In the world of travel, France is famous for many things. Paris, wine, gastronomy, and of course, the glamorous French Riviera and its scenic Atlantic or Mediterranean coastlines. There are many famous beaches in France that most people would like to visit, some famous for vibrant nightlife, others for being a playground for some of Europe’s wealthiest, but in the coastal world of France, there are also a lot of gorgeous yet secluded spots that most tourists aren’t aware of. This article is all about that- some of the most beautiful hidden beaches in France for people who like to enjoy a peaceful holiday.
Helpful Tips For Discovering Hidden Gems In France
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If you like this kind of content, also don’t forget to check out my ultimate list of hidden gems in Paris as well as our list of alternative things to do in Paris.
L’Estérel, Var
The Estérel coastline, located between Fréjus and Mandelieu-la-Napoule, is famous for its oh-so-picturesque red volcanic rock and thick pine forests. Unlike the famous beaches of Saint-Tropez or Nice, Estérel hides a lot of small inlets and coves hidden between the cliffs, not easy to see from the road but accessible on foot from small lay-bys or walking trails with crystal clear waters guaranteed to bring you Instagram glory.
Although the Corniche d’Or road is a favorite among tourists, much of this stretch of beaches is not crowded, but make sure to take some water, food (no tourist facilities), and don’t forget your swim shoes (the beaches are very rocky).
Plage Mala, Cap d’Ail
Plage Mala is a secret jewel under the cliffs of Cap d’Ail, west of Monaco, and the only way to access it involves a steep descent down stone steps from Avenue Princesse Grâce, a path that discourages casual visitors, making the beach quieter than its neighbours. The beach itself is half sand, half pebble, and bordered by cliffs that shield it from wind and noise.
The vegetation and sheer rock face around provide natural shade in the morning and late afternoon, and there are two beach clubs during the summer months, which provide sunbeds and food, but most of the beach is public and free to use.
Where to Stay Nearby:
La Suite, Cap d’Ail – A charming boutique hotel offering panoramic sea views, just a short walk from the scenic Plage de la Mala.
Plage Paloma, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Plage Paloma is located at the eastern end of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and looks out to the bay towards Beaulieu-sur-Mer, and is named after Paloma Picasso, who was a frequent visitor (together with her father Pablo Picasso). This beach has a combination of sand and pebbles and is under the shade of pine trees, which grow close to the water.
It’s not completely concealed, but its position and size make it quieter than most Riviera beaches. Access is on foot, through a path from the village through residential gardens, and the beach is divided into a public and a private beach club, with the public area being large enough to let you enjoy a quiet swim.
Where to Stay Nearby:
Villa La Source is nestled amidst lush gardens and provides a tranquil retreat with easy access to the exclusive Paloma Beach.
Plage des Fosses, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Plage des Fosses is situated on the south side of the Cap-Ferrat peninsula and provides a quieter option than other beaches in the vicinity. It is long and narrow and is backed by private homes and low stone walls. The beach is mainly pebble with flat stones for sunbathing, and unlike other beaches that have restaurants and facilities, Plage des Fosses is totally uncommercial; no sunbeds, no vendors, no noise. The absence of facilities makes it less attractive to tourists but more attractive to locals who want peace and solitude.
Where to Stay Nearby:
Hotel Les Roches Rouges, Saint-Raphaël – A stylish seafront hotel offering direct access to the Mediterranean and proximity to the secluded Calanque de Saint-Barthélemy.
Do you enjoy discovering hidden beaches? Then you may also like our list of hidden beaches in Bali, hidden beaches in California, and hidden beaches in Oregon.
Plage de la Bastide Blanche and Cap Taillat, Ramatuelle
Accessible only by boat or a hiking trail that starts at L’Escalet Beach, Plage de la Bastide Blanche is a remote beach located at the foot of Cap Taillat, and so close to St. Tropez, it’s surprising that most people don’t know about it. The hike is about 45 minutes each way along a coastal path with great views, pine trees, and low brush leading to a secret, sandy beach, with a few rocky outcrops, completely surrounded by dunes and wild vegetation, and nothing else. The isolation attracts a quieter crowd: hikers, naturists, and photographers. The Cap Taillat headland nearby can be climbed for a panoramic view of the coastline and the Maures mountains.
Where to Stay Nearby:
Hotel La Vigne de Ramatuelle, Ramatuelle – A cozy hotel surrounded by vineyards, offering a tranquil stay near the remote Plage de la Bastide Blanche.
Île Sainte-Marguerite, Cannes
Île Sainte-Marguerite is the largest of the Lérins Islands and is a sharp contrast to the luxury and traffic of the mainland. It’s a mere 15-minute ferry ride from Cannes, and the entire island consists mostly of pine and eucalyptus forests, with small coves and rocky beaches along its coast. There are no sandy shores here, but the water is some of the clearest on the Riviera.
These beaches are rocky, so bring a mat or water shoes. There are no cars and few buildings, and the island has a quiet natural feel all year round. It’s perfect for a leisurely nature trip on a slow day with enough infrastructure (picnic areas, small café, restrooms) to make it easy without being overcrowded.
Calanque de Port-Pin, near La Ciotat
Port-Pin is one of the more accessible calanques in the Cassis area, but it also feels remote. Accessible by a 30-minute hike from Port-Miou, this narrow inlet is surrounded by tall limestone cliffs and pine trees, and with a shore composed of coarse sand and pebbles and crystal clear, postcard-like azure waters. True, the hike is steep, uneven, and exhausting (so wear good shoes and bring water), but it’s so worth it in the end. There are no shops or toilets, so you’ll have to pack everything in and out, but the quiet beauty of the place is worth the effort.
Where to Stay Nearby:
Hotel Cassitel, Cassis – A cozy hotel situated near the harbor of Cassis, providing easy access to the Calanques and offering comfortable accommodations with friendly service.
Calanque d’En-Vau, Bouches-du-Rhône
We can’t really talk about the most impressive hidden beaches in France without the Calanque d’En Vau, a gorgeous stretch of sand located between Cassis and Marseille, somewhat cut off from civilization and surrounded by towering white cliffs. The sea here is a bright turquoise and is often referred to as fjord-like, as it cuts between the cliffs and the only ways to get there are either hiking a somewhat challenging one-hour trail, or taking a kayak from Cassis.
For this reason, the beach is rarely crowded. As far as the shore goes, it’s mostly large pebbles and rock, not sand, so bring a thick towel or mat. Swimming here feels otherworldly: the water is cold even in summer, and the cliffs resound with sound. There are no facilities, and boats are not allowed to enter the cove; this keeps it quite even during peak season. It is best to go early, carry everything you need, and be ready for a physically strenuous return hike.
Where to Stay Nearby:
Best Western Plus Hôtel la Rade, Cassis – Overlooking the sea, this hotel offers modern rooms and is conveniently located for exploring the Calanques, including the stunning Calanque d’En-Vau.
Parc du Mugel, La Ciotat
Parc du Mugel is a public garden and coastal park that also offers access to two small rocky beaches. Situated in La Ciotat, the park is easy to access but not often crowded because of its hidden layout and quiet reputation. The beaches are tiny and stony, surrounded by cliffs and trees. One near the entrance is popular with families; the other, further in, is quieter and rougher, and the park itself provides trails through Mediterranean vegetation and areas of shade for picnics.
There are also botanical gardens and viewpoints with a panoramic view of the Gulf of La Ciotat. Mugel is not a classic beach destination, but if you want nature, quiet, and a place to swim after a walk, it’s a good option.
Where to Stay Nearby:
Hotel Plage Saint Jean, La Ciotat – A comfortable hotel located near the beach, offering amenities like a spa and indoor pool, perfect for relaxing after a day at Mugel Park.
Plage de la Darse, Villefranche-sur-Mer
Hidden away behind the old citadel of Villefranche-sur-Mer, Plage de la Darse is hard to find unless you know where to look. This little pebble beach is not glossy or gaudy, but it is clean and quiet, surrounded by historic buildings. The water quickly deepens and the seabed is rocky, making it ideal for snorkelling but not ideal for young children.
Local people often come here to escape the more crowded beaches around the centre of town. The hum of boat repair can be heard during the day, but it becomes a background noise. Come here for a quick swim, an hour’s peace with a book, or views of the old harbor with fishing boats coming and going.
Where to Stay Nearby:
Welcome Hotel, Villefranche-sur-Mer – Situated on the waterfront, this hotel provides stunning views of the bay and is within walking distance to Plage de la Darse.
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Plage du Sud, Port-Cros
Port-Cros is a protected island off the southern coast of France, part of the Hyères archipelago. The whole island is a national park, access is limited – no cars, no bikes, and few ferries. This maintains low visitor numbers and an intact environment. Plage du Sud, situated on the southern part of the island, is one of the accessible beaches, but it is a hike from the port.
The path is surrounded by thick Mediterranean vegetation, and it takes about 30–40 minutes. The beach is sandy and has rocky patches, and is located in a sheltered bay with shallow water. No shops or restaurants nearby, undeveloped beach – what you bring in, you bring out. This isolation is part of its appeal.
Where to Stay Nearby:
Hotel Le Provençal, Hyères – Located in Hyères, this hotel offers comfortable accommodations and is a convenient base for ferry trips to the secluded Plage du Sud on Port-Cros Island.
Plage de Saleccia, Corsica
Plage de Saleccia is situated on the northern coast of Corsica in the Desert des Agriates, a remote spot halfway between Saint-Florent and Ile Rousse, and it stretches over one kilometer. Its fine white sand and shallow, clear turquoise waters are as gorgeous (and if not more) as some of France’s most famous beaches. And despite being one of the most beautiful beaches in France, it’s also one of the most difficult to get to.
Most visitors come either by 4×4 through a rough 12-kilometer track from Casta or by boat from Saint-Florent, and the journey serves as a natural filter, limiting the number of crowds. Saleccia is perfect for those who are willing to take the extra mile for quiet and raw beauty. Take all your supplies and be ready to disconnect.
Where to Stay Nearby:
Hotel Tettola, Saint-Florent – A beachfront hotel offering comfortable rooms and easy access to boat trips heading towards the remote Plage de Saleccia.
Îles Lavezzi, Corsica
The Lavezzi Islands are a protected nature reserve about 10 kilometers south of Bonifacio, at the southern tip of Corsica, in essence, a tiny archipelago made of granite rocks, scattered coves, and shallow blue waters. You can get to the islands by boat from Bonifacio, either a scheduled ferry or a private hire. There, it is as if another world—no shops, no noise, no infrastructure.
The beaches are rocky or sandy, depending on where you land on the island. Swimming and snorkeling here are superb, with marine life seen in the shallow and deeper areas. Since the area is protected, all must be brought in and out. Camping and fires are prohibited. It is a delicate ecosystem that treats respectful visitors with peace and breathtaking views in all directions.
Where to Stay Nearby:
Hotel Genovese, Bonifacio – Perched on the cliffs of Bonifacio, this hotel offers luxury accommodations and is ideally located for excursions to the Îles Lavezzi.
Plage de la Galère, Île de Porquerolles
Plage de la Galère, one of the least known beaches of Île de Porquerolles, which on its own is one of France’s most pristine destinations, and as such, of course, it’s also one of the most beautiful hidden beaches in France. It’s situated on the eastern side of the island, necessitating a long walk or a short ride in a boat in order to reach. The shoreline is a mixture of sand and rock with patches of sea grass and wild plants found at the edges. It has no tourist facilities and is completely quiet, even in the busy summer months.
Where to Stay Nearby:
L’Arche de Porquerolles, Porquerolles – A charming guesthouse offering comfortable rooms, situated close to the island’s port and within walking distance to Plage de la Galère.
Plage Notre-Dame, Île de Porquerolles
Similar to Plage de la Galere, Plage Notre-Dame is approximately a 30-minute walk or 15-minute bike ride from the main village on Île de Porquerolles. Due to the protected status of the island, development is highly restricted – there are no beach bars, sunbeds, or restaurants on site. The water is not deep and is calm, and therefore a good option for families with children. Come early or late in the day to avoid the peak hour of ferry traffic from Hyères.
Even though it becomes more popular, Notre-Dame still gives a feeling of a peaceful escape because of its size and natural environment. The pine grove walk is quiet, and the sea breeze often brings the smell of wild herbs. It is a great place to kill several hours reading, swimming, and enjoying the slow rhythm of island life.
Where to Stay Nearby:
Hotel Le Mas du Langoustier, Porquerolles – Nestled in a pine forest, this hotel offers a peaceful retreat and is a short bike ride away from the pristine Plage Notre-Dame.
Plage de la Réserve, Nice
Plage de la Réserve is one of the smallest beaches in Nice, located just east of the port, close to the entrance to the coastal trail to Cap de Nice that often gets forgotten by tourists in favor of Nice’s other, more famous beaches. The beach is basically a small strip of pebbles and concrete slabs sandwiched between two rocky outcrops, not easy to find, and as such the locals’ favorite getaway spot when Nice gets too busy in the summer- far from perfect for lounging all day but ideal for a quick dip or a lunch break with a view.
From the rocks, you will see over the bay to the Old Town and further. It’s a neighborhood beach, so no noise, no loud music, no vendors—just the sea, the stone, and the skyline. It’s also one of the few places in central Nice where you could have the water almost to yourself, especially in the early morning.
Where to Stay Nearby:
Hotel Suisse, Nice – Located near the Old Town, this hotel offers panoramic sea views and is a pleasant walk away from the secluded Plage de la Réserve.
Étretat, Normandy
Although not hidden in the traditional sense of the word, the beaches of Étretat are not as visited and as talked about as we feel they should be. This part of the Normandy coast is famous for its iconic white chalk cliffs and natural arches that make the perfect dramatic backdrop against the raging waters of the Atlantic. The main beach in town is a wide pebble shore that is usually windy and dramatic, but take a little further walk in either direction along the cliff trails, and you will find smaller coves and outcroppings where few people stop.
The water is colder than in the south, and the conditions are rough, but the raw natural environment compensates for this. Although swimming is possible in calm conditions, many people come here just to view the scenery and feel the sea at its strongest.
Where to Stay Nearby:
Domaine Saint Clair – Le Donjon, Étretat – A boutique hotel set in a historic building, offering elegant rooms and stunning views, just minutes from the famous cliffs and hidden beaches of Étretat.
Palombaggia Beach, Corsica
Although it is better known than others on this list, it does provide quiet areas, particularly outside of July and August. The sand is fine and pale here, with pine trees behind that provide natural shade and a little separation from the inland road. The water is shallow and still, which makes it ideal for children and leisure swimmers. There are some small coves and rock formations along the edges that give you private corners if you go a bit further than most. There are a couple of small cafés and water sports rental stations nearby, but the place is still laid back.
Where to Stay Nearby:
Hotel Ambassador Palombaggia, Porto-Vecchio – A luxurious hotel nestled in a pine forest, offering direct access to Palombaggia Beach and upscale amenities for a relaxing stay.
Plage de Passable, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Plage de Passable is situated on the western part of the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, looking out to the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer. Access is very convenient on foot, and it is one of the few places in the area where you can enjoy both shade and a clear view of the sunset. There is a little beach restaurant and some lounge chairs for rent, but most people come with a towel and sit on the public part.
Because it is hidden behind trees and accessed through a small lane, it remains off the radar for most tourists. The place provides a quiet break with an unusual view of the bay. On bright days, the water reflects the pastel colors of Villefranche’s old town across the water, which enhances the atmosphere.
How did you like this list of hidden beaches in France? Did you ever get the chance to visit any of them? Do you have your favorite? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
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