Driving along the Côte d’Azur, the many charming villages and beautiful beaches can make it hard to decide which beachside restaurants to choose. Recently visiting this beautiful area of France, Director Jamie Marquis has gathered his recommendations for some of the best beaches and restaurants, from St Jean Cap Ferrat to St Tropez and beyond. So whether you’re looking for the finest group lunch or intimate romantic dinner for two, discover Jamie’s favourite well-known hotspots and hidden gems…
Paloma Beach, St Jean Cap Ferrat
A 10-minute drive from Beaulieu sur Mer, and a 10-minute walk from the Port of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, the Paloma Beach restaurant is open daily from May to September for both lunch and dinner. Offering a wonderful Mediterranean menu, the restaurant is particularly known for its grilled fish specialities as well as its cocktails.Found at the foot of a steep hill, both the beach and restaurant are accessed via steps leading down to the beach, which is made up of fine pebbles. Activities available include Cap Ferrat Water Sports, which offers jet skiing and parasailing, and there is a safe swimming area marked out with yellow floats and a lifeguard is on duty during the summer months.
The beach was actually named after Pablo Picasso’s daughter Paloma, as the painter used to spend time with his family and friends here, and this beach is now a hidden paradise that’s perfect for all the family. For lovers of art, it is worth knowing that 2023 commemorates the 50th anniversary of Pablo Picasso’s death in Mougins, as well as the anniversaries of the Chagall and Matisse Museums, which are celebrating 50 and 60 years of their art. The Matisse Museum is housed inside an elegant 17th century villa high about the city of Nice where the artist lived, and the Marc Chagall Museum is nearby.
1 Chem de Saint-Hospice, 06230 Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Tel. +33 4 93 01 64 71
Located between Nice and Monaco, and just a 10-minute drive from St Jean Cap Ferrat, is the charming village of Eze sur Mer, which sits above Anjuna Beach and offers spectacular views of the mountains and the sea. At the foot of a cliff in a beautiful setting, the Anjuna Beach restaurant is surrounded by Indonesian statues, turquoise chairs, umbrellas and tropical plants. The bar and tables are made with recycled wood, and there is an ambiance reminiscent of the multicoloured fishing boats of the Indian Ocean. Anjuna Beach’s decor is a beautiful throwback to Copacabana meets Mediterranean nautical chic with local fare, upbeat music and a fun, lively atmosphere. Open from 10.00-23.00, the restaurant serves a range of fresh and local products, or for those who want to sip and enjoy the views, there is a drink service on the beach. The perfect spot for enjoying a glass of wine while watching the boats come in, and guests can also relax on the sun loungers. Additionally, boat rides, jet skiing or stand-up paddleboarding can also be arranged is a great way to see the local area from the water.
Anjuna Plage, 28, avenue de la Liberté, 06360 Èze. Tel. 06 98 46 48 36
La Guerite, Cannes – Île Saint-Marguerite
This Mediterranean restaurant dates back to 1902 and sits in a rocky cove on the Ile Sainte-Marguerite near Cannes. The island, its private beach and the spacious La Guérite restaurant is a true slice of paradise, with its Mediterranean authenticity and breathtaking view of the bay of Cannes. The beach has more than 400m2 of sand bordered by the shores of the Mediterranean, and visitors can relax on a beach bed sipping a cocktail or a glass of local wine.As well as a delicious menu created by the gourmet Greek chef, Yiannis Kioroglou, visitors are sure to enjoy the fantastic atmosphere, and the sound of the musicians and guitarists. The restaurant, beach and lounge is also the perfect choice for arranging private or professional events.To reach the island, take a shuttle boat from Port Canto, where there is also parking.
The Gatehouse, Sainte-Marguerite Island, 06400 Cannes. Tel. +33 (0)4 93 43 49 30
La Réserve de la Mala, Cap-d’Ail
The beautiful Plage de la Mala in Cap d’Ail is surrounded by cliffs and can be accessed by the coastal path from Gramaglia cove, or via stairs (around 100 steps) from the famous Eden Palace hotel next door, or reached by taxi-boat. With its exclusive and unique location, La Réserve de la Mala is not only a luxury private beach, but also offers a high-quality restaurant and cocktail bar. This private section of the beach offers beautiful white sands and beach furniture for guests, as well as a breathtaking view.
Activities include a massage session or, for the more energetic, there is a choice of activities, including jet-ski and hoverboard. Moreover, visitors can also enjoy delicious authentic Mediterranean cuisine prepared by the chef, including a delicious dinner by candlelight.
La Réserve de la Mala, Plage Keller – Restaurant Le César, 1035 Chemin de la Garoupe, Cap d’Antibes, 06600 Antibes. Monday to Sunday: 9:00-23.00. Tel. +33 (0)4 93 78 21 56
With a long stretch of white sand and beautifully clear water, Pampelonne beach is a must-see. Dating back to 1955, the famous club/restaurant of Club 55 has become a legendary institution on Pampelonne Beach, yet set away from the main area.The hospitality of founder Patrice de Colmont and his respect for the natural and wild environment of Pampelonne have definitely helped the huge success of this beach club. Despite the many celebrities who come here, most visitors enjoy the Provençal authenticity which still remains, including delicious simple dishes and organic wines. The restaurant is open daily from 11:00 to 18:00 between Easter and the end of October. A well-coordinated team are very much at ease with celebrities who come to dine here, with many staff members having worked here for at least 20 years.
There is also a Club 55 boutique for shopping, which is hugely popular for its relaxed-yet-chic style and has everything that you might need for a day at the beach.
Club 55, 43 Boulevard Patch, Saint Tropez – Pampelonne 83350. Reservations can only be made by phone: +33 (0)4 94 55 55 55
Situated on the north side of Pampelonne beach, and close to the Château de la Messardière, Jardin Tropezina is in a beautiful garden setting, and the ideal spot for lunch under the pretty pergola.With a warm atmosphere and great staff, visitors can enjoy dishes made up of local seasonal products, as well as a wide choice of cocktails, and the location is also great for a private event for up to 200 people.
Large day beds and sunbeds are available on the white sand beach, and larger cabanas are also available, perfect for sunbathers looking for a private place to relax. In keeping with the natural surrounds is a bar area and dining terrace with tables and chairs, particularly when the sun goes down, and fairy lights that glow to create a magical garden setting.Lunch is served daily from 12-4, and live music and dinner can be enjoyed every evening from the beginning of June.
Jardin Tropezina, 4 Route du Pinet, 83350 Ramatuelle. Tel. +33 4 94 97 36 78
Also located on the famous Pampelonne beach and a short walk from Club 55, is Cabane Bambou. Found in a beautiful setting with a relaxed atmosphere, cocktails can be prepared to enjoy with friends in the bar before dinner in the restaurant, with the menu offering a wide selection of salads, risottos and meat, as well as grilled catch of the day.
Alongside the bar area there is also a boutique, with a collection of hats and local handicrafts, and an area for massages. For those who prefer to sunbathe, a deckchair or day mattress can be placed on the sand, with sun umbrellas and towels also available for rent.The restaurant opens from April until the beginning of October (daily from 10:00 until 20:30). During July and August, Cabane Bambou is also open in the evenings with live music concerts.
Cabane Bambou, Route de Bonne Terrasse, 83350 Ramatuelle. Tel. +33 (0)4 94 79 84 13
Looking to discover the Côte d’Azur and the South of France? From Marseille to Cannes, this incredible stretch of coastline has an array of beautiful villages and towns to visit. Click here to view our full range of apartments and luxury villas along the Côte d’Azur, or explore France’s other must-see destinations, including Provence and central Paris.
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