The Art of Seaside Indulgence

1. Pampelonne Beach, Saint-Tropez
A Riviera Icon Reimagined

No destination embodies effortless luxury quite like Saint-Tropez, and Pampelonne Beach remains the epicenter of its coastal allure. Far from its Brigitte Bardot-era heyday, this golden stretch has evolved into a sanctuary of understated opulence. Beach clubs such as Club 55 preserve their timeless charm, while new arrivals like Loulou and Verde inject a fresh, bohemian aesthetic. For those who demand exclusivity, private cabanas and yacht transfers ensure a seamless escape from the ordinary. After sunset, retreat to the iconic Cheval Blanc St-Tropez or Château de la Messardière, where Riviera glamour meets contemporary elegance.

2. Palombaggia Beach, Corsica
Wild Beauty with a Sophisticated Edge

Palombaggia isn’t just a beach—it’s an experience. With sand as soft as silk and waters as clear as a sapphire, this Corsican jewel feels like a secret well-kept among those who appreciate unspoiled beauty. Yet, luxury is never out of reach. Discerning travelers stay at Domaine de Murtoli, where private villas are hidden among fragrant maquis. Dining here is an event in itself—imagine savoring just-caught Mediterranean seafood paired with biodynamic Corsican wines, all while watching the sunset over the rugged coastline.

3. La Garoupe Beach, Cap d’Antibes
The Riviera’s Best-Kept Secret

Unlike the often-overcrowded beaches of the Côte d’Azur, La Garoupe is a place of quiet sophistication. Once the favored retreat of Hemingway and Fitzgerald, this intimate bay still exudes the refined ambiance of the Riviera’s golden age. Beach clubs like Plage Keller offer impeccable service with a side of Provençal rosé, while a stay at the legendary Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc elevates the experience to something cinematic—think endless sea views, cascading bougainvillea, and a pool carved into the cliffs.

4. Deauville Beach, Normandy
Where Elegance Meets the Sea

For those who prefer their beaches with a side of Parisian sophistication, Deauville delivers. Known as the "Parisian Riviera," this coastal retreat has long been a magnet for high society, artists, and film stars. The iconic boardwalk, flanked by striped parasols and grand Belle Époque architecture, sets the stage for a refined seaside escape. Indulge in fresh oysters at La Belle Époque, take in the glamour of the Deauville American Film Festival, or simply bask in the understated luxury of the Hôtel Barrière Le Normandy. And, of course, no visit is complete without a private tasting of Calvados at a historic château.

5. Cassis Beach, Provence
A Coastal Retreat for Wine and Gastronomy Lovers

Tucked between the dramatic Calanques cliffs and the shimmering Mediterranean, Cassis Beach is a dream for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Unlike its flashier Riviera counterparts, Cassis offers an intimate escape, where time slows down over a bottle of crisp Cassis AOC white wine. The harbor is lined with family-run bistros serving the freshest bouillabaisse, while boutique stays like Les Roches Blanches offer front-row seats to one of Provence’s most breathtaking coastal panoramas. Take a private boat tour into the Calanques, where hidden beaches and luminous turquoise waters create an otherworldly experience.

Where the Extraordinary Becomes Effortless

These five beaches aren’t just places to soak up the sun. They are destinations that redefine the art of coastal travel. Whether you’re sipping champagne in Saint-Tropez, dining cliffside in Corsica, or losing yourself in the cinematic beauty of Normandy, each of these locations offers an invitation to experience France in a way that’s intimate, indulgent, and undeniably unforgettable.