Best beach in French Riviera + how to rent a chair

I don't know what the best beach is but on Cap Ferrat, we rented chairs at Plage de Passable and it was wonderful. It's in Rick's Provence book and the book says you can reserve in advance. We were there in July a few years ago without reservations and did not have any trouble getting chairs.

Are there really private beaches in the south of France? I have been several times and never saw any. The public beaches are pretty nice and you can just rent a chair from one of the many companies that set them up. You might be able to make a reservation if you are staying at a fancy beach-side. Otherwise, just do it when you get there. I never had a problem.

Are there really private beaches in the south of France? I have been several times and never saw any. The public beaches are pretty nice and you can just rent a chair from one of the many companies that set them up. You might be able to make a reservation if you are staying at a fancy beach-side. Otherwise, just do it when you get there. I never had a problem.

In Juan les Pins there is a great public sandy beach, there is also several restaurants that rents chairs and umbrellas, i am pretty sure you just walk up to them and ask to rent it for the day.

There are definitely private beaches along the coast. Nice has a horde of them--just stroll along and choose one that appeals. They all offer lockers, hot showers, chair and towel rental, and food and drink brought right to your chair. The downside to Nice is that the beaches are pebbles, not sand...if you buy a pair of plastic beach shoes, no problem. If you don't...you'll wish you had. There is no reason to reserve in advance, there are plenty of chairs/umbrellas. The "best" is probably the one closest to your hotel...and some hotels have discount deals with certain beaches...ask.

We looked at the "pebble"' beaches (seemed like rocks to me) at Nice and couldnt understand the attraction. its got to hurt.