Compare South of France holidays

Top beaches in the South of France

The South of France claims some of Europe’s best beaches, from staggeringly beautiful coves and kid-friendly pristine sands to protected little bays ideal for snorkelling.

Pampelonne

Glamourous Pampelonne, just outside Saint-Tropez, was Brigitte Bardot’s favourite hangout. Backed by swish restaurants and bars, its stunning white-sand beach and clear waters are still popular with A-listers today.

Plage des Marinières

Just east of Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer is a little fishing village with beaches somewhat quieter than its neighbours. The sandy Plage des Marinières is the main public beach, with shallows suitable for kids.

Calanque d’En-vau

Calanque d’En-vau near Cassis is hard to beat for staggering views. Bright, clear water laps this pebbly cove between towering cliffs. Access is by boat or on foot, but it’s worth the hike.

Almanarre

Almanarre is a long stretch of sand with some of the finest windsurfing and kitesurfing in France. It’s also good for families who prefer space to spread out, enjoy warm shallows and spot the occasional flamingo.

Pointe de l’Aiguille

About 30 minutes from Cannes, in Théoule-sur-Mer, Pointe de l’Aiguille is a great spot for snorkelling. Follow the snorkel trail, marked by buoys to see its walls of sponges and anemones, a variety of fish and maybe even an octopus.

Where to stay in the South of France

For a luxury holiday

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to luxury holidays in the South of France. But there are some obvious places to stay, like upmarket Saint-Tropez. Here you can chill in private beach clubs with the rich and famous by day, then dine the evening away at a swish Michelin-star restaurant.

Cannes is also a good spot if you prefer the finer things. There are plenty of high-end hotels popular with the A-listers. La Croisette, the seafront promenade, is the perfect blend of dining, beach life and designer shopping.

For family holidays

If your kids love days packed with activities, consider staying in or near one of southern France’s larger cities. In Montpellier, you can spend the day at the zoo or the Musée Parc des Dinosaures in nearby Mèze.

For a family beach holiday, Blue Beach in Nice has a pool, trampoline and watersports. while Beaulieu-sur-Mer’s sandy shores have warm shallows and beachside restaurants.

To reduce some of the planning stress, consider a South of France package holiday, which is also a great way to pick up a bargain.

For romantic breaks

The Provençal countryside is pure romance. From wandering around the lavender and sunflower fields to strolling through a gorgeous village, the scenery is simply idyllic.

Hole up together in a rural retreat, away from the summer crowds, sipping wine on your private balcony overlooking rolling vineyards. Or, spend the day cycling narrow country lanes, visiting charming towns (Gordes is especially delightful), or explore on horseback with a picnic lunch.

If you need more of a cosmopolitan buzz from your couple’s holiday, consider Saint-Tropez, where you can hang in private beach clubs and enjoy exquisite tasting menus.

For cheap holidays

It isn’t the cheapest destination, but it’s still possible to get a good deal on a package holiday to the South of France if you stay outside the more lavish towns.

An alternative to Saint-Tropez are the hotels in nearby Port Grimaud and Cogolin. You can still easily access the glitz and glam of Saint-Tropez without dealing with the summer traffic every day.

Nice is also a good base for a relatively cheap South of France holiday, with public beaches, excellent local restaurants and accommodation for all budgets.

When to go to the South of France

The South of France is a year-round destination, depending on what you’re looking for. The best beach weather is in summer, but it’s also the most expensive and busiest time of year.

When is the cheapest time to visit the South of France?

If you’re looking for a cheap South of France holiday, you’re better off avoiding June, July and August (peak season). Hotel prices also spike for the Cannes Film Festival in May. Hotel rates are lower in the shoulder season, around April, September and October, when temperatures average between 13C (April) and 22C (September).

When should I go for the best weather?

The hottest time of year is July and August, with daily averages of 27C, but it’s still pleasant in September and October after the UK school holidays. If you’re into hiking and sightseeing, you might consider April and May when it’s around 17C to 21C.