The best beaches in France and where to stay near them

France is one of Europe's top destinations for tourists, with a lot to offer to people who travel from all over the world looking for a great experience. Some of the main reasons as to why the country attracts nearly 100 million people every year are its stunning natural landscapes, its historical monuments, and its unique gastronomy. However, France's endless beaches are the cherry on top of the cake. With sunny weather and gorgeous spots that make them look like a fantastical paradise that will leave you speechless, French beaches are the perfect combination of sand, sun, sea, and glamour. With a wide variety of magical places to enjoy an unforgettable experience, this article outlines some of the best beaches in France.

Nice and Marseille are the two largest French cities and are home to a range of cool beaches by the Mediterranean Sea. Their milky blue waters and their warm weather during the summer make French beach towns enticing places to lay down your towel and get ready for absolute leisure. Are you ready for sun, fun, and a quick dip in the French Riviera? Here is a list of the nicest beaches and the finest luxury accommodations in these fantastic cities.

Nice

Known as the Queen of the French Riviera, Nice is the city in France that attracts the second largest number of tourists. This is in large part because of the city’s beautiful seascapes and its unique cuisine, which is known for showcasing fresh ingredients and the region’s seafood. Additionally, visitors also delight in Nice’s picturesque Old Town, historical landmarks like the Roman Amphitheatre, and a cultural offering that includes many fascinating museums. Whether you’re visiting on a long-awaited vacation trip or on a business commitment, you’ll be sure to have a great time during your stay in Nice.

These are some of the most singular beaches you can visit in Nice:

Plage du Centenaire

Plage du Centenaire is one of the most popular beaches in Nice and one of the only ones that offers easy access for people with reduced mobility. More a gathering of pebbles than a traditional sandy beach, Plage du Centenaire offers its visitors a peaceful and idyllic atmosphere where to spend a relaxing afternoon. In addition, its clean waters will make you feel like having a dip. Plage du Centenaire is a non-smoking public beach and it’s supervised during the summer months. Plenty of convenient services are also available, including showers and toilets.

Plage de Carras

Plage de Carras is a public beach in west Nice, located in an area that’s neither touristy nor excessively busy. Notably, this beach has full wheelchair accessibility and offers a first-aid station as well as lifeguard services during certain times of the year. The color of the sea looks quite appealing at this lively beach. You can freely swim in its calm waters or play volleyball with other visitors. The beach also offers plenty more services (including showers and even beach buggies) and dogs are allowed at specially designated areas. Plage de Carras is an ideal place where you can escape the bustling city life and enjoy a relaxing day at the beach.

Plage Beau Rivage Beach

Plage Beau Rivage is the largest private beach in Nice, boasting of a magnificent location along the city’s famous Promenade des Anglais. At this ritzy beach, you will enjoy a welcoming climate in a natural environment near several great restaurants and cafés. It’s also well known for the abundance of services that it has available—which include mattresses and parasols—and for its beautiful blue waters, which are a joy to swim in. Lifeguard services and a first-aid station are also available during the beach’s busiest season, which spans roughly from mid-June to September. Without a doubt, Plage Beau Rivage is one of the best beaches in France.

Opened in 1850, the Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel is a state-of-the-art 5-star facility in a majestic building that features a gym, spa, and other amenities distributed through its 151 luxurious rooms. It’s located within 500 meters of Plage du Centenaire and Plage Beau Rivage and just a 5-minute walk away from Plage de Carras. The hotel features eight different meeting rooms for business appointments as well as a room for celebrations and special events. In addition, its restaurant will allow you to have a delicious dinner with unparalleled views of the sea and the French city at night. Stay at the Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel and enjoy an excellent experience at one of the best hotels in France.

Marseille

Located on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea, Marseille is a lively cosmopolitan city full of cultural attractions and home to some of the best beaches. The capital of the Cote d’Azur features a wide mix of cultures along with endless sunshine and warm weather, ideal for spending a few days walking across miles of lovely beaches. Additionally, the city’s picturesque sights—which include the charming streets of its Old Town and spectacular displays of historical architecture like the Notre Dame de la Garde church—along with its tasty cuisine, which features iconic dishes like the hearty bouillabaisse and the sweet madeleine, will be sure to completely captivate you.

Plage de David

Bounded by a wonderful coastline, Plage de David is one of the most popular beaches in south Marseille. Its crystal-clear waters are inviting during any time of the day, whether it be morning, afternoon, or evening. This 280-meters-long beach offers easy accessibility for people with reduced mobility and plenty of facilities, ranging from air-conditioned changing rooms to lockers. During the busiest season, a surveillance team watches over the beach and a first-aid station is always available. If you are looking for a long stretch of golden sand, light blue water, and an idyllic summer climate to relax and spend quality time, you have reached the right place.

Plage de l’Huveaune

Plage de l’Huveaune is a small beach located, named after a small river that flows beside it. Backed by beautiful parks, this sandy beach is popular for surfing and windsurfing during windy days and is a gorgeous spot from where to enjoy the sunset. It’s a great beach to visit with the whole family since it offers surveillance and paid parking right by the beach. Another convenient point are the many facilities available, which include a reception point, lockers, and a first aid station. Take a break from the city and enjoy some fresh Mediterranean air at one of the best beaches in France.

Plage du Pardo

Plage du Prado is one of the most famous and popular beaches in this area of Marseille. Surrounded by green spaces and play areas for kids, this magnificent beach has soulful Mediterranean views and a large seafront promenade to go for a walk when the sun comes down. It’s very easy to access by public transport and offers plenty of space for beach sports (visitors can often be seen playing football). The available facilities include fitness equipment, showers, and free lockers. Moreover, the weather is usually calm, sunny, and perfect for taking a refreshing dip in the beach’s lovely clean waters.

The nhow Marseille hotel was built in 1976 and was fully renovated in 2018 to provide the best comfort experience to its guests. This 4-star premium facility brings together serenity, luxury, and fun in a strategic location that makes it very easy for guests to access some of the city’s best beaches. Plage du Prado can be reached in only five minutes by car, Plage de l’Huveaune is just a 15-minute walk away, and the crystal-clear waters of Plage de David are just 1.1 kilometers away from the hotel. In addition, most of its 150 top-notch rooms feature a balcony or private terrace with breathtaking sea views where you can watch the sunset. Guests can also enjoy a delicious dinner and a cold drink at one of its restaurants and bars or relax in the hotel’s spa. All these first-class services and more are waiting for you at the nhow Marseille hotel.

Don’t think twice! Nice and Marseille are gorgeous French coastal cities, and you can feel delighted in every inch of their coasts. These cities feature plenty of iconic beaches on the French Riviera where you can experience the ultimate weekend trip with your friends, a romantic getaway with your partner, or a family day out. Choose your next destination, take your swankiest swimwear, and get ready to enjoy a superb accommodation experience with NH Hotels near to some of the best beaches in France.