5 family-friendly beaches on the Côte d'Azur

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 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 Sainte Valérie is just 100 metres away, boasting its own charming Provençal garden.

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.

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.

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.

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.