Cannes is a must-see seaside resort on the Côte d’Azur! We loved discovering its fine sandy beaches, surrounded by incredible Mediterranean scenery. Whether you prefer the festive atmosphere of the Croisette or the calm of the Îles de Lérins, you can choose between public and private beaches.
Find our selection of the city’s most beautiful beaches, with our own photos, tips and a map to help you plan.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Cannes’ best beaches: map and selection
In this article, we have selected the most beautiful beaches in Cannes, both public and private. Between the magnificent Mediterranean landscapes and the mild climate of the Côte d’Azur, you’ll have a great time, alone or with friends!
Map
See our map of the most beautiful beaches in Cannes:
We remind you that at any time of year, some beaches may be covered with seaweed (Posidonia meadows). This is essential for their renewal.
This can happen at any beach, but not at the same time. It’s random.
Where to go in Cannes to find the best beaches?
After visiting the town, we particularly recommend the Plage du Midi and the Plage de la Bocca for quiet family afternoons. However, if you’d like to enjoy the hustle and bustle of Cannes, we recommend the lively Plages de la Croisette. We also loved the small coves of the Îles de Lérins, but you’ll need swimming shoes! Check out our article on the resort ‘s must-do activities for more info!
1. Croisette beaches
Why do we love them?
Most of the Croisette beaches are privately owned. They belong to restaurants or hotels. We appreciated the services offered by these establishments. Deckchairs and parasols are available for hire, so you can sit back and relax by the sea. These beaches are ideal for relaxing in the water, or sipping a cocktail on a bar terrace. The view of the Bay of Cannes from the Croisette is splendid!
More pictures in our article
Location and practical advice
- Along the Promenade de la Croisette,
- In the heart of downtown Cannes,
- Several pay parking lots nearby,
- Sandy beaches,
- Gentle slopes,
- Supervised beaches in season,
- Showers and toilets.
2. Plage du Midi
Why do we love it?
In our opinion, this long stretch of sand is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Côte d’Azur. It is divided into several public and private zones. We enjoyed the waterfront restaurants and water sports activities on the beach. One thing’s for sure: you won’t have time to get bored! We warmly recommend it to families. The view of the bay and the mountains on the horizon totally charmed us! For more information, please read our full article on Plage du Midi.
Location and practical advice
- West of the Croisette,
- start of the beach, 10-minute walk from downtown Cannes, to the west
- Grand Parking de la Plage at 25 Avenue du Docteur Raymond Picaud,
- Sandy beach,
- Gentle slope,
- Supervised beach in season,
- Showers and toilets.
WHERE TO STAY IN Cannes
Option 1: Downtown
Enjoy the charm of the old town and all its restaurants.
We recommend..:
- Five Seas Hotel – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel BW Le Mondial – prices, pictures and availability
Option 2: on the Croisette
Along the seafront promenade and beaches.
We recommend..:
- Hotel Le Carlton – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Martinez – prices, pictures and availability
Option 3: The Suquet and surrounding area
On the heights of the old town, with lots of charm.
- Hotel le Suquet – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Canopy by Hilton – see prices, pictures and availability
3. La Bocca beach
Why do we love it?
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Promenade de la Croisette, head west to Cannes! A 15-minute drive from downtown, this beach is less crowded and very pleasant. It offers a magnificent panoramic view of the Esterel Massif. You can also enjoy a variety of water sports activities for young and old alike! Here, we observed several pontoons jutting out into the sea, offering views across the bay. Find out more about Plage de la Bocca in our dedicated article.
Location and practical advice
- West of Cannes,
- On the outskirts of Mandelieu-la-Napoule,
- From downtown Cannes: 12min by car or 1h on foot
- Herringbone parking spaces on Boulevard du Midi Louise Moreau,
- Sandy beach,
- Gentle slope,
- Supervised beach in season,
- Showers and toilets.
4. Plage des Rochers de la Bocca
Why do we love it?
Located at the end of Plage du Midi, this small stretch of sand is home to Rochers du Coke. We enjoyed this unique landscape with the Mediterranean Sea as a backdrop, and the rocks piercing the water. It’s an ideal place for snorkeling. Grab a mask and snorkel as you explore the seabed along these impressive rock formations!
Location and practical advice
- At the western end of Plage du Midi,
- Between Plage du Midi and Plage de la Bocca,
- From downtown Cannes: 10min by car or 50min on foot
- Plage du Midi parking lot,
- Beach of sand and black rocks,
- Gentle slope,
- Showers and toilets on Plage du Midi.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
5. Beaches and coves of Île Sainte-Marguerite
Why do we love them?
Throughout the island, you’ll find several wild swimming areas. However, you should be aware that there are no traditional white sandy beaches. We were seduced by this green setting with its feet in the water. The island’s rocky coves are full of character. The water is extremely clear, ideal for snorkeling. We recommend that you wear swimming shoes to avoid hurting your feet. Find out more about the island’s beaches in our dedicated article.
Location and practical advice
- On Sainte-Marguerite Island,
- 15 min by ferry from Cannes old port,
- Several pay parking lots near the old port,
- Rocky beaches and coves,
- Slopes of varying steepness,
- Swimming shoes strongly recommended,
- No surveillance.
6. Beaches and coves of Ile Saint-Honorat
Why do we love them?
This island is a hidden treasure on the French Riviera, an ideal destination for lovers of nature and tranquillity. Following the coastline, we discovered numerous small coves with breathtaking views over the bay. Find out more in our dedicated article. The water is turquoise and transparent. It invites you to swim. We recommend you equip yourself with swimming shoes, a mask and snorkel, and explore the seabed! The local flora and fauna are extremely rich. In fact, it’s one of the most beautiful islands on the Côte d’Azur!
Location and practical advice
- On Île Saint-Honorat,
- 20 min by ferry from Cannes old port,
- Several pay parking lots near the old port,
- Rocky beaches and coves,
- Slopes of varying steepness,
- Swimming shoes strongly recommended,
- No surveillance.
7. Palais des Festivals beach, Cannes
Why do we love it?
Located in front of Cannes’ famous Palais des Festivals, this white sandy beach is very popular and lively. It benefits from the lively atmosphere of the Croisette. We particularly recommend it for festive audiences. It hosts a famous music event that attracts festival-goers from all over the world. For more info on Les Plages Électroniques, visit the official website here.
Location and practical advice
- In downtown Cannes,
- West of the Promenade de la Croisette,
- In front of the Palais des Festivals in Cannes,
- Several pay parking lots nearby,
- Sandy beach,
- Gentle slope,
- Supervised beach in season,
- Showers and PRM access ramp.
A LITTLE MORE patience
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Best private beaches in Cannes
A temple of luxury and glamour, Cannes is home to numerous private beaches owned by restaurants and hotels. See our small selection of custom-made products:
Carlton Hotel beach
Head to the Carlton Beach Club for a deckchair overlooking the Bay of Cannes. While sipping a cocktail, you’ll enjoy a superb view of the sea. You can also enjoy a Mediterranean lunch here. Between the palm trees, the fine sand and the pontoon offering an incredible panorama, it’s the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun!
You can extend the experience by staying one or more nights at the Hôtel Carlton in Cannes – see prices, availability and bookings.
Beaches of the Hôtel Barrière (Restaurant B Fire Mauro Colagreco)
The Barrière hotel group owns several private beaches along the Croisette, including Restaurant B Fire. A true star in the world of contemporary gastronomy, chef Mauro Colagreco took us on a journey through his Italian-Argentinian cuisine. The quality of the food and the view of the sea make this a place not to be missed. You’re sure to feast your eyes and taste buds!
You can extend the experience by staying one or more nights at the Hôtel Barrière in Cannes – see prices, availability and bookings.
Bijou Plage (handiplage)
Walk east to the end of the Promenade de la Croisette and you’ll come to Port Pierre Canto. A few steps away, you’ll find Bijou Plage. It features both a handi beach and a private beach with restaurant. We enjoyed this stretch of sand with its magnificent sea views. The handiplage is very well equipped for people with reduced mobility. Find out more here.
Best beaches near Cannes
Want to explore the surrounding area and discover other beautiful beaches around Cannes? Here are our nearby recommendations:
Mandelieu-la Napoule (Plage Robinson and Plage du Château)
Located west of Cannes, Mandelieu-la-Napoule is well worth a visit, not least for its beaches. The first, Plage Robinson, is located on the outskirts of town, close to Plage de la Bocca. Rather small, it is framed by 2 jetties of black rock. The second, Plage du Château de la Napoule, totally charmed us. In fact, this waterfront heritage monument is one of the region’s major cultural attractions!
15min drive from Cannes.
More photos in our article.
Théoule-sur-Mer (Pointe de l’Aiguille Departmental Nature Park)
We loved exploring the scenic hiking trails that line the Parc de la Pointe de L’Aiguille. The sea views are numerous and impressive. Biodiversity was unique in this unspoilt natural sanctuary. Strolling along the trail, we discovered secluded beaches. They invited us to swim and relax in an idyllic setting!
30min drive from Cannes
Cap d’Antibes (Plage du Ponteil)
This is our favorite beach in Antibes, as it offers a beautiful view of the old town and the snow-capped peaks of the Alps. Bordered by a seafront promenade, it is well-equipped and close to numerous amenities. For more information, we’ve written a full article on this beach.
25min drive from Cannes, also accessible by train.
You can visit Antibes on your own, or on an organized tour. To discover several towns on the Côte d’Azur in just 1 day, we recommend this excursion – see prices, photos and availability.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best beach restaurants in Cannes?
You’ll find plenty of beach restaurants in Cannes. Most of them are concentrated on the famous Promenade de la Croisette. We’ve written a comprehensive article on the city’s best establishments, in which we’ve listed restaurants with their feet in the water. Take a look at our selection for an exceptional culinary experience by the sea.
When to swim in Cannes?
Cannes enjoys a mild to warm Mediterranean climate. The water temperature never drops below 13°, even in the depths of winter. However, swimming is recommended between June and October. In summer, the Mediterranean Sea heats up to 26°. So you can swim all year round on the Côte d’Azur. A word of advice: opt for a wetsuit in low season!
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE Côte d’Azur
- Inspiration
The most beautiful landscapes in 30 photos
Best things to do on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful villages
Best beaches on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful gardens
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Most beautiful islands
Secret places
- Practical advice
Successful travel on the Côte d’Azur (coming soon)
Rent a car in Provence – in Nice – in Cannes – in Marseille – in Aix-en-Provence.
Itineraries: 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
Weekend ideas: best-of – romantic – luxury – unusual
- Where to stay
Where to stay on the Côte d’Azur
Best luxury hotels on the Côte d’Azur
Hotels by the sea
Best boutique-hotels
