Provence Beaches
In St Tropez, a five-mile stretch of land called the Route des Plages is home to some of the hottest beaches in the world.
Parking costs 4? for the day.
Plage de la Bouillabaisse is the most glamorous beach, where even the sandy beaches get groomed and the weather is as hot as the stars that visit.
The city of Nice is sheltered by the Alps and is the most protected part of the Mediterranean coast, with gentle winds from sea to land.
Along this coast there are about 15 private beaches separated by public beaches, all consisting of soft sand and hard pebbles.
Private beaches in Nice charge about 20? per day for both sun lounger and parasol.
The famous blue chairs of Nice (described in guide books as the 'legendary' blue chairs) can be found along the promenade and provide a comfortable point to relax and watch the world go by.
Similar to Nice, the beaches in Cannes consist of both private and public sections, the majority here however being private.
Almost all of these private beaches belong to luxury hotels in the area.
Cannes' public beaches can be found in the far eastern and western sides of the city.
These are attractive beaches but can get crowded in summer.
The "norm" when relaxing on a beach in Monaco is topless sunbathing.
The most famous for this is the Monte Carlo Beach Club, which has been an integral part of the social life of this town for decades.
There is an expensive entrance fee, but the beach has great facilities, cafes and bars.
The only public beach in Monaco is Larvotto.
This is a man-made beach and comprises three concrete jetties, protected by large boulders and gravel.
There are 20 small beaches within the city of Marseille, mostly rough sand and shingle shelving into sea.
Marseille consists on secluded, sporty, family and party beaches.
Taking a ferry from the Old Port will take you to the rocky coves and quiet holiday beaches of offshore islands.
Beyond north Marseille you can find the Marseille Municipal Water Sports Centre, which is equipped for sailing, diving and windsurfing by both adults and children.
On the opposite side of the city, you'll find beaches with play areas, cafes and greenery - perfect for those lazy family days.
In the evenings, head to southern Marseille beach for late music bars, barbecues and parties before heading back to one of the many hotels in Marseille
Parking costs 4? for the day.
Plage de la Bouillabaisse is the most glamorous beach, where even the sandy beaches get groomed and the weather is as hot as the stars that visit.
The city of Nice is sheltered by the Alps and is the most protected part of the Mediterranean coast, with gentle winds from sea to land.
Along this coast there are about 15 private beaches separated by public beaches, all consisting of soft sand and hard pebbles.
Private beaches in Nice charge about 20? per day for both sun lounger and parasol.
The famous blue chairs of Nice (described in guide books as the 'legendary' blue chairs) can be found along the promenade and provide a comfortable point to relax and watch the world go by.
Similar to Nice, the beaches in Cannes consist of both private and public sections, the majority here however being private.
Almost all of these private beaches belong to luxury hotels in the area.
Cannes' public beaches can be found in the far eastern and western sides of the city.
These are attractive beaches but can get crowded in summer.
The "norm" when relaxing on a beach in Monaco is topless sunbathing.
The most famous for this is the Monte Carlo Beach Club, which has been an integral part of the social life of this town for decades.
There is an expensive entrance fee, but the beach has great facilities, cafes and bars.
The only public beach in Monaco is Larvotto.
This is a man-made beach and comprises three concrete jetties, protected by large boulders and gravel.
There are 20 small beaches within the city of Marseille, mostly rough sand and shingle shelving into sea.
Marseille consists on secluded, sporty, family and party beaches.
Taking a ferry from the Old Port will take you to the rocky coves and quiet holiday beaches of offshore islands.
Beyond north Marseille you can find the Marseille Municipal Water Sports Centre, which is equipped for sailing, diving and windsurfing by both adults and children.
On the opposite side of the city, you'll find beaches with play areas, cafes and greenery - perfect for those lazy family days.
In the evenings, head to southern Marseille beach for late music bars, barbecues and parties before heading back to one of the many hotels in Marseille