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

Six-Fours-les-Plages Beaches

Overview

Nestled in the South of France, Six-Fours-les-Plages is a premier seaside destination known for its extensive and varied coastline. Visitors will discover a diverse array of shores, from fine sandy stretches to beaches covered in smooth pebbles, known locally as 'coudoulets'. This variety ensures that every beachgoer, whether seeking a classic sandy spot or a more rugged coastal experience, can find their perfect place in the sun along the Mediterranean.

Among the highlights, our editor's picks showcase the destination's dual charm. Beach de la Coudoulière is a bustling and popular pebble beach, loved for its lively, family-friendly atmosphere. For those dreaming of a classic sandy shore, the picture-perfect Beach du Cros offers stunning views of Île des Embiez and a relaxing environment. Not to be missed is the expansive Plage de Bonnegrâce, the town's largest beach, which is a hub for watersports enthusiasts and a great spot for long walks along the promenade.

Beyond these well-loved beaches, the true magic of Six-Fours-les-Plages lies in its quieter corners. The coastline around Cap Nègre hides a series of intimate coves with clear water, perfect for escaping the crowds. The nearby islands of Le Gaou and Les Embiez also offer a sense of wild, natural beauty. This blend of popular shores and hidden gems contributes to the town's relaxed, family-oriented vibe. For a complete look at all the beautiful spots, be sure to explore our longer list of beaches in this guide.

FAQ

Are the beaches in Six-Fours-les-Plages sandy or pebbly?

Six-Fours-les-Plages offers a mix of beaches to suit different preferences. You'll find sandy beaches like Plage du Cros, which is known for its fine sand and is great for families. Other beaches, such as Plage de la Coudoulière and the large Plage de Bonnegrâce, are primarily composed of gravel or pebbles, known locally as 'coudoulets'. There are also numerous small, wild coves with a mixture of sand and rock, particularly around Cap Nègre and the Gaou islands.

Is Six-Fours-les-Plages a good destination for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Six-Fours-les-Plages is considered a very family-friendly destination. Many beaches, such as Plage du Cros and Plage de Bonnegrâce, are supervised by lifeguards during the tourist season and offer amenities like showers and toilets. The water at Plage du Cros is particularly shallow and slopes gently, making it ideal for children. Beyond the beaches, there are parks like the Coudoulière Forest with treetop adventure courses and family-friendly activities like boat trips to the islands.

Can you swim in the sea at Six-Fours-les-Plages and what is the water like?

Absolutely. The beaches at Six-Fours-les-Plages are popular for swimming in the Mediterranean Sea. The water is often described as crystal-clear and translucent, especially in the coves and around the islands like Les Embiez. The water temperature is most comfortable for swimming from June to October, with average summer temperatures reaching around 22-23°C (72-73°F) and peaking in August.

What's the best way to get to the beaches and is parking difficult?

You can reach the main beaches by car, and some are accessible by public transport. However, parking can be challenging, especially during the peak summer season. Many parking lots near the beaches are pay-and-display in the summer. For easier access and to avoid traffic, consider using a bicycle, as a coastal cycle path connects several areas, including a route to the neighboring town of Sanary-sur-Mer. To visit the islands like Les Embiez or Le Gaou, you will need to take a ferry or walk across a footbridge.

Are there places to stay with a sea view or right on the beach?

Yes, there are numerous accommodation options with direct sea views or very close proximity to the beaches. Along the main promenades like at Bonnegrâce and in the area of Le Brusc, you can find apartments and hotels with balconies overlooking the Mediterranean. Vacation rentals are a popular choice, with many beachfront properties available, some offering direct access to the sand without crossing a road. The area around Port de la Coudoulière also has residences with panoramic sea views.

Are there any dog-friendly beaches in Six-Fours-les-Plages?

Yes, Six-Fours-les-Plages has provisions for dogs on some of its beaches. A specific, marked area on Bonnegrâce beach, known as 'Brutal Beach', is designated for dogs. They must be kept on a leash. While many of the main beaches do not allow dogs, especially in high season, some of the more remote coves might be more tolerant.

Which is better for a beach day, Six-Fours-les-Plages or Sanary-sur-Mer?

Both Six-Fours-les-Plages and the adjacent Sanary-sur-Mer are charming seaside towns, but they offer slightly different beach experiences. Six-Fours is known for its 18km of diverse coastline, ranging from large, active beaches like Bonnegrâce, which is popular for watersports, to wild coves and islands. Sanary-sur-Mer has a more concentrated center with popular sandy beaches like Plage de Portissol. Six-Fours offers more variety and space, while Sanary provides a picturesque harbour town atmosphere right next to its main beaches. An easy, scenic cycle path connects the two, so it's possible to enjoy both.

What is 'Brutal Beach' and who is it for?

'Brutal Beach' is the nickname for a specific section of Bonnegrâce beach. It's famous as the local hotspot for surfing and windsurfing, especially when the Mistral wind creates strong waves. This area is geared towards watersports enthusiasts rather than casual swimmers or families looking for calm water.

People Also Ask

Are there quiet, hidden beaches or coves away from the crowds?

Yes, for those willing to explore, Six-Fours-les-Plages has several quieter options. The coastline along Cap Nègre features a series of small, intimate coves with clear water, accessible via a coastal path. Additionally, the islands of Le Gaou (accessible by a footbridge) and Les Embiez (accessible by ferry) offer wild, natural beaches and rocky inlets that are generally less crowded than the main town beaches. These spots are perfect for snorkeling and a feeling of escape.

What is the vibe of Six-Fours-les-Plages? Is it a party town or more relaxed?

Six-Fours-les-Plages has a generally relaxed, family-friendly seaside resort atmosphere rather than being a major party destination. The vibe is centered around daytime beach activities, watersports, and enjoying the natural surroundings like the forests and islands. While there are plenty of restaurants and cafes, especially around the port of Le Brusc and along the main promenades, the nightlife is relatively low-key compared to other Côte d'Azur hotspots.

What kind of water sports can you do at the beaches?

Six-Fours-les-Plages is a hub for a wide variety of water activities. Depending on the beach, you can find rentals for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and pedal boats, which are great for exploring the coast and coves. On windier days, especially at Bonnegrâce's 'Brutal Beach', windsurfing and surfing are very popular. There are also opportunities for scuba diving to explore the clear seabed, as well as jet-skiing and towed tube rides for those seeking more of a thrill.

How do you get to the island of Les Embiez and is it worth a day trip?

You can get to the island of Les Embiez via a regular ferry service that departs from the port of Le Brusc in Six-Fours-les-Plages. The island is a protected natural area and is highly recommended for a day trip. It offers a different experience from the mainland beaches, with wild coves, pine forests, and crystal-clear, calm waters perfect for snorkeling. The island is largely car-free, making it ideal for walking and escaping the summer crowds.

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Plan your day with the latest beach weather conditions

Six-Fours-les-Plages: Weather Today

📅 Friday, July 25, 2025
It's an average beach day in Six-Fours-les-Plages. The maximum air temperature will reach 27.8 °C, with a sea temperature of 22.9 °C. Be aware that the UV index is high at 7.4. The wind will be relatively strong, so consider this when planning activities, and be careful, as there may be strong gusts. Expect a fair amount of cloud cover today. The waves will be moderate.
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Air

Low / High21°C/27.8°C
Feels Like (High)25.6°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature22.9 °C
Wave Height1.1 m
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Rain

Rain Chance0%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:20/21:05
Sunshine Hours12.4 hrs
UV Index7.4
Cloud Cover50%
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Wind

Speed34.2 km/h
Gusts67 km/h
DirectionW

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