats can dock, and water activities available on demand, as well as a lounge bar and a restaurant adjacent to the sea. Every day, the beach restaurant serves summer-inspired cuisine with a Provencal touch, complemented by a chilled glass of rosé wine. The Michelin-starred restaurant La Passagère, which opened in 2016, revolves entirely around seafood, while the restaurant’s dessert menu includes a sugar blown dish called the “pearl in blown sugar shell” - the signature dessert from pastry chef Steve Moracchini, who was named 2016 Pastry Chef of the Year by Gault & Millau. If you are after a chilled afternoon, we suggest you head to the Piano Bar Fitzgerald, where time stands still as elegance and fine lifestyle walk hand in hand.
Learn more at: https://www.bellesrives.com/en/
L’Effet Mer Plage, Antibes
Celebrating a Mediterranean menu fused with Asian touches and inspirations, the world-class cuisine of the L’Effet Mer will surely delight your taste buds and lighten up your foodie soul. Besides, the establishment's natural colours, exotic woods and Balinese motifs induce serenity and reinforce disconnect from the world around. Here, the international clientele can enjoy warm and friendly service, dishes with explosive flavours, exceptional entertainment, exclusive events, and stunning waterfront views accompanied by trendy music, and tan on soft sand that is rarely found on the French Riviera.
Learn more at: https://effetmerplage.fr/
La Môme, Cannes Croisette
Founded by Antoine and Ugo Lecorché, this place offers Mediterranean cuisine made with fresh and seasonal products. Every evening, La Môme restaurant welcomes locals and guests to enjoy the pleasure of a little island 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 warmly welcomed to sample the very best beverages in the whole of Cannes.
Learn more at: https://www.lamomeplage.com/en/home/
Epi Beach, Juan-les-Pins
Epi Beach has been a feature of the Juan-les-Pins landscape since its creation almost 40 years ago. It is the place to be if you are seeking a gorgeous spot to enjoy some time to relax alone, with friends, or with family. It is a historic beach, renowned, but above all, familiar and friendly. Whether you're here for a dinner, a drink by the sea, or a day of tanning on their private beach, you're always welcome. Throughout the season, the entire Epi Beach team greet you with politeness and professionalism to provide you with a genuine moment of leisure with your loved ones. Make the most of your day at Epi Beach and then be enchanted by the beauty of the setting sun over the nocturnal marine expanses.
Learn more at: https://epi-beach.com/en/epi-beach-restaurant-plage-privee-english/
Bagatelle Beach, Saint-Tropez
Bagatelle Beach - owned by the Bagatelle Group, which operates 14 Bagatelle restaurants across the world - provides an unmatched dining experience, similar to being invited into the house and to the table of an epicurean bon vivant from the French Riviera, where guests can experience exuberant moments of joie de vivre. The restaurant's team of great executive chefs, led by corporate executive chef Rocco Seminara, seek to offer the finest and freshest foods, sharing the generosity and conviviality of the French Riviera with their clients. Every meal here is refined, generous, and authentic, intended to be enjoyed with family and friends in the cheerful setting of the beach club.
Learn more at: https://bagatelle.com/venues/st-tropez
La Réserve, Saint-Tropez
The unspoiled beauty of nature meets the art of living on the French Riviera, only minutes from the legendary hub of Saint-Tropez but far from its hustle and bustle. La Réserve Ramatuelle is a magnificent private estate set in the Provencal garrigue, soothed by the music of cicadas and overlooking one of the most magnificent coves on the French Riviera. La Voile's ever-stylish meals deliver epicurean Mediterranean cuisine that received two stars in the 2020 Michelin Guide, while the pool restaurant welcomes visitors to appreciate the fresh flavour of Italy with gusto and a bit of Dolce Vita under the shadow of poolside flora and drifting sails. La Réserve Ramatuelle also features a Japanese menu by two professional sushi chefs, which may be enjoyed while gazing out over the Mediterranean.
Learn more at: https://www.lareserve-ramatuelle.com/en/
Verde Beach, Saint-Tropez
With its first-class amenities and stunning views, Verde Beach is one of the most opulent and fun destinations on our list. It's all white, with carved driftwood, bohemian seats, and couches that command total relaxation. Furthermore, it’s open from 11:00 until 19:00, allowing sleepyheads to enjoy the sunshine while listening to relaxing lounge music. From 16:00, the bar serves handmade aperitifs that will lift your spirits after a long day. This beach is ideal for those who want to be close to the city while also experiencing the serenity of a remote tropical island. As for the restaurant, Verde’s chefs use vegetables and seafood from their local producers, cooking in an oven next to a sea counter and grilling over a wood fire.
Learn more at: https://verde-beach.com/en_en/
Moorea Beach, Saint-Tropez
On the mythical beach of Pampelonne close to Saint-Tropez, under grey, white and turquoise parasols, one can discover the private beach of Moorea, where simplicity, authenticity and conviviality transform an ordinary day into a timeless adventure. Allow the roar of the waves and the scent of the sea to rock your world while chilling on comfy mattresses umbrellas to the ambient sounds of music, and white-washed smiles of the courteous personnel on one of Ramatuelle's few beaches guarded by a true Varois. At the water’s edge, guests can enjoy “no frills” cuisine with fresh and local products, as well as stop by for a coffee or aperitif, and discover shops and a wellness area with a hairdresser under Moorea's colourful pergola.
Learn more at: https://www.mooreaplage.fr/en/
Byblos Beach Ramatuelle
Byblos Beach is the place to go if you want to enjoy both fine dining and sunbathing. In the afternoon, you may unwind on one of the comfortable loungers while sipping custom-made drinks. Following that, we recommend delving into the vast Mediterranean-inspired menu, which includes grilled cuisine, ceviche, and fresh vegetables. The beach's distinguishing feature, though, is that it provides a boat shuttle for tourists arriving by water.
Learn more at: https://www.byblos-beach.com/
Club Les Palmiers, Ramatuelle
Les Palmiers, designed by sustainable international architect Philippe Madec, exemplifies the concept of eco-friendly architecture - a natural, clean setting that makes you feel at one with the elements. As a result, its clean white and wood decorations exude a lovely simplicity and tranquillity. But don't be deceived by the innocent aura about you. When the sun goes down, the beach transforms into a luxury party scene driven by innovative drinks and the aromatic vapours from well-prepared shishas. Les Palmiers establishes trends and defines the concept of a 21st-century lifestyle beach.
Learn more at: https://www.clublespalmiers.com/
Club 55, Saint-Tropez
Authenticity and simplicity are central to the Club 55 philosophy, where "the consumer is not king here...because he is a friend." Since its opening in 1955, Club 55 has enjoyed legendary status among locals and tourists alike. This spot is for the rich, the famous and the wannabes of Saint Tropez, offering simple food with fresh produce for all budgets. Besides, the club features an easygoing yet sophisticated bazaar that has everything one could need for the beach or elsewhere - definitely a must-visit.
Learn more at: https://www.club55.fr/en/
La Guérite Restaurant Cannes, Ile Sainte Marguerite
La Guérite, located on the rocky cove of Sainte-Marguerite island off the coast of Cannes, provides 1000m² of space where you can come and taste real Mediterranean food made by one of the most accomplished chefs on the Greek gourmet scene - Yiannis Kioroglou. The vivid flavours and inventive but traditional techniques of Kioroglou and his team have captivated the taste buds of guests from all around the world since 1902.
Learn more at: https://cannes.restaurantlaguerite.com/
