Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, South of France (le Midi), France

Carqueiranne Beaches

Overview

Nestled on the French Riviera between Toulon and Hyères, Carqueiranne offers a relaxed and family-friendly beach holiday destination. This charming Provençal port town is known for its clear, calm Mediterranean waters, making it an ideal spot for swimming and unwinding. It provides a more tranquil atmosphere than some of its bustling neighbours, focusing on seaside relaxation and authentic local charm.

The town's coastline features a variety of beaches to suit different tastes. For those seeking soft sand, Beach du Pradon is the largest natural sandy beach and a favourite for sunbathers, while Beach Peno offers convenient, family-friendly coves near the port. For a unique landscape, Beach des Pins Penchés is famous for its picturesque leaning pine trees that provide natural shade. Just a short distance away, the world-renowned Beach de L'Almanarre is a mecca for kitesurfing and windsurfing, offering a spectacular display of watersports.

Beyond the main stretches of sand, Carqueiranne's coast reveals wilder options for the more adventurous. The pebble shores of Bau Rouge, set against a backdrop of colourful cliffs, are a well-known destination for naturists. From sandy family spots to secluded pebble coves, the area presents a diverse seaside experience. For a complete look at all the coastal gems this town has to offer, be sure to explore our longer list of Carqueiranne's beaches.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Carqueiranne a good destination for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Carqueiranne is considered an excellent destination for a family-oriented beach holiday. The town is known for its calm and relaxed atmosphere. Beaches like Plage du Pradon and Plage Peno are particularly family-friendly, offering fine sand, supervised swimming areas during the season, and nearby amenities like toilets and showers. The waters at many of its beaches are shallow, making them safer for children to play in.

Beach du Pradon

Beach Peno

What are the sandiest beaches in Carqueiranne?

The main sandy beaches in Carqueiranne are Plage du Pradon and Plage Peno. Plage du Pradon is the largest natural sandy beach in the town. Plage Peno, located near the port, is composed of three coves with sand and fine gravel. While other beaches exist, many are a mix of pebbles, gravel, or rocks.

Beach du Pradon

Beach Peno

Can you swim in Carqueiranne and what is the water like?

Yes, you can swim in Carqueiranne. The town is known for its clear blue waters, which are generally calm and ideal for swimming, especially during the summer months. The water temperature is most comfortable from June to September, with August being the warmest. During peak summer, the sea temperature is pleasantly warm, suitable for extended time in the water.

When is the best time to visit Carqueiranne for a beach holiday?

The best time for a beach holiday in Carqueiranne is during the summer months, from June to August. During this period, the weather is warm and sunny, and the sea temperature is ideal for swimming. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere with fewer crowds, the shoulder seasons of late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) are also excellent choices, with pleasant weather and still-swimmable water.

Is it better to stay in Carqueiranne town or closer to a specific beach?

Staying near the port and the town center provides easy walking access to Plage Peno and Plage du Pradon, as well as numerous shops and restaurants. Accommodations further out, for example near Beau Rivage or Le Canebas, will offer a quieter experience but may require a short drive or a walk along the coastal path to reach the main amenities and sandiest beaches. The choice depends on whether you prioritize convenience and a livelier atmosphere or tranquility and seclusion.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Are there any quiet or hidden beaches in Carqueiranne?

Yes, for those seeking tranquility, Carqueiranne offers quieter alternatives to the main beaches. The coves of Pins Penchés offer a more secluded experience with natural shade from pine trees. Coupereau Beach is another option, popular with divers and those looking for an authentic, peaceful setting, though it's more rocky. Le Canebas is also a wilder, more untamed beach for those seeking a natural escape.

Beach des Pins Penchés

Beach Le Canebas

How do the beaches in Carqueiranne compare to those in Hyères?

Carqueiranne is a smaller, more modest resort town with a focus on family-friendly and sheltered beaches like Pradon and Peno. Hyères is larger and offers a wider variety of beaches, including the famous long, sandy Almanarre beach, which is a world-renowned spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. While Carqueiranne offers a quieter, more intimate beach experience, Hyères provides more extensive options and is a hub for water sports enthusiasts.

Beach du Pradon

Beach Peno

Beach de L'Almanarre

Are there private beaches with sunbed rentals in Carqueiranne?

Yes, there are private beach establishments in Carqueiranne, primarily located on Plage du Pradon and Plage de Peno. These beach clubs, such as Brise Marine Plage and L'Aventure, offer sunbed and umbrella rentals, as well as restaurant and bar service directly on the beach.

Beach du Pradon

Beach Peno

People Also Ask

Is it easy to get to the beaches in Carqueiranne?

The main beaches like Plage du Pradon and Plage Peno are easily accessible from the town center and port, with parking available nearby. However, some of the wilder beaches, like Bau Rouge, require descending a long staircase of over 200 steps, and access to others like Le Canebas can be more difficult. The coastal path (sentier littoral) connects several beaches for those on foot.

Are there any naturist beaches in Carqueiranne?

Yes, Carqueiranne has a well-known naturist beach. Bau Rouge beach, located at the western end of the town, is a designated clothing-optional beach. It is a wild, unsupervised pebble beach set against a backdrop of colorful rocks.

Bau Rouges Beach

What is the vibe of Carqueiranne as a beach town?

Carqueiranne has a relaxed, friendly, and family-oriented vibe. It's a small Provençal port town that is less pretentious than some other Côte d'Azur destinations. It maintains a tranquil atmosphere, even in the summer, focusing on seaside relaxation, local markets, and outdoor activities like hiking and water sports rather than a heavy party scene.

Are the beaches in Carqueiranne affected by seaweed?

Like many Mediterranean beaches, the presence of seaweed, particularly Posidonia oceanica (Neptune grass), can vary. While the main sandy beaches are generally well-maintained, you may find accumulations of this natural sea grass, especially on wilder beaches or after storms. The presence of Posidonia is actually a sign of good water quality and a healthy marine ecosystem.

Can you do water sports in Carqueiranne?

Yes, Carqueiranne offers a variety of water sports. You can rent equipment for activities like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and pedal boats. For more thrilling options, activities like windsurfing and jet skiing are also available. The nearby Almanarre beach in Hyères is famous for kitesurfing.

Beach de L'Almanarre

Are there restaurants and cafes directly on the beaches?

Yes, you can find several restaurants and bars located directly on the beaches in Carqueiranne, particularly at Plage du Pradon and near the port by Plage Peno. Establishments like Le Bamboo and Brise Marine Plage offer waterfront dining with views of the sea, serving Mediterranean cuisine, tapas, and cocktails.

Beach du Pradon

Beach Peno

What are the 'leaning pines' (Pins Penchés) I've heard about?

The 'Pins Penchés' refers to a listed park and a series of coves east of the main port. The area is famous for its large Aleppo pine trees that have been shaped by the wind, causing them to lean dramatically over the water. It's a scenic spot with small pebble and gravel beaches, offering natural shade and a unique landscape that has been immortalized by many painters.

Beach des Pins Penchés