Beaches in Villefranche-sur-Mer — 5 of Our Favourites

Slightly off the beaten track, this beach is not visible from the road and only one bus route takes you anywhere near it. Add to that the fine pebbles that are small enough not to hurt your feet, the shallow waters that get deeper very gradually, the crystal clear water that is perfect for snorkelling and the relative peace and quiet compared to more well-known beaches and you’ve got yourself a winner.

This does make the beach quite a popular one for families and so it can get quite busy during the peak summer months, our advice is to head further away from the port end towards the small beach at the east end of Plage des Mariniers. Here you will find a small sandy bat between two stone pontoons that is popular with families and older people. There is a shower here and the facilities of Plage des Mariniers are only a short walk away; you can find toilets, snacks and drinks very easily. The small bay is hemmed in by rocks on either side, making it easy to keep an eye on children and ensure they don’t swim too far away.

It’s only a short walk from the main beach of Plage des Mariniers, hidden away behind the wall at Port de la Darse. There is a snack bar and a couple of restaurants just a few minutes walk away at the port.

The beach is small but the rocks extend a fair bit at either end, so you can usually find a spot without being awkwardly close to someone else - something not always possible on some of the more obvious beaches.

There is a shower but that’s about it as far as facilities go. If you want snacks and drinks then there is a takeaway kiosk on the corner of Boulevard Franck Pilatte or a brasserie called Le Saint Juan just a few minutes walk from the beach.

This is a good beach for families and also for those who are more cautious swimmers. The shallow waters make it easy to swim a little without getting out of your depth. It's also great for families being so close to the town and amenities.