13 of The Best Beach Hotels in the South of France

Nice

Charming and discreet hotel with pool set back from the Promenade des Anglais with classic Bay views. Well positioned for the port, markets and downtown, the beach is across the road. Lovely patio restaurant and pretty bedrooms, the best with terraces. Well positioned to explore the city.

• Beach Life - Lovely seafront hotel well placed to explore the city, perched right on a cliff and just steps from the beach.
• Sights nearby - Marvel at the the monastery of Cimiez and beautiful rose garden overlooking the city and Castle Hill.
• Local markets - Very close to the Marche du Fleurs, a vibrant and colourful way to spend your morning.
• Views - Great views of Nice and the Bay of Angels

Eze (Cote d'Azur)

Hugely glamourous Mediterranean mansion on a clifftop peninsula. Stunning views out to sea from private balconies and luxury rooms. Private beach, salt water infinity pool, spa, gourmet food. A pearl of the ocean. Romantic, gourmet, luxury, "A" list.

• Swimming Pool - Salt-water infinity pool overlooking the sea and Indoor pool
• Beach nearby - Private beach.
• Chic
• Outstanding location

Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer (Avenue des Américains)

The perfect beachside hotel in a fabulous setting. Directly on the seafront sits a luxurious spot that includes large rooms and suites with private balconies and ocean views. An enormous pool and sun deck area, three restaurants, and therapeutic spa. A glamourous choice for a beach break.

• Beach Life - The property has its own private beach accessible only by steps
• Luxury - Stylish with all the amenities and direct access to the beach.
• Foodies - Three excellent restaurants to choose from.
• Views - Spectacular ocean views.

Sanary-sur-Mer

A great find with an outstanding location. Rooms are simple, modern and elegant; lots of white and glass so as not to deter from the stunning views. Laze by the pool, step out onto the beach, have a dip in the hammam or head to the cocktail bar for sundowners overlooking the Med.

• Views - Stunning views over the Mediterranean Sea
• Sights nearby - Embiez Island (3km away), a natural gem strictly protected, with secluded beaches, lush pine forests and mature vineyards
• Restaurant - La Gorguette - opened May 2015
• Local markets - Marché de Sanary

Ile de Porquerolles

Nestled between pines and eucalyptus trees, Le Mas du Langoustier is a peaceful hideaway with a principally French clientele, excellent cooking and a relaxing atmosphere.

• On the beach - There's a semi wild private beach just steps from the main building......just ask for a towel!
• Sights nearby - Explore the botanical gardens. There's a half hourly shuttle bus that'll take you to the village or harbour
• Spa - A wellness centre offers chromotherapy treatments and a wide range of massages, manicures & facials
• Restaurant - There are two restaurants serving Provencal/Mediterranean cuisine

Antibes

A chic contemporary property right on the waterfront. Large glass-fronted windows unfurl impressive views. Simple white on white design with splashes of colour from the modern art. A trendy brasserie with creative Mediterranean cuisine. A spoiling spa. A real treat at surprisingly affordable rates.

• Spa breaks - A glorious spa and wellness space using Cinq Mondes products, a French brand famed for its aromatherapy.
• Beach Life - A one minute walk from the beach and glass fronted rooms with stunning sea views.
• Sights nearby - Take a stroll around the battlements and their rampart walks, the oldest part of the city.
• Seaside

Hyères (3 Avenue Emile Gérard)

A modern chic hotel right at the beach with amazing views of the ocean and a private beach to sit and relax peacefully. Rooms are contemporary with amenities like a TV, work desk, sea views and 24 hr room service. A popular restaurant and bar on site. Enjoy a fresh buffet breakfast at the terrace.

• Beach Life - Situated right at the beach, this hotel offers a private beach to guests with sun loungers and a restaurant and bar.
• Back to Nature - Great views of the Hyéres Islands, guests come for the sunshine and waterfront views.
• Diving - There are diving schools nearby and lessons can be arranged for beginners.
• Seaside

Cagnes-sur-Mer

An excellent, modern hotel set directly on the beach near Marina Baie des Anges. Awash with contemporary elegance, the rooms are minimalist and sleek, many boasting superb views out over the ocean. After a day on the beach, enjoy sublime sunsets over a cocktail on the veranda.

• Beach Life - With beautiful sea views and luxurious rooms, it's perfect for a romantic break on the beach.
• Sights nearby - Take a day trip to Nice to visit the stunning old town architecture such as the Chapelle de la Miséricorde or Palais Lascaris.
• Local markets - Located just eight miles from the fantastic Nice Cours Saleya and Flower Market.
• Seaside

Juan-les-Pins

A small contemporary five star hotel boasting an enviable location on the picturesque coastline. Chic rooms feature floor to ceiling windows, large sunny terraces and simple modern furniture. Boasting a fabulous fine-dining Gallic restaurant and a minimalist bar. A smart beach break.

• Beach Life - An oh-so-chic five star property complete with private beach.
• Sailing - Take a a boat to Ile Sainte Marguerite, densely covered with pine and eucalyptus trees.
• Sights nearby - Explore the the old fortress prison (which once confined the Man in the Iron Mask).
• Local markets - Visit Nice on Monday to scour the famous antiques market.

Juan-les-Pins (Cap d'Antibes)

This five-star hotel is located on the Cap d’Antibes on the exclusive Côte d'Azur. Rooms are dressed in an Art Deco style with luxurious prints and unique design pieces; the best have a terrace with sea views. There is a self-catering cottage for groups plus 3 hotel restaurants and bars; a VIP stay.

• Beach Life - Located on the seafront and with its own private stretch of beach, this hotel is a great base for a relaxed seaside holiday
• Romantic Break - The beautiful cove setting and high-end facilities at this hotel make it a great base for a romantic getaway
• Families - The idyllic ottage is perfect for families travelling with children, or Junior suites sleep four.
• Local markets - Get an early start with a trip to the Cours Saleya Flower Market, a traditional flower market

Ramatuelle (St Tropez)

This smart four star hotel is located on the Gigaro beach, just south of Ramatuelle. Rooms are minimalist and sophisticated with a subtle, nautical colour palette; the best offer a private balcony with sea views. Enjoy fine dining at the hotel restaurant before a spa treatment. An indulgent stay.

• Beach Life - Located on a coveted beach in sunny St Tropez, this hotel is a perfect choice for a relaxing beach holiday
• Total relaxation - With a spa, restaurant and beach access, this hotel ticks all the boxes for total relaxation
• Romantic Break - Couples will love the hotel's cosy rooms and pretty sea views, plus the gourmet restaurant
• Great walks - Explore the natural beauty of the St Tropez peninsula on a long walk; enquire at the hotel for recommended routes

Roquebrune-Cap-Martin (Monaco)

A stunning hotel in a 1930s listed building with romantic arches, murals and a terracotta facade. The garden and large pool are idyllic as is the private beach. Rooms are chic and stylish with a fresh feel and Matisse and Cocteau-inspired decor. The Michelin starred cuisine seals the deal!

• Beach Life - With private access to the coveted Monte-Carlo Beach, this hotel is perfect for a luxury seaside getaway
• Foodies - Foodies flock to this hotel for the acclaimed organic, Michelin-starred restaurant onsite, Elsa
• Families - Families are well-catered to at this hotel; kids love the huge, Olympic-sized pool
• Local markets - There are several weekly country markets to explore at the surrounding towns and villages