The stretch of coast between St Raphael and Cannes is known as the Corniche Esterel. There are many small beaches and coves along this route, some better than others.
Corniche Esterel Beach
Rocky coastline south of Cannes
The best way to explore this part of the coast is on one of the boat trips that take you directly from Cannes, hiring a boat for the day, or better still chartering a yacht so that you can moor up in one of the tranquil coves and spend a few days enjoying this magnificent scenery.
This area is so spectacular, thanks to the backdrop of the Massif Esterel and its forested hillsides. The Massif Esterel was produced by volcanic activity in the area and the end result is bulbous red rock mountains that thrust up against the Mediterranean sky. The vivid contrast of green forest, red rock and blue sky is reminiscent of Utah, USA and Uluru, Australia.
The beach area is made up of sand at the rear and (very) large rounded pebbles at the waters front. There is a picnic area and watersports and free parking. Around the corner from Drumont is the small resort town of Agay. Pleasant enough, it has several sandy beaches and calm, clear waters.
On the other side of the bay, you'll find a very pretty small beach - Plage Baumette - with its wonderful blue-green sea and lush vegetation. Beyond Agay is where you'll see the red rocks of the Massif Esterel. The beaches become rocky coves, accessible via steps cut into the cliffs. The Plage des Anglais has a tiny beach and pier where you can sit and enjoy the blue-green sea, the red cliffs in some peace and quiet.
Cap Antheor provides more accessible sandy-pebbly beaches, shaded by palm trees with the stunning red mountains as the backdrop. The terrain then becomes more rugged and it's back to climbing down steps to discover hidden coves where sailing boats often drop anchor. the area around Vila Dani is particularly recommended if you are lucky (or early) enough to bag a parking spot.
The final resort town at the north end of the Cornich is Theole sur Mer - a rather charming and pretty town with a couple of sandy beaches and a cute marina.
Setting & Location
The beaches that start from St Raphael are small and sandy (coarse, gravelly sand) and sit right next to the coastal road. Plage du Veillat, Peyguiere Plage, Plage de la Pescade and Plage de Poulouris all fall into this category.
Further up (north) from St Raphael, you'll find Plage du Dramont. This is where the Allies disembarked in 1944 with 900 boats and 450,000 men.
Water Safety & Clarity
The clear water is stunning but there are quite a lot of rocks in the water. Good for snorkelling but not so great for young children or less confident swimmers.
Beach Quality
The beaches here are made up of a mixture of sand and some rounded pebbles.
Villas nearby
Villas in Cannes
See all Villas in Cannes-
Thea Villa, Agay
5 bedroom Villa in Agay. Sleeps 10
Exceptional villa "feet in the water" to rent with view on the sea and on the red rocks of the Esterel, between Saint Raphael, Cannes and Saint Tropez.
-
Hsud0050 Villa
3 bedroom Villa in Mandelieu-la-Napoule. Sleeps 6
8 km from Mandelieu, 15 minutes from the beaches, on St Jean de l'Estérel in the heart of the "Parc Résidentiel de l'Estérel", beautiful contemporary villa with a magnificent sea view and "Red rocks" located on a Mediterranean garden of 1500 m².
-
Moulin De Saint Donat Villa, Callian
6 bedroom Villa in Callian. Sleeps 14
The villa in Callian has 6 bedrooms and has capacity for 14 people.
-
Hsud0063 Villa, Speracedes
4 bedroom Villa in Speracedes. Sleeps 8
Situated in the commune of Spéracedes, 20km from sandy beaches and 8km from Grasse, in a quiet residential area planted with trees.
-
Hsud0048 Villa, Le Tignet
4 bedroom Villa in Le Tignet. Sleeps 8
In the town of Le Tignet, 9 km from Grasse and 20 km from the beaches of Cannes, in a quiet area surrounded by greenery, beautiful villa set in grounds of 3,000 m.
-
Hsud0019 Villa, Saint-Jean-de-l'Esterel
4 bedroom Villa in Saint-Jean-de-l'Esterel. Sleeps 8
Villa 8km from Mandelieu, in a domain 15 minutes from the beaches, on St Jean de l'Estérel in the heart of the "Parc Résidentiel de l'Estérel", luxurious property with an enclosed park of 1 hectare.
Hotels nearby
Hotels in Cannes
See all Hotels in Cannes-
Splendid Hotel
Facing the sea, overlooking the historic Yacht Harbour and the Palais des Festivals
Exceptional view of the sea, the Bay of Cannes, Iles de Lérins, and the old quarter Le Suquet. Ideally situated, at the start of La Croisette, just steps from luxury shopping and beaches of golden sand.
-
Le Canberra Hotel
Elegant four-star haven for relaxation and style in the heart of Cannes
Ideally located in the heart of Cannes on Rue d’Antibes, Hôtel Le Canberra is a stylish four-star retreat just steps from the famous Croisette.
-
Hotel Martinez
Timeless elegance and Riviera charm on the Croisette
A true icon of the Côte d’Azur, Hôtel Martinez has been welcoming guests since 1929. This legendary five-star hotel blends Art Deco elegance with Mediterranean warmth in an unbeatable location on the Croisette.
-
Juana Hotel, Juan les Pins
Art Deco charm and luxury in the heart of Juan-les-Pins
Hotel Juana is a stylish 1930s landmark offering timeless elegance, refined service, and an enviable location on the French Riviera.
-
Okko Cannes Centre Hotel
Modern hotel situated close to the train station and la Croisette
A modern four-star hotel in the heart of Cannes, part of the renowned OKKO Hotels collection, which currently has six locations across France and more on the way. Combining contemporary design with thoughtful amenities, it offers a stylish and comfortable stay in a prime location.
-
Renoir Hotel
Small boutique hotel few minutes walk from La Croisette
This hotel is a fully renovated ''glamour'' boutique hotel, a stone’s throw away from the Palais des Festivals, the Croisette beaches and the shops along Rue d’Antibes. It is anchored at the heart of life in Cannes.
Things to do nearby
Things To Do in Cannes
See all Things To Do in Cannes-
Motorbike hire
Wide selection of BMW, Ducati, Harley Davidson and Triumph motorcycles available for rent
Based in Cannes, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
-
Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus
19 super water slides on one site, with toboggans & the black hole
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
-
Luxury Chantella Yacht Trip
Luxury private yacht trip along the French Riviera for up to ten people
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
-
Road bike hire
Quality road bike rentals with delivery to the French Riviera
This company is based in Cannes and offers a wide range of road bikes, with delivery available to Antibes.
-
Luxury Lizard Yacht Trip
Luxury private yacht trip along the French Riviera for up to twelve people
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
-
Luxury SMILE Yacht Trip
Luxury private yacht trip along the French Riviera for up to twelve people
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
Restaurants nearby
Restaurants in Cannes
See all Restaurants in Cannes-
Le Jardin Restaurant
Authentic bistronomic experience at Hôtel de Mougins
Ideally located on the hill in Cannes, the Hotel de Mougins is only five minutes from Sophia Antipolis, ten minutes from Cannes and Grasse, and twenty five minutes from Nice International Airport.
-
La Plage Belles Rives Beach Club, Juan les Pins
Private beach of the Belles Rives hotel in Juan les Pins
Soft white sand, a private pontoon, a lounge bar and a restaurant at the water's edge make this beach club a very special place to be.
-
L'Or Bleu Restaurant, Theoule-sur-Mer
Michelin-starred dining with surprise menus and breathtaking sea views
L'Or Bleu, a Michelin-starred restaurant, offers an unforgettable dining experience where cuisine is elevated to the level of art. Set in an elegant, contemporary setting with breathtaking views over the bay of Théoule-sur-Mer, this Relais & Châteaux establishment is the perfect place for a memorable evening.
-
Plage du Festival Beach Club
Chic beachside retreat with gourmet dining and dreamy cocktails
La Plage du Festival offers a refreshing gourmet experience in a chic and relaxed atmosphere. With its beachside setting, stunning views, and vibrant cocktails, it’s a must-visit spot in Cannes.
-
Fouquet's Restaurant
Parisian elegance meets Michelin-starred cuisine in Cannes
Le Fouquet's at the Hôtel Le Majestic combines Parisian charm with culinary excellence, led by Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire. A timeless spot for culture and cuisine lovers in Cannes.
-
Carlton Beach Club
Taste of the Riviera with views over the sparkling bay and a touch of French Dolce Vita
Soak up the sunshine and sea breeze over lunch at the Carlton Beach Club, where local flavours, fresh ingredients and a touch of French Dolce Vita come together by the water’s edge.
Nightlife nearby
Bars & Clubs in Cannes
See all Bars & Clubs in Cannes-
Carlton Bar
Creative cocktails served with flair in an elegant, artisanal setting
Whether you’re after a timeless classic or a custom-made creation, the bar’s mixologist will craft your perfect drink with care and creativity.
-
Fouquet's Bar
Stylish retreat for signature cocktails and sunset relaxation
Bar Fouquet’s, located on the iconic Croisette, offers a glamorous setting where you can enjoy expertly crafted signature cocktails by Emanuele Balestra. Perfect for socialising and unwinding, this contemporary space combines stylish surroundings with refreshing drinks and delightful treats.
-
Caffe Roma
At the heart of the city, opposite the Palais des Festivals
The Cafe Roma has been an institution of Cannes for the past 25 years. Its chic and relaxed atmosphere is perfect for a pre or after dinner drink or an afternoon coffee and snack.
-
Morrisons Pub
Sports bar, popular pub & live music all in one venue
Morrisons is a lively and fun Irish pub in central Cannes. It's a pub, a bar, a club and a place for live music.
-
Cafe Agnelli Cocktail Bar & Restaurant
Chic and hip bar, cafe and restaurant in central Cannes
A fun, hip and affordable option open for lunch and dinner. With chic decor and lots of outdoor tables, this place really buzzes in the summer.
-
L'Enoteca Restaurant
Elegant wine bar and restaurant serving sophisticated food
With an authentic French feel you will find yourself sitting in this cellar bar surrounded by wine, cheese, paintings by local artists, hanging hams and good food!
Sights nearby
Sights in Cannes
See all Sights in Cannes-
Les Calanques de l'Esterel, Saint-Raphael
Dramatic scenery, imposing cliffs and secluded coves near Saint-Raphael
Les Calanques de l'Esterel are rocky inlets and coves that expand from Saint-Raphael to Mandelieu-la-Napoule and drop steeply into the limpid waters of the Mediterranean.
-
Basilique Notre-Dame de la Victoire, Saint Raphael
Beautiful church built at the end of 19th century inspired by the church of Saint Sophie in Istanbul
This beautiful church was built as part of the plans by Mayor Felix Martin to "transform" St Raphael into a more attractive town for people to live in and tourist resort. Abbot Bernard commissioned the project to architect Pierre Aublé.
-
Archaeology Museum, Fréjus
Displaying Fréjus’s archaeological heritage, mainly from the Roman period
Situated right next to the cloisters of the Cathedral in Fréjus, the museum houses some great examples of Roman artefacts from the ongoing excavations in the city.
-
Fréjus Cathedral, Fréjus
This cathedral in central Fréjus is part of a larger fortified medieval complex
Dating back to the 5th century when the baptistery was built makes it the oldest in the Provence region and one of the oldest in France. At this ancient, Merovingian style baptistery you can still see a 5th century baptismal basin for full immersion, as well as Roman columns.
-
L'Esterel National Park
Rugged landscape of red rock stretching from Provence to the coastline
A volcanic range of mountains covering around 32,000 hectares and stretching between Saint-Raphael and Theoule-sur-Mer.
-
Parc Zoologique de Frejus (Frejus Zoo)
Zoo where you can see animals from all around the world as well as Mediterranean plants
Established in 1971, the Zoological Park Frejus is located in a typical Mediterranean natural landscape and enjoys the mild climate of the Riviera.
Golf-clubs nearby
Golf Courses in Cannes
See all Golf Courses in Cannes-
Royal Mougins Golf Course
Luxurious golf course that forms part of the Royal Mougins Resort & Estate
Founded in 1993, the Royal Mougins Golf Club is a course of exceptional quality. Designed by world-famous American architect, the late Robert von Hagge, the par 71, 18-hole course extends for 6,004 m through a lush, wooded vale.
-
Golf Course De Roquebrune Resort, Roquebrune-Sur-Argens
Luxury 5* golf resort between Cannes & Saint Tropez
Enjoy the best of both worlds at this stunning golf course, with the sparkling waters of the Riviera on one side and the wild Maure mountains on the other.
-
Saint Donat Golf Course, Grasse
Beautifully situated golf course with stylish restaurant
This beautifully situated golf club has two courses, one 18 hole and one 9 hole, plus a practice range and practice bunker.
-
Le Provencal Golf Course, Biot
9 hole golf course close to Biot in the Sophia Antipolis area
The route goes up and down hills through pines and cork oaks, shrubs and flowers, with large undulating greens and meets the expectations of any golfer.
-
Claux Amic Golf Course, Grasse
17th century hunting estate offering a technical 18-hole golf course
This golf course is located on a charming old private hunting estate dating back to the 17th century.
-
Cannes-Mougins Golf Country Course
All the features one can expect from a modern golf club
The Cannes-Mougins Golf Club provides all features you are expecting from a modern golf within an historical environment. The Cannes Country Club was founded in 1923 by a group of illustrious gentlemen such as Aga Khan, Prince Pierre of Monaco and Baron Edouard de Rothschild.
Towns nearby
Towns & Villages in Cannes
See all Towns & Villages in Cannes-
Saint Raphaël
Traditional French beach resort, close to the town of Fréjus
At the beginning of the 20th century Saint Raphaël was a grand and glamorous resort that was sadly blitzed during the Second World War, destroying many of the Belle Époque buildings, so the atmosphere of the town is not exactly Saint Tropez.
-
Fréjus
A once coastal port town that is steeped in history
Fréjus was the first naval base in the Mediterranean for the Romans back in the first century BC, with ruins including an amphitheatre, theatre and aqueduct.
-
Ile de Saint Honorat, Lerins Islands
An island steeped in history and wine just off the Côte d'Azur coastline
The island of Saint Honorat is the smaller of the two inhabited Lerins islands. Its main attraction is the monastery, a wonderful stone building well worth a visit.
-
Ile Sainte Marguerite
Beautiful island just off the south coast of Cannes with stunning views of the Riviera
The gorgeous island of Saint Marguerite is the largest of the islands off the coast of Cannes. Regular ferries run from Cannes and only take around 15 minutes, yet this small island made up of a quiet pine forest and pretty coves feels far separated from the glitzy boutiques and hotels of Cannes.
-
Mougins, Alpes-Maritimes
Gorgeous gastronomic and artful village to the north of Cannes
Mougins covers a large swathe of hillside above Cannes, and this is where the smart money lives - luxurious villas and exquisite gardens dot the landscape, just close enough to enjoy Cannes, but far enough away to avoid the craziness.
-
Vallauris Golfe-Juan
A great area between the towns of Cannes and Antibes
The commune is known as Vallauris Golfe-Juan, combining the traditional charm of the pottery capital of the Riviera, Vallauris, which sits inland, with the seaside resort and sandy beaches of Golfe-Juan.







































































