Provence-Alpes-CΓ΄te d'Azur, South of France (le Midi), France

La Turbie Beaches

Overview

Perched on a grand cliff with stunning views over Monaco, La Turbie is a historic village that serves as a charming and authentic base for exploring the French Riviera's famous coastline. While the town itself is not directly on the water, it is just a short and scenic drive down to the Mediterranean's turquoise sea. This unique hilltop location offers a quieter escape from the coastal crowds, combining breathtaking panoramas with easy access to some of the most sought-after beaches in the South of France.

The beaches closest to La Turbie are renowned for their dramatic beauty and clear, pebbly shores. Among the most celebrated is Beach Mala, a picture-perfect cove nestled against dramatic cliffs that is widely considered one of the most beautiful on the Riviera. For those seeking convenience, Marquet Beach offers the easiest access, making it a popular choice for a quick trip to the sea. For a touch of glamour, Beach Paloma is famous for its chic and exclusive beach club, offering a classic CΓ΄te d'Azur experience.

For a more tranquil atmosphere, Eze-sur-Mer Beach is a long pebble shoreline favored by locals for its relaxed feel. Just a bit further, you can also find the famous shores of Monaco, including Larvotto Beach. The majority of beaches in this area are pebbly, which contributes to the exceptional clarity of the water. For more details on these stunning locations and to discover other coastal gems, be sure to explore our complete list of beaches.

FAQ

How do you get to the beach from La Turbie?

The most common way to reach the beaches from La Turbie is by car, which takes about 10-15 minutes to drive down to the coast. Public transport is also an option, with bus routes connecting La Turbie to coastal towns like Cap d'Ail and Monaco, from where you can walk to the beaches. Be aware that parking near popular beaches can be extremely difficult and expensive, especially in the summer.

What are the closest beaches to La Turbie?

The nearest and most popular beaches are in the neighboring commune of Cap d'Ail. These include the famous Plage Mala, a stunning cove reached by a flight of stairs, and the more accessible, family-friendly Plage Marquet. Larvotto Beach in Monaco and the beaches of Eze-sur-Mer are also just a short drive away.

Are the beaches near La Turbie sandy or pebbly?

The vast majority of beaches on this stretch of the French Riviera are pebbly ('galets' in French), and this includes the closest ones like Plage Mala and Plage Marquet. For a sandier experience, you would need to travel further, though Larvotto Beach in Monaco uses fine imported gravel. It is highly recommended to bring water shoes for comfort.

Plage Mala vs. Plage Marquet: which one should I choose?

Choose Plage Mala for dramatic scenery and a chic atmosphere; it's a beautiful pebbly cove set against cliffs but requires a walk down many stairs, making it less accessible. Choose Plage Marquet for convenience and family-friendliness; it's easier to get to, has calmer waters, and more amenities readily available.

Is La Turbie a good place to stay for a beach holiday?

La Turbie is a historic hilltop village with breathtaking views over Monaco, but it is not directly on the coast. It is an excellent choice for travelers who prefer a quieter, more authentic base and are willing to drive or take a bus to the nearby beaches in Cap d'Ail, Eze, or Monaco. However, it is not ideal if your priority is to have immediate, walkable access to the beach.

Can you swim at the beaches near La Turbie?

Yes, absolutely. The Mediterranean waters near La Turbie are renowned for being exceptionally clear, calm, and a beautiful turquoise color, making for excellent swimming conditions. The water is warmest and most pleasant for swimming from June through September.

How does staying in La Turbie compare to staying in Eze Village?

Both are stunning medieval hilltop villages with incredible views. Eze is more famous, generally busier with tourists, and has a higher concentration of luxury hotels and shops. La Turbie offers a quieter, more authentic local village atmosphere. Both require a similar journey down to their respective nearby beaches.

When is the best time to visit La Turbie for beaches?

For the best beach weather and warmest sea temperatures, the peak season is July and August. However, these months are also the most crowded. For a great balance of warm weather, pleasant sea temperatures, and fewer people, consider visiting in June or September.

People Also Ask

Are there any hidden or less crowded beaches near La Turbie?

Yes, for a more secluded experience, Plage de la Pissarelle, located on the coastal path between Cap d'Ail and Eze, is a small, quiet cove. It is unofficially naturist-friendly and requires a hike to access, meaning it remains off the main tourist radar.

Is La Turbie a good base for a family with young children?

La Turbie can be charming for a family visit, but it may not be the most convenient base if easy beach access is a priority. The reliance on a car or bus to get to the coast, followed by potential hikes or many stairs (like at Plage Mala), can be challenging with small children and beach gear.

What is the vibe at the beach clubs near La Turbie?

The beach clubs, especially at Plage Mala, offer a chic and upscale CΓ΄te d'Azur experience. Expect stylish restaurants serving Mediterranean cuisine, sunbed rentals with service, and a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. They are more about luxurious lounging than high-energy parties. Reservations are highly recommended in summer.

Are there hotels in La Turbie with direct beach access?

No, there are no hotels in La Turbie with direct beach access. All accommodations are located within the hilltop village itself. While many offer stunning sea views from a distance, you will always need to travel down the mountain by car or bus to reach the coastline and the beaches.

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Plan your day with the latest beach weather conditions

La Turbie: Weather Today

πŸ“… Saturday, July 26, 2025
Today might be an average beach day in La Turbie. There's a chance of light rain showers, so keep an eye on the sky. The wind will be light. The sea temperature is a pleasant 25.7 Β°C, with small waves. The maximum air temperature will reach 23.9 Β°C. The sun will be strong, with a UV index of nearly 7, so be sure to apply sunscreen.
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Air

Low / High16.6Β°C/23.9Β°C
Feels Like (High)25.5Β°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature25.7 Β°C
Wave Height0.4 m
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Rain

Rain Chance55%
Rainfall1.1 mm
Rain Duration2 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:13/21:00
Sunshine Hours13.2 hrs
UV Index6.85
Cloud Cover32%
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Wind

Speed13 km/h
Gusts22 km/h
DirectionW

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