12 White Sand Beaches in Southern France for Your Next Getaway
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You’ve probably heard how amazing the beaches in the South of France are, but do you know exactly where to find those postcard-perfect stretches of white sand and turquoise water?
Well, you’re in luck because, in this article, we’re breaking down the 12 finest white sand shores that the stunning Cote d’Azur offers. From celebrity hot spots to hidden local gems, we’ll give you insider secrets about which beaches you should visit on your next trip to the French Riviera. Keep reading to discover the most beautiful white sand beaches in Southern France that must be on your bucket list!
Palombaggia, Corsica
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Nestled between evergreen trees in southern Corsica, Palombaggia is a tropical paradise every beach lover should experience. With pristine white sand and calm waters, you’ll feel like you’ve escaped to a secluded island.
Aside from being serene, there’s plenty of space on the shore to claim your patch of paradise. The shallow, sheltered bay is ideal for swimming and other water activities. You can rent kayaks, paddleboards, or snorkeling gear to explore the crystal-clear sea.
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A few cafes and snack stands are along the shore, but development has been minimal.
The sky erupts in a vibrant display of pinks and oranges as the sun sets over the sea, making it a perfect spot for sunset chasers and photographers.
Read also: White Sand Beaches in Europe
Saleccia, Corsica
Saleccia is a hidden gem with pristine white sand and turquoise waters. This unspoiled paradise is what Mediterranean dreams are made of.
You’ll drive down a winding dirt road through pine forests to get there until you emerge at the shore. It’s a bit off the beaten path, which makes it unique.
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Once you arrive, you’ll discover a deserted beach without a building in sight. When there, wade into the refreshing sea, and you can see fish swimming at your feet. Conditions are often calm, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
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Pampelonne, Ramatuelle
Pampelonne is a picturesque stretch of white sand-hugging azure waters. It is a glamorous playground for the rich and famous. Today, while attracting the jet set, it still welcomes beachgoers seeking natural beauty and relaxation.
This beach’s soft white sand and gentle surf make it ideal for sunbathing and swimming. For the more active, there are opportunities for sailing, kayaking, volleyball, and beach yoga.
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Several beach clubs along the shore rent equipment and offer lessons for many watersports. They host parties and events with live music, dancing, and Mediterranean fare at the height of summer.
Read also: Most Beautiful Beaches in the Mediterranean
Notre Dame, Porquerolles Island
Notre Dame is one of the most popular beaches on Porquerolles Island. Its natural beauty and laid-back vibe perfectly define the charm of the French Riviera.
The shore’s crescent-like shape, white sand, and shallow waters make it ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and other activities.
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On your visit to Notre Dame, take advantage of the opportunity to explore the Mediterranean scrubland that borders the beachfront. Take one of the hiking trails to discover the native plants and wildlife. You may even spot migrating birds or reptiles basking in the sun.
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Pinarellu, Zonza
Whether you spend a few hours or the entire day, the peaceful solitude of Pinarellu will leave you feeling refreshed. Its raw, unspoiled scenery is a balm for the senses, a reminder of the simple pleasures in life. Luckily, this child-friendly and largely undeveloped shore typically remains uncrowded.
Besides swimming, you can hire a paddle boat to see colorful fish in their natural habitats.
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Its extensive stretches of white sand are perfect for sunbathing and building sandcastles. While at it, you may spot rare shells like cowries or wentletraps on the shore. There are trails to explore in the neighboring pine forest for the adventurous.
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Rondinara, Bonifacio
Rondinara, a secluded paradise in southern Corsica, beckons beach lovers searching for tranquility by the sea. The pristine white sand, laid-back vibe, and turquoise waters of this crescent-shaped cove provide a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The waters on this beach are renowned for their clarity. With its shallow depths and gentle currents, the bay offers excellent conditions for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities. Moreover, visitors can charter a yacht to explore the surrounding scenery.
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Despite its secluded ambiance, Rondinara offers convenient amenities for visitors’ comfort and convenience. Parking, restrooms, and beach equipment rentals are available nearby, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
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Plage de l’Almanarre, Hyères
The stunning Plage de l’Almanarre is a tropical paradise in southern France’s Hyeres commune. With over 4 kilometers of pristine white sand and turquoise waters, it’s easy to see why it draws sunbathers, surfers, and beachgoers from all over.
Protected by the peninsula of Giens, the calm, shallow waters of Plage de l’Almanarre are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Thanks to the area’s steady winds, windsurfing and kitesurfing are popular sports for the more adventurous.
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When you need a break from the sun, huts, and shade trees offer respite along the shore. A few beach bars and cafes are perfectly placed along the promenade for a cold drink or quick bite.
Read also: European Islands for Romantic Getaways
Portissol, Sanary-sur-Mer
Whether you’re looking to relax, soak in the natural scenery, or experience the local culture, Portissol has something for everyone. This arc-shaped public beach is ideal for families with small children, featuring lifeguards, fine white sand, and shallow turquoise waters. You can rent lounge chairs and umbrellas to relax in the sun or grab an ice cream from the snack bar and stroll along the promenade.
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Various restaurants, cafés, and shops are within walking distance of the beach. After swimming and sunbathing, grab some fresh seafood or a wood-fired pizza and watch the sunset paint vibrant colors across the evening sky. Also, the charming village of Sanary-sur-Mer, with its Provençal market and Mediterranean gardens, is only a 15-minute walk away.
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Roccapina, Sartène
Roccapina provides a peaceful escape from the busier resort towns. It offers fantastic opportunities to spend a relaxing day basking in the sun, building sandcastles along the shore. For the active explorers, there are opportunities for hiking, biking, and rock climbing on the cliffs surrounding the beach. You may spot local wildlife like birds, lizards, or wild boar. At sunset, the cliffs come alive with light, creating a magical close to the day.
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Whether you’re looking to unwind in solitude or share an adventure, Roccapina offers something for all beach lovers with its picturesque setting and array of recreational activities.
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Midi, Cannes
Stretching about 700 meters, Midi boasts soft white sand, modern amenities, and azure waters. Here, there’s no shortage of ways to stay entertained. The panoramic vistas of the coastline create a picturesque setting for leisure walks and sun-soaked relaxation. Recreational activities such as jet skiing, beach volleyball, and paddleboarding are also common on the shore.
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After a day of sun and sea, treat your taste buds to the culinary delights at beachfront restaurants and cafes. Alternatively, you can visit a local bar and enjoy their signature cocktails as you watch the sun dip below the horizon. That aside, this beach is free and conveniently located within walking distance from the heart of Cannes.
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La Garoupe, Antibes
Visit La Garoupe, whether you’re drawn to its tranquil shores for relaxation and adventure or simply to soak in the beauty of the Mediterranean coastline. One of the most enchanting features of this small beach is its powdery white sands, which stretch for miles along the shoreline. The soft, fine grains beckon sunbathers to recline under the warm Mediterranean sun while children delight in building sandcastles by the water’s edge.
The seaside has basic facilities like showers, toilets, and snack bars for refreshments. In addition, lifeguards are on duty during the busy summer season.
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It gets crowded, especially in July and August, so arrive early to claim your spot.
Read also: Top Beaches in Europe
Santa Giulia, Porto-Vecchio
Santa Giulia is among the most beautiful in Southern Corsica, with its fine white sand, a fishing pier, mountain views, granite boulders, and clear shallow waters. You can rent a boat or jet ski to explore the bay or just lounge in the sun and sand. The beach is also perfect for snorkeling, as the bay hosts colorful fish and underwater rocks.
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Surrounded by pine trees and maquis shrubland, the beachfront provides ample shade, inviting visitors to relax and unwind in the embrace of nature. You can rent lounge chairs and umbrellas or enjoy a leisurely picnic on the soft sands while admiring the breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline.
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