The French Riviera is a region that offers such a wide variety of beaches that everyone can find the one that suits them best. If you have chosen to
learn French in France, you know how important it is to combine study and leisure.
Whether you're a
student at the Centre International d’Antibes for a few weeks or several months, there’s nothing more enjoyable than a swim or a sunbathing session after class. Just as
the French and holidays go hand in hand, work and relaxation are complementary moments.
That’s why we’ve selected both famous and lesser-known beaches, all accessible from Antibes.
This gem of Cap d’Antibes stands out for its clear waters and coves that invite you to swim. Near the chapel and lighthouse, the view over the town of Antibes is perfect for your holiday photos. It’s an ideal spot for anyone looking to combine
French learning and water sports in Antibes. Activities are varied and suitable for both adults and juniors.
Take bus no. 2 from the city center to Boulevard du Cap, then walk for about 15 minutes. If you're feeling energetic, a walk of about forty minutes from downtown Antibes is also an option.
Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Antibes, Ponteil Beach offers a view of Old Antibes and the distant mountains. Just a 15-minute walk from the old town, it’s the perfect beach for a quick getaway between
French classes in France.
Supervised in summer, this beach is ideal for
teen outings thanks to its lively atmosphere. Finally,
sailing programs are especially popular here due to the ideal conditions for navigation.
Pampelonne Beach stretches for five kilometers along the coast of Ramatuelle, near Saint-Tropez. It’s an ideal spot for family swimming or renting sunbeds and umbrellas. When July arrives, this beach becomes one of the liveliest on the French Riviera thanks to a wide range of water activities. The beach attracts both relaxation seekers and vacationers looking for a more festive atmosphere.
This well-known beach in Monaco is accessible by train from Antibes (50 minutes) and allows you to discover the Principality while enjoying a relaxing day. Although Monaco is known for its high cost of living, students on
language stays for teenagers in France as well as other visitors can enjoy public beaches. After your swim, don’t forget to visit the Monte Carlo Casino and the Prince’s Palace.
Baie des Fourmis Beach in Beaulieu-sur-Mer offers a view of Cap Ferrat. Its name is said to come from the mounds of seaweed that used to accumulate on the beach, resembling ant hills. Often recommended in any good beach guide, it’s a relaxing spot
for children thanks to its calm waters. Practically speaking, note that the train station is only about five minutes away. Visitors can take the Maurice Rouvier Promenade to explore the bay of Beaulieu-sur-Mer and its famous Villa Kérylos.
La Croisette, Cannes' famous seafront, offers free public beaches. Two main areas welcome visitors:
Macé Beach, located near the Palais des Festivals, and
Zamenhof Beach, farther east. Other public beaches can be found near Port Pierre Canto and the
Palais des Festivals. These beaches offer views of the bay, the Lérins Islands, and the Estérel mountains. For students enrolled in watersports programs, the Croisette provides plenty of options, as the beaches are spacious and well maintained.
For an adventure that combines practicing French with discovering nature, this wild beach will charm you. The trip from Antibes takes at least 2.5 hours. Additionally, you’ll need about fifteen minutes by boat from Giens followed by a one-hour walk. If you're looking for the best beach in the region for its natural setting, this one ranks among the top—but be sure to plan for a full-day excursion.
This getaway also gives you the chance to practice your French in various real-life situations: buying boat tickets, renting bikes, asking locals for information, and more.
This beach, located in the heart of Menton, offers a view of colorful houses on one side and the cliffs of the Italian border on the other. Accessible by regional train from Antibes in about 1 hour, Sablettes Beach is a family-friendly destination. The many nearby restaurants provide a great opportunity to practice your French in real-life situations while enjoying the culinary specialties of the town.
This fine sandy beach is bordered by rocks and small coves. It’s an ideal excursion for carpooling with other students, making new friends, and practicing French. Escalet Beach is perfect for snorkeling, water games, or simply enjoying a good read between swims. In short, it's a perfect spot for beach activities.
This secluded cove is so well hidden between steep cliffs that, to reach it from the town center, you'll need to go by car. You can also take a train to Monaco and then hop on a local bus. From there, access is via a scenic footpath. Once there, a refreshing and well-deserved swim will allow you to discover this unique spot.
