Alpes Maritimes seaside resorts from Théoule sur Mer to Nice

From Théoule sur Mer to Nice, eleven towns turn their faces to the Mediterranean Sea. Here we will give a quick summary of each, for more details please consult our Guides to each seaside resort of the Alpes Maritimes. To discover these seaside resorts start from the west of the department. 

Théoule sur Mer: The entry point to the Alpes Maritimes through Estérel

At the gateways of Var and Estérel is the small seaside resort of Théoule sur Mer that offers numerous activities (including water sports) throughout the summer season on its various beaches (varying between pebbles, creeks, red rocks and fine sandy beaches).  Summer visitors will also enjoy the various hiking routes available at nearby Estérel. During July the Music and Dance Palais Bulles Festival takes place at the house of Pierre Cardin on the hills above Théoule sur Mer. 

Mandelieu la Napoule: Golf and beaches

Situated close to Cannes, Mandelieu only turned towards seaside tourism over the last few decades. A variety of holiday rental accommodation is available at Mandelieu for tourists, generally well equipped villas with swimming pools close to the sea. There is a large golf course here at the seafront. Several sand beaches can be found in the town centre at Napoule close to the chateau or on the Boulevard du Midi in the direction of Cannes la Bocca.  

Cannes la Bocca: Close to Cannes

Often called the suburbs of Cannes, Cannes la Bocca could be described as a small seaside village. Popular with families that have children, the sandy beaches here are less crowded than those at Cannes. The local residents often visit the beaches here as there is more chance of finding a clear spot on the beach and a free parking space too. However those that are looking for fun and night life generally go elsewhere as La Bocca tends to be quite calm in the evenings. 

Cannes: The star of the Côte d’Azur

A household name around the world, Cannes is the star of the Côte d’Azur! This major town in the Alpes Maritimes is more geared towards upmarket accommodation.  At La Croisette you will find major hotels, luxury boutiques and private beaches. To visit the public beaches you need to head for the Boulevard du Midi (close to Suquet in the direction of Cannes la Bocca). If you are looking for a week’s holiday accommodation in Cannes you will find many possibilities, although generally expensive. For more reasonable prices you need to go inland a little, away from the seaside. There are numerous attractions in Cannes during the summer including the fireworks competition in Cannes Bay. 

Golfe Juan: A family resort

Golfe Juan is a small family seaside resort between Cannes and Juan les Pins. It has an attractive port with numerous bars and restaurants. Golfe Juan has two great advantages; first it has sand beaches and second, it makes a great base for exploring inland around Vallauris, Mougins, Grasse, Gourdon and Bar sur Loup. 

Juan les Pins: Party time and the Jazz festival

Juan les Pins is quiet in winter but comes alive in the summertime! At the centre of this resort, near the pine woods, there are seasonal shops, bars, restaurants, discotheques and a casino. The party type atmosphere is more appreciated by young people than families. Days are spent relaxing on the beach and evenings in the discotheque. For accommodation there are various holiday rental apartments in Juan les Pins, rental villas are rare. In July there is the Juan les Pins Pine Woods Jazz Festival. 

Antibes – both charming and lively

With Old Antibes and the port, Antibes is known as the most charming seaside resort on the Côte d’Azur! It’s impossible to resist exploring the alleys and small lanes in the Old Town, the Chateau Grimaldi, the pubs and the port with the millionaires’ super yachts. Lively all year round, it is a highly popular destination for both families eager to enjoy the beaches and groups of friends looking for some fun. In the evening, the streets of Old Antibes are filled with street entertainers and craft stalls. Concerning accommodation, rental accommodation in Old Antibes is rare and very expensive and finding a parking space is almost impossible. However, rental accommodation is available on the seafront next to Albert 1ere or Boulevard Maréchal Leclerc (near the Bastion and Salis beaches) although there are no swimming pools. To enjoy a swimming pool and so avoid the crowded beaches it would be best to find holiday accommodation on the hillsides above Antibes or rent accommodation at the Cap d’Antibes. Remember that the Marineland and Aqualand Parks are in the Antibes area. 

Villeneuve-Loubet and its marina

The Villeneuve-Loubet seafront centre is its famous marina (with numerous boutiques and the port) and Villeneuve Plage close to the racing stadium at Cagnes sur Mer.  The beaches are of large pebbles which provide the advantage of easily finding room on the quiet beaches.  

Cagnes sur Mer and Cros de Cagnes

Between Antibes and the port of St. Laurent du Var, Cagnes sur mer is more orientated toward family holidays. The beaches are pebbles and the seaside is well ordered with a long promenade. During the daytime, Le Cros de Cagnes is the most popular place whereas in the evenings there are numerous restaurants around Cros along the seaside and some attractive private beaches. For holiday accommodation in Cagnes, there are seaside apartments at Cros de Cagnes or some houses behind the road N7. During certain evenings in the summer the seaside at Cagnes is for foot traffic only. Cros Port is worth a visit (close to the port at St. Laurent).  Equestrian evenings are held at the Côte d’Azur racetrack during the summer. 

Saint Laurent du Var and its Port

One of the lesser known resorts between Antibes and Nice but a place that shouldn’t be missed! The St. Laurent du Var Port is very lively with its many restaurants, pubs and discotheques in both summer and winter.  The terraces are often full and it can be difficult to find a place after 8 p.m. without a reservation. Local residents are the main clientele during the weekend and on Thursday nights. Regarding the beaches there is the choice between those just before the St. Laurent Port next to Cagnes sur Mer (pebbles) or at the other end (next to Cap 3000 and along the Promenade des Flots Bleus). On the latter promenade (foot traffic only, rare for the Côte d’Azur) there are various bars and restaurants as well as private (artificial) sand beaches and a sand beach for handicapped persons. For accommodation there are various St. Laurent du Var holiday rental properties available near the promenade or on the hills. 

Nice: The liveliest city, but with pebble beaches

The grandiose city of Nice, arguably the liveliest of the Côte d’Azur. For a holiday that combines beaches and culture it is the ideal destination!  Along the famous ‘Promenade des Anglais’ and the ‘Quai des Etats Unis’ there are many pebble beaches. There is a great choice of holiday rental apartments in Nice; your budget will decide the area. The best are situated near Old Nice where it is livelier with restaurants, cafés and discotheques but travelling around the city is easy with the tramway.