Best beaches in Cannes
Free public beaches, hidden coves, and secret swimming spots. Our picks.
Cannes has a reputation for expensive private beaches. It is a myth. The public beaches have exactly the same sand, the same water, and the same view as the private ones. The only thing you are not given is a 30-euro sunbed. We manage perfectly well without one.
Are the public beaches really free?
Completely. The system in Cannes is simple: along the Croisette, private beaches (with sunbeds, parasols, restaurants) alternate with public beaches (free, open, no frills). Both have the same fine sand, the same turquoise water, and the same view of the Esterel. The only difference is that on the public beach, you put your towel on the ground instead of renting a mattress.
In summer, public beaches have lifeguards from about 10am to 6pm. There are free rinse showers on most of them.
Best public beaches in Cannes
🌴 Plage Zamenhof (our favourite)
In the middle of the Croisette, facing the Palais des Festivals. Fine sand, clear water, perfect view of the bay and the Esterel. This is where we go most often. In summer, arrive before 10am to lay your towel. Lifeguards on duty June to September.
☀ Plage Mace
Right next to Zamenhof, slightly further east. Same quality sand, slightly fewer people because tourists often stop before reaching it. Showers and first aid posts in season. Great for families.
🌞 Plage du Midi
On the other side of the Vieux Port, west side. Wider, longer, and noticeably less crowded than the Croisette. The sand is fine, the atmosphere is more local and less touristy. Sunset views over the Esterel mountains and their red rocks are spectacular.
⏰ Timing tip
In July-August, arrive before 10am or after 5pm for space on the Croisette public beaches. Between noon and 3pm, it is packed. The Midi beaches, on the west side, are always less busy - that is our plan B in peak summer.
Secret coves near Cannes
The coves are a different level altogether. No sand, no sunbed, no crowds. Just rocks, pines, crystal-clear water, and the feeling of being alone in the world 10 minutes from the city.
🪨 Pointe Croisette
At the eastern tip of the Croisette, past the Palm Beach. Flat rocks to sit on, deep transparent water, ideal for mask and snorkel. No sand - you need to be comfortable entering the water from rocks.
The best coves in the area are on Ile Sainte-Marguerite, a 15-minute ferry ride away. We wrote a complete guide to the island coves.
🌞 Best season
May-June and September-October are the best months for beaches in Cannes. The water is 20 to 24 degrees, the sun is out, and there are no summer crowds. In September, the water peaks at 23-24 degrees and the beaches are nearly empty.