Let’s be honest — when you hear “French Riviera” and “beach club” in the same sentence, you probably picture velvet ropes, VIP-only everything and eye-watering minimum spends. But here’s the secret: there are glamorous beach clubs along the Côte d’Azur that deliver on the style and sparkle without the snobbery. Whether you’re sipping rosé in Cannes or dancing barefoot in Saint-Tropez, these boujee beach clubs are as accessible as they are iconic.
Here’s your go-to guide to beach clubs that are high on luxury but low on hassle:
Cannes – La Croisette & Surrounds
Carlton Beach Club
Nestled on the famed La Croisette, Carlton Beach Club is part of the InterContinental Carlton Hotel – and it’s as iconic as it sounds. Think striped parasols, top-tier service and prime sea views. It’s a stylish spot to chill, yet walk-ins are welcome (especially for lunch) and you’ll often find a sunbed without needing to book weeks ahead.
La Môme Plage
Fashionable but friendly, La Môme is a newer gem on La Croisette and has quickly earned a reputation for its upbeat vibes, great seafood and Insta-worthy decor. The crowd here is chic but welcoming – no need for an invite-only bracelet.
Croisette Beach by JW Marriott
This beach club combines five-star hospitality with a relaxed Riviera feel. Expect plush loungers, attentive staff and a killer rosé list – all without the exclusivity overload. You can book your spot online or pop by on quieter days.
La Guérite (Île Sainte-Marguerite)
Okay, this one feels exclusive, but it’s totally doable. Hop on a short boat ride from Cannes to Île Sainte-Marguerite and you’ll land at La Guérite – a secluded, ultra-cool beach restaurant and lounge tucked away on the rocks. It’s a hotspot, so book ahead, but it’s open to all and definitely worth the journey.
Saint-Tropez & Pampelonne Beach
Club 55
An institution on Pampelonne Beach, Club 55 manages to be both legendary and laid-back. A-listers have lunched here since Brigitte Bardot’s And God Created Woman, but you’ll still find room for a casual glass of wine and fresh grilled fish. Reservations help, but the vibe stays unpretentious.
Nikki Beach
If you’re in the mood for a party, Nikki Beach delivers high-energy days with DJs, champagne showers and white-on-white everything. It’s famous, yes — but still accessible if you plan ahead. Expect minimum spends for beds, but lunch or cocktails on the terrace are fair game for all.
Cap d’Antibes
Plage Keller
Elegant and serene, Plage Keller is a standout on Cap d’Antibes, tucked into the stunning bay of Garoupe. It’s more refined than rowdy – the kind of place where you linger over lunch and wade into the clearest water on the Riviera. It books out in peak season, but it’s welcoming and worth the effort.
Saint-Raphaël
Les Roches Rouge
Part of the chic hotel of the same name, Les Roches Rouges is a design-lover’s dream with a saltwater pool carved into the rocks. The beach club here is minimalist and magical, ideal for a quieter, more off-the-beaten-path Riviera escape. Come for the view, stay for the rosé.
Final Thoughts
Not all beach clubs are created equal – and not all require a VIP pass. These spots combine the best of the Riviera lifestyle: glamorous settings, good vibes and accessibility for those in the know. So, whether you’re lounging with locals in Antibes or dancing in the sand at Nikki Beach, you can bring your boujee energy — no gatekeeping required.
Want help booking your dream Riviera itinerary with stops at all these spots (and maybe a yacht in between)? We’ve got you. Call us today on 033 305 9912.
