Cannes beaches: where to swim and enjoy the seaside?
In Cannes, the sea feels different depending on where you lay down your towel. From the Croisette and its beachfront establishments to the more laid-back, family-friendly Plages du Midi and the quieter atmosphere of Palm Beach, just a few hundred metres can completely change the mood. Choosing a beach in Cannes is, above all, about choosing the pace of your day.
The city has around fifteen public and private beaches spread across some seven kilometres of coastline, from the Palais des Festivals to the edge of Cannes-la-Bocca. Rather than ranking them, this guide is about finding the right beach for the mood and the moment: coffee by the sea, a few hours in the sun, lunch with your feet in the sand, or an evening spent lingering by the water.
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Public or private beaches in Cannes: choose your own pace
On a public beach in Cannes, you can simply turn up with a towel under your arm — for a few hours in the sun, a swim between two strolls around town, or one last dip at the end of the day. Access is free, with no reservation or time limit. Facilities are kept simple, with showers and, depending on the beach and the season, lifeguard stations — all part of their easy-going, spontaneous appeal.
Private beaches offer a different experience. You can book a sun lounger or beach mattress for a full or half day, have lunch on site and make use of the beach club’s services. Some also offer private showers and service directly to your sun lounger. Prices vary considerably from one establishment to another and, during high season, booking online in advance is recommended to secure your preferred spot and make the most of the day.
The difference ultimately comes down to what you bring with you. On public beaches, towels, parasols and picnics are all part of the scene. On private beaches, you can travel lighter: sun loungers, lunch and service are all close at hand.
Looking to explore the city and its surroundings? Read our Cannes guide.
The beaches of La Croisette: the sea at the heart of Cannes
Along the Croisette, between the Palais des Festivals and the Jardin de la Roseraie, the beach never really leaves the city behind. Here, private beach clubs line the Mediterranean, often extending the world of the promenade’s grand hotels right down to the sand. Settle in for a few hours or longer, with lunch by the sea and, more often than not, the temptation to stay by the water well into the afternoon.
For those who prefer the freedom of a public beach, two stretches of sand punctuate the promenade: Zamenhof Beach, near Port du Mouré Rouge, and Brigitte Bardot Beach, towards Palm Beach. Both are popular with families and offer the best of both worlds: the sea just steps away, while keeping Cannes city centre and the Croisette within easy walking distance.
Plages du Midi: a different side of Cannes
West of the Vieux-Port, Boulevard du Midi runs alongside nearly 700 metres of public beach. The contrast with the Croisette is clear: the atmosphere is more residential, the beach more open, with the Estérel mountains on the horizon. Swimming is supervised during the summer season, and two beach volleyball courts are open to everyone year-round.
It’s a good place to enjoy the sea away from the bustle of central Cannes. Parking can be difficult in high season, so the best way to get there is on foot or by bike.
Palm Beach: where Cannes slows down
Beyond Port Pierre Canto, at the eastern end of the Croisette, Cannes gradually begins to change character. In Palm Beach, the bustle of the centre fades into a quieter atmosphere. At the very tip, the public Pointe Croisette beach has a sheltered stretch of water ideal for swimming. A little further back, Bijou Plage combines public and private beach areas around two gently sloping coves that are particularly well suited to families with children.
A quieter way to experience the Cannes coastline, without ever really leaving the city behind.
Where to find a private beach in Cannes
Most of Cannes’ private beaches are found along the Croisette, including those belonging to the promenade’s grand hotels. Some offer the full beach-club experience, with restaurants, sun-lounger service and dedicated facilities, while others take a more understated approach, standing out for their food, design or events programme.
Prices vary considerably from one beach to another, with options beyond the most exclusive establishments. From spring through to the end of summer, booking in advance is recommended, particularly at weekends and during high season.
Which Cannes beach is right for your stay?
Where to have lunch near the beach?
Just a few steps from the sand, Cannes has plenty to offer beyond beach restaurants. Around Marché Forville and throughout the city centre, neighbourhood restaurants, terraces and Mediterranean tables offer a change of scene without taking you far from the sea. Along Boulevard du Midi, a handful of more laid-back spots provide an easy alternative, with the Lérins Islands on the horizon.
Looking for where to eat in Cannes? Discover our favourite neighbourhood addresses.
From city to sea: Cannes on foot from Anchor
Spending a few days in Cannes also means moving easily between the city and the sea, without having to rely on a car. From an Anchor apartment near the Croisette, the beach is within walking distance, as are Marché Forville and the Palais des Festivals. That proximity changes the pace of your stay: head back to change in the middle of the day, prepare a light lunch before returning to the beach, or simply come home without having to think about parking. It’s this sense of freedom and independence that sets an Anchor stay apart.
Want to experience Cannes with the beach just a few minutes’ walk away? Discover Anchor Cannes Riviera.
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