5 quiet beaches on the Cote d’Azur

3 March, 2023 | Update: 12/07/2024

Planning a beach holiday to the South of France and looking for quiet beaches? You will find beautiful, quiet beaches that are not overrun by mass tourism. Discover these hidden gems on the Côte d’Azur. Sometimes you have to make a bit more effort to reach them, but the view is often breathtaking.

I will take you to five beautiful and quiet beaches on the Cote d’Azur in South France. I will also give you tips for campsites near these beautiful beaches in the South of France.

• Calanque d’En-Vau Beach
• Hidden beach Plage de la Plonche near St. Tropez
• Plage de La Fosse beach near Cap Ferrat
• Plage Mala beach near Cap d’Ail
• Plage Notre Dame beach near Île de Porquerolles

Challenging hike to Calanque d’En-Vau beach near Cassis

The beach of Calanque d’En-Vau is nestled between high, steep cliffs. From the beautiful pebble beach, you have a stunning view between the rocks over the turquoise water. It is truly a beach for nature and hiking enthusiasts.

How to reach the beach?

To reach this beautiful beach, you have several hiking paths ranging from one and a half to 3.5 hours. The beach is located at the end of a valley about 2.5 kilometers and 700 meters deep. The valley gets narrower and looks more like a gorge at the end. You can start from Cassis or the Col de la Gardiole. The beach is also accessible via a boat trip.

Calanque means steep rocky inlet. The hike itself is already beautiful, as you walk along the coast and can enjoy the view. It is a challenging hike due to the steep paths with some larger stones and rocks here and there.

I, therefore, recommend always wearing your hiking shoes and bringing your swimwear and enough water in your backpack. Since it is a pebble beach, it is best to bring water shoes.

Tip: in the Parc National des Calanques, you will find some of the most beautiful beaches on the Mediterranean Sea in France. Due to the risk of forest fires and to protect the fragile nature, there are sometimes restrictions on visits during the summer period. Planning to visit the calanques? Check the park’s website to see what restrictions apply at that time.

Want to discover this beach?

Do you want to discover this beautiful beach in peace from a nearby campsite? Book at Camping de Ceyreste about 25 km away. If you don’t want to share this beautiful beach, make sure to come outside the high season and early in the day. Note: there are no catering facilities available.

Hidden beach Plage de la Plonche near Saint-Tropez

Fancy strolling along the beautiful seaside towns in the South of France? Explore the beaches where Brigitte Bardot used to go and where the international jet set now frequents. This is possible on the well-known beaches in the southwest of St. Tropez.

But even if you are not a famous rapper or artist, you can still enjoy beautiful and quiet beaches near St. Tropez. For example, at the lovely city beach Plage de La Plonche.

This beach gained fame as the backdrop of the film ‘Et Dieu…créa la Femme’ with Brigitte Bardot. The view is picturesque. The small bay gives you access to the refreshing sea, and from the beach, you look out on Sainte-Maxime.

Under the little tower

Walk from the old town, under the tower Tour du Portalet, to Plage de La Plonche. The beach is ideal for a morning or evening swim when you are staying around St. Tropez. After a morning at the beach, visit the picturesque town center of this former fishing village with charming streets, lovely squares, and pastel-colored shops. Or admire the luxurious yachts in the harbor.

Plage de la Fosse near the Cap Ferrat peninsula

The peninsula Cap Ferrat, located between Nice and Monaco, is mainly known for its luxurious villas, beautiful nature, and scenic walking routes. You will find a quiet, small beach on the west coast, Plage de la Fosse.

Do not expect beach bars with sunbeds, but a beautiful pebble beach where you can quietly lay down your towel to read a book. Or enjoy the breathtaking view over the water. Sit comfortably under the trees in the shade or cool off under the available showers.

How to reach Plage de la Fosse?

To reach the beach, park your car at the harbor and walk to the beach in a few minutes. Keep in mind that the parking lot can be busier on weekends, as can the beach.

Walking around the peninsula

You can also take walks from the beach around the peninsula. This is a great way to get to know the peninsula in the South of France and discover more of the beautiful landscape. You can find the routes at the tourist office (5 avenue Denis Séméria – 06230 Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.).

Camping by the sea near Cap Ferrat

Discover Plage de la Mala after 152 steps near Cap d’Ail

Are you an active vacationer who also loves beautiful beaches? Then Plage de la Mala is perfect for you. In 15 to 20 minutes, you walk down about 152 steps. The walk itself is already

beautiful due to the stunning view.

Once you reach the bottom, you will discover the cliff-surrounded beach and crystal-clear water. In this clear water, you can snorkel and swim very well. So bring your snorkel!

Picnic on the beach

There are two restaurants where you can rent a sunbed and possibly eat. The prices here are high, but nothing is mandatory, so feel free to bring your own picnic basket and towels. Ready for a walk? Walk along the coastal path by the sea to Monaco.

Looking for a campsite on the Cote d’Azur?

Are you looking for a nice campsite on the Mediterranean Sea in France?

Plage Notre Dame near Île de Porquerolles

Do you love the beach and sailing during your seaside holiday in France? Then this is the beach for you. You can reach the beautiful Plage Notre Dame by taking the ferry from the port of Hyeres.

But once you are across, you are not yet on the beach. You can walk to the beach from the port of Porquerolles, which takes about an hour. Or rent an (electric) bike, and you will be there in about 15-20 minutes.

Picturesque bay

When you have finished the walk or bike ride, you arrive at a picturesque bay with a beautiful view over the turquoise water. The clear water has a lovely temperature, and the beach is narrow and long. There is plenty of space to lay your towel and watch the boats.

If you really want peace, it is advisable to go in the off-season. Are you in the area during the high season? Then take the first ferry. You will then have the beach almost to yourself until the next boat arrives.

Discover the island of Porquerolles

The best way to explore the island is on foot or by (electric) bike. Take a walk to the lighthouse, where you have a breathtaking panorama of the entire island, the azure sea, the beaches, and the steep cliffs.

Do you prefer cycling? Then you can take a bike ride inland past the vineyards and olive and fruit trees. The village of Porquerolles has typical Provençal houses and is a paradise for nature and peace lovers.

Campsites near the island of Porquerolles

Camping holiday on the Mediterranean Sea in France?

A holiday in the South of France by the sea is ultimate enjoyment. There is a wide range of campsites close to the most beautiful beaches on the Mediterranean Sea in France.

• Find campsites near Montpellier by the beach
• Find campsites near Perpignan by the beach

Cheap camping in the low season

The low season is the best time to enjoy quiet beaches. And you can camp extra cheaply in the early and late season with the CampingCard ACSI discount card. With this card, you save up to 60% per night.

Tips?

Do you have a good tip for a quiet beach in the South of France? Feel free to let us know below.