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

Tourrettes-sur-Loup Beaches

Overview

Tourrettes-sur-Loup offers a unique holiday, blending the charm of a Provençal hilltop village with easy access to the famous beaches of the Côte d'Azur. While the village itself is nestled inland, a 30 to 40-minute drive brings you to the Mediterranean shoreline. The closest beaches at Cagnes-sur-Mer are pebbled, but the iconic sandy shores the region is known for are just a short drive further. This makes it an ideal base for travelers who want to enjoy both the peaceful village life and sunny beach excursions.

Among the most celebrated nearby beaches are our editor's picks in and around Antibes. For a classic, family-friendly day on soft sand, Beach de la Salis is a popular choice with lovely views. For a more intimate setting favored by locals, the beautiful cove of Beach de la Garoupe on Cap d'Antibes is a perfect escape. You can also swim in the heart of history at Beach de la Gravette, tucked beside the old town's ramparts. For breathtaking scenery, the stunning cliff-backed cove of Beach Mala is widely considered one of the coast's most beautiful spots.

Beyond these highlights, the coastline offers a rich variety of shores to explore, from wide public beaches to exclusive private clubs. A short trip east brings you to the magnificent bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer, home to the renowned Plage des Marinières, a long beach of coarse sand with calm, sheltered waters. Whether you seek vibrant social scenes or quiet coves, you will find a spot that is perfect for you. For more inspiration, be sure to explore our complete list of the best beaches near Tourrettes-sur-Loup.

Top Beaches

Plage de Cagnes-sur-Mer

This is the closest and most convenient beach to access from Tourrettes-sur-Loup, making it the default choice for a quick trip to the coast. The beachfront stretches for over three kilometers, comprised mostly of smooth pebbles that give the sea a distinct deep blue color. A wide, recently renovated promenade popular with walkers and cyclists runs the length of the shore, separating the beach from a lively strip of restaurants and shops. The area retains the charm of its past as a fishing village, particularly around the Cros-de-Cagnes neighborhood. This history, combined with its connection to the painter Auguste Renoir who spent his final years here, gives the seaside a relaxed and authentic atmosphere. With views of the Alps in the distance, it offers a classic Côte d'Azur experience that feels both vibrant and down-to-earth.

FAQ

People Also Ask

How far is Tourrettes-sur-Loup from the beach and how do I get there?

Tourrettes-sur-Loup is a hilltop village located about 14 km (9 miles) inland from the Mediterranean coast. The closest beach is in Cagnes-sur-Mer, which takes about 30-40 minutes to reach by car. Driving is the most convenient way to get to the various coastal beaches. While there are some bus services, they often require a transfer in Vence or Cagnes-sur-Mer, making the journey significantly longer.

Is Tourrettes-sur-Loup a good base for a beach holiday?

Tourrettes-sur-Loup is an excellent base if you want to combine a peaceful, authentic Provençal village experience with day trips to the beach. It's ideal for travelers who prefer staying away from the crowded coastal resorts but still want access to the sea. However, if your priority is to spend every day, all day, on the beach with no travel, a hotel directly on the coast in a town like Antibes or Villefranche-sur-Mer might be more suitable.

What are the closest beaches to Tourrettes-sur-Loup?

The nearest beaches are along the coast at Cagnes-sur-Mer (approx. 14 km), Villeneuve-Loubet (approx. 16 km), and Saint-Laurent-du-Var (approx. 20 km). A little further, you can reach the popular sandy beaches of Antibes and Juan-les-Pins in about a 30-40 minute drive.

Are the beaches near Tourrettes-sur-Loup sandy or pebble?

You'll find both! The beaches closest to Tourrettes-sur-Loup, like those in Cagnes-sur-Mer, are mostly large pebble (galets) beaches. For fine sandy beaches, you'll need to drive a bit further west towards Antibes (Plage de la Salis, Plage du Ponteil) and Juan-les-Pins. Generally, the coast east of Antibes is pebbly, while the coast to the west is sandy.

Beach de la Salis

Plage de Ponteil

What's the difference between public and private beaches on the Côte d'Azur?

Public beaches (plages publiques) are free to access, but you'll need to bring your own umbrella and towels. They can get very crowded in summer. Private beaches (plages privées) are operated by restaurants or hotels and charge a fee for a sun lounger and umbrella for the day. They offer amenities like waiter service, restaurants, and sometimes lockers, providing a more comfortable and less crowded experience.

Is it easy to park at the beaches?

Parking near the popular beaches during high season (July and August) can be very challenging and often requires payment. It's recommended to arrive early in the morning to find a spot. Some beaches, like Plage de la Salis in Antibes, have dedicated car parks, but they fill up quickly. An alternative is to park further away and walk, or use public transport from a coastal town's train station.

Beach de la Salis

When is the best time to swim in the sea?

The sea is warmest and most pleasant for swimming from late June to early October. In July and August, the water temperature is a balmy 24°C (75°F). While you can swim in May, the water is still quite chilly, around 18°C (64°F). September is often considered ideal as the water is still warm from the summer, but the beaches are less crowded.

Which beaches are best for families with children?

For families, the sandy, sheltered beaches with shallow water are ideal. Plage de la Salis and Plage du Ponteil in Antibes are excellent choices. The beaches in Juan-les-Pins are also sandy and popular with families. While closer, the pebble beaches at Cagnes-sur-Mer can be less comfortable for small children, so it's often worth the extra drive to Antibes.

Beach de la Salis

Plage de Ponteil

Are there any quieter, hidden gem beaches to escape the crowds?

While most easily accessible beaches are busy in summer, you can find quieter spots. Plage de la Garoupe on Cap d'Antibes has small public sections next to exclusive beach clubs and feels more secluded. Exploring the coves around Cap d'Antibes or near Théoule-sur-Mer (further west) can also lead you to less crowded areas, though they may be rockier and require more walking to access.

Beach de la Garoupe

How do the beaches near Tourrettes-sur-Loup compare to those in Nice?

The main beach along the Promenade des Anglais in Nice is a very long, wide pebble beach with a vibrant city backdrop. The closest beaches to Tourrettes-sur-Loup, like in Cagnes-sur-Mer, are similar in that they are also pebble beaches but are generally part of smaller, more traditional seaside towns. For sandy beaches, which Nice lacks, you would head towards Antibes, which is a similar travel time from Tourrettes-sur-Loup.