The South of France is famous for both the quality and variety of its beaches. Whether it’s surfing, swimming, building sandcastles with the family, or some quiet time on endless stretches of golden sand you’re looking for, this vast region provides options in abundance.
With so many excellent choices, your friendly South of France chartered surveyor is here to help you make the right one.
Let’s dive in.
GruissanPlage
One for the active traveller, GruissanPlage in the Aude department is renowned for its wind, making it a hotspot for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
Other water sports, including jet-skiing, water-skiing and scuba diving, are also popular, and with miles of clean, uncrowded sands, warm waters, and safe bathing for children, GruissanPlage is a fantastic location for an exciting beach holiday in the South of France.
ValrasPlage
Fringing the scenic Languedoc region, ValrasPlage is one of the South of France’s most excellent beaches to explore with the family.
Along the 4km stretch of sand, you’ll find a well-maintained, clean beach with pleasingly warm waters and plenty of restaurants, boutiques and ice scream stalls.
A popular beach, ValrasPlage nonetheless never gets too crowded, and during the summer months hosts a children’s adventure park and fairground rides to keep the whole family entertained.
Plage des Marinières
Nestled beside the picturesque fishing village of Villefranche-sur-Mer is the glorious Plage des Marinières.
Though a relatively small stretch – about 1km – this beach is perfect for those looking to get away from the much busier beaches of neighbouring Nice, while crystal clear waters are a gift for both swimmers and snorkelers.
While there, you could even take a walk into the Old Town of Villefranche-sur-Mer itself – a location used in a number of classic movies, such as the James Bond film Never Say Never Again, and Alfred Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief.
Calanque de Port-Pin
If you’re looking for a secluded spot, then, naturally enough, you’ll have to actually look for it. And this, indeed, is the attraction of Calanque de Port-Pin – a real hidden gem near Marseille. Getting there is an activity in itself.
You’ll have to hike along Port Miou’s old quarry and navigate several trails – ideal for avid walkers. Once there, you’ll have your breath taken away by brilliant views, unblemished surroundings, pine trees (hence the name), and some real peace and quiet. Glorious.
Plage de la Salis
For a little ritz and glamour, the Plage de la Salis in Antibes is the beach for you. Home to one of Europe’s most glamorous hotels – the Hotel du Cap – the Le Cap D’Antibes region is renowned for its luxury.
But you don’t have to be staying at the hotel – nor, indeed, be rich and famous – to enjoy the stunning white sands of the Plage de la Salis.
The entire stretch is public – a rarity on Riveiera beaches – and offers stunning views over the Old Town and the Alps. The waters are safe for children too, and there are plenty of restaurants nearby serving delicious seafood.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a beach holiday in the South of France. The only trouble is that there are so many beautiful ones to choose between. As such, a single trip may not be enough. In fact, you may fall so in love with the region’s sandy stretches that you decide to relocate permanently to this stunning part of the world so you can freely explore them all.
If so, you will of course need a knowledgeable and experienced South of France chartered surveyor to help you make the right property purchase.
Get in touch with Charles Mackintosh today for more information.