From the soft sands of Antibes to the storied shores of Pampelonne, the French Riviera has long been a playground for anyone chasing sun, sea, and a good long lunch. Some clubs, like Plage Keller and La Javanaise Plage, offer quiet, old-world charm; others, like Bagatelle, turn a beach day into an all-out celebration. Whether you're after pebbly historic glamour in Nice, wild limestone cliffs in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, or the effortless Saint-Tropez cool of Pampelonne Beach, here are six of our favorite spots to spend a day by the Mediterranean.
Plage Keller
Antibes, France
Plage Keller has attracted visitors worldwide to Garoupe Beach in Cap d'Antibes since 1931. Lounge on a chaise nestled in the sand or hang out on the dock over the water, where rows of sun chairs await. You won't need water shoes here because, instead of pebbles, Plage Keller is known for its soft, sandy beach.
After a hard day of swimming, tanning, reading, or listening to music, saunter over to the restaurant and enjoy a traditional Niçoise salad or some fresh grilled fish in olive oil. Keep the wine flowing, sit back, and relax. This is true dolce vita, but with a French flair.
Location:
Plage de la Garoupe
Chemin de l'Oratoire
06160 Antibes
+33 (0) 4 93 61 33 74
Read More: Website
Instagram: @plage.keller
La Javanaise Plage
Beaulieu-sur-Mer
Last summer, we spent the day at this beautiful club located on Petite Afrique Beach. Natural beauty abounds, with large, towering limestone cliffs serving as a dramatic backdrop to the sea. It feels almost wild and tropical.
We had a glorious lazy day of swimming, reading, and tanning, followed by a delicious lunch at the club's restaurant. I'll never forget the sweet older couple who sat in front of us sharing a pizza. They were obviously regulars, and they brought their adorable Chihuahua, who sat perched like a prince on top of his own stool!
It's a smaller club with a serene atmosphere that feels almost like a hidden sanctuary. Be sure to reserve before you go.
Location:
Plage Petite Afrique
15 Boulevard d'Alsace-Lorraine
06310 Beaulieu-sur-Mer
+33 (0) 4 93 79 38 80
Read More: Website
Instagram: @lajavanaisebeach
Ruhl Plage
Nice, France
Ruhl Plage has been inviting guests to its shores since 1920. Overlooking the Bay of Angels and directly on the Promenade des Anglais, it contrasts with the busier side of Nice. Enjoy an excellent seaside lunch and take in the views of the Mediterranean under their iconic blue-and-white parasols. When you visit Ruhl Plage, you are experiencing a piece of history.
Top Tip: Don't forget your water shoes because the shore is pebbly.
Location:
1 Promenade des Anglais
06000 Nice
+33 (0) 4 93 87 09 70
Read More: Website
Instagram: @ruhlplage
Club 55
Ramatuelle, France (Pampelonne Beach)
Club 55 is iconic, with an easygoing, unconcerned vibe. Set along the legendary Pampelonne Beach, it began as a simple canteen for the cast of And God Created Woman, and somehow, it has retained that same understated spirit. Nothing feels overly polished or staged. Tables are set beneath tamarisk trees, and the ambiance feels a bit bohemian and free.
The menu is simple and seasonal, offering crudités, grilled fish, and fresh vegetables, all served with an ease that feels entirely natural to the setting. Club 55 is a favorite among the rich and famous and a true Riviera tradition.
Top Tip: Book well in advance and request a table under the shade of the trees.
Location:
43 Boulevard Patch
83350 Ramatuelle
+33 (0) 4 94 55 55 55
Read More: Website
Instagram: @leclub55official
Bagatelle Beach
Ramatuelle, France (Pampelonne Beach)
If Club 55 is understated and timeless, Bagatelle is its more spirited counterpart. Also set along Pampelonne Beach, Bagatelle is known for its vibrant, celebratory atmosphere, where long lunches quickly transition into a feel-good disco. Music builds, champagne flows, and the entire space takes on a sense of movement and spontaneity. And yet, it never loses its sense of style.
The setting is beautiful, the crowd is polished, and the experience feels curated rather than chaotic. Come here when you're in the mood for something a little more playful and want to dance.
Top Tip: Reserve a table for mid-afternoon and look your most stylish!
Location:
Stefano Forever
Les Tamaris, Chemin de la Matarane
83350 Ramatuelle
Read More: Website
Instagram: @bagatelleworld
La Réserve à la Plage
Ramatuelle, France (Pampelonne Beach)
There's a softness to La Réserve à la Plage that sets it apart. Designed by Philippe Starck, the space feels natural and light, with driftwood tones, linen, and sun-washed neutrals that blend seamlessly into the landscape.
It's refined, but never rigid. Serene, yet energized. The energy here is quieter than some of its neighbors, making it ideal for a long, relaxed day by the sea.
The food is light, seasonal, and beautifully presented, and everything is aligned with the understated elegance of the setting.
Top Tip: Come for a full day rather than just lunch. This is one of the few places where you'll want to settle in early and stay until late afternoon.
Location:
Route de l'Epi-Pampelonne
83350 Ramatuelle
+33 4 94 96 39 88
Read More: Website
Instagram: @lareserve_plage
