The Mediterranean
The most popular beaches in France for the French and the rest of the world, lie along the gorgeous, azure blue Mediterranean coast. This is a huge long coastline along the south of France, stretching from the Basque country and the Pyrenees to the Italian border.
The Western Mediterranean
The western part of the Mediterranean coast is shaped like an arc that starts in the Basque country in the Pyrenees, the mountain range that divides France from Spain just below Perpignan. From the wonderful Cote Vermeille, the region takes in the Herault and cities like Montpellier, the area around the Bouches-du-Rhone, and Nimes, Arles and Avignon then continues around to Marseille. Surrounding Marseilles is the mysterious Camargues area, to the east the naval port of Toulon and the wonderful Iles d’Hyeres.
Getting to the western Mediterranean
Getting to Perpignan
Getting to Marseille
East Mediterranean
The Riviera, Cote d’Azur, call it what you will, the stretch of the Mediterranean from St. Tropez via the elegant coast towns of Cannes, Antibes and Nice is one long playground. But even along this coast, which fills to bursting point in July and August, there are small beaches which you have to search out and can then make your own. Little villages like Villefrance-sur-Mer cling to the coastline. Monaco beckons before the French Riviera finishes at conservative, delightful Menton.
Getting to the western Mediterranean
Getting to St. Tropez
Getting to Nice
See Guide to Nice for travel information
Check out my Guide to Best Nudist Beaches and Naturist Resorts in France
