Riviera Living: The Best Beach Clubs Every Yacht Charter Should Include
There's more to a French Riviera charter than cruising between glamorous ports and quiet coves. Some of the best memories are made ashore, over a long, leisurely lunch that transforms into sundowners and into the early hours - particularly within a beach club setting.
The French Riviera's beach clubs are iconic, from the storied sands of Pampelonne to island restaurants you can only reach by tender. These spots have become part of what makes a Côte d’Azur vacation. Some are the ultimate elegant hangouts, others are full of legendary parties, and some are perfect for a relaxed family lunch.
Whatever atmosphere and vibe you are looking for, there is a beach club to match, and most welcome yacht guests with tender access, so enjoying a beach club afternoon is one of the true highlights of any Mediterranean yacht charter. Here are some of the French Riviera’s best beach clubs:
Club 55, Saint-Tropez
You haven't really done Saint-Tropez until you've had lunch at the famed Club 55. It opened in 1955, and has been linked with Riviera glamour ever since. Celebrities, royalty and yacht owners fill its guest list most weeks of the summer, but Club 55 has stayed true to what made it special in the first place: understated luxury, warm hospitality and effortless menus.
Grilled fish, seasonal vegetables, generous crudités and cold rosé, all served under the club's signature striped parasols - it's an atmosphere that feels timeless rather than trendy. Dropping anchor in Pampelonne Bay and tendering ashore is very much part of the ritual, which is why a table here is one of the hardest bookings on the coast.
La Guérite, Île Sainte-Marguerite
Just across the Bay of Cannes sits one of the Riviera's more unusual dining experiences. La Guérite is on the quiet Île Sainte-Marguerite, reachable almost only by boat, which gives it the feel of a private island escape despite being a short cruise from Cannes: pine forests, clear water, and a noticeable absence of mainland noise.
Lunch here is built around generous, shareable Mediterranean plates - seafood, grilled meats, local produce - and as the afternoon wears on, the atmosphere shifts. The resident DJs pick up the tempo and a relaxed lunch turns into one of the Riviera's best-loved daytime parties. Many guests spend the morning swimming or using the yacht's water toys around the island before heading in for lunch, making it an ideal addition to a French Riviera yachting itinerary.
Nikki Beach, Saint-Tropez
If you want a taste of Saint-Tropez's famous social scene, Nikki Beach is still the place. Tucked just behind Pampelonne Beach, it brings together luxury daybeds, a lively pool, top-tier DJs and live entertainment, all backed by sharp service and a genuinely glamorous atmosphere.
The menu ranges from sushi and fresh seafood to Mediterranean staples, and the champagne keeps flowing well into the afternoon. Sunday brunch has become something of an institution, drawing an international crowd all summer long. Whether it's a special occasion or just a good excuse to soak up Saint-Tropez's energy, Nikki Beach rarely disappoints.
Copal Beach, Cannes
Relatively new, Copal Beach has quickly made a name for itself on Cannes' famous waterfront, and it's easy to see why. Set along the Croisette, it blends Riviera polish with a more relaxed, contemporary look, drawing inspiration from the Mediterranean and Tulum. Natural materials, neutral tones and open sea views make for an easy afternoon.
The food leans Mediterranean with international touches - seafood, quality grilled meats, sharing plates and well-made cocktails. Its location also makes it a convenient stop whether you're shopping the Croisette's boutiques or in town for the Cannes Film Festival, when the waterfront turns into one of the liveliest social scenes on the coast.
La Réserve à la Plage, Ramatuelle
For a quieter side of Pampelonne Beach, head to La Réserve à la Plage. Designed by Philippe Starck, it's a more restrained take on Riviera luxury - warm timber, soft linens, understated coastal styling that blends into the landscape.
It’s calm, unhurried, and particularly well suited to families or couples who'd rather linger over lunch than join a party. The seasonal Mediterranean menu includes a range of Provençal ingredients, with beautifully presented seafood and light dishes that make it easy to stay for hours. It's an elegant, more tranquil alternative to Pampelonne's louder clubs.
Plage de Passable, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Overlooking the Bay of Villefranche, Plage de Passable offers a more relaxed take on the French Riviera beach club experience. Surrounded by lush vegetation and backed by one of the peninsula's most beautiful Riviera settings, it has retained a distinctly intimate feel.
The restaurant focuses on fresh, seasonal Mediterranean cooking, while the beach provides an easy place to spend an afternoon between swims and lunch. For charter yacht guests, boat service and water activities make it particularly convenient to incorporate into a cruising itinerary, with the sheltered bay providing a beautiful backdrop for a day on the water.
Anjuna Beach, Èze
Beneath the cliffs of Èze, Anjuna Beach takes a more bohemian approach to the beach club formula. Colorful interiors, eclectic decor and a laid-back soundtrack set it apart from the coast's more traditional venues. The menu mixes Mediterranean flavors with international influences, backed by creative cocktails and attentive service.
The sheltered bay also makes for a great anchorage, so guests can swim straight off the yacht before coming ashore. It's a natural stop before or after a wander through Èze itself, one of the prettiest hilltop villages on the coast.
Charter A Yacht In The French Riviera Today
One of the real advantages of a private French Riviera yacht charter is being able to try a different beach club almost every day. During July and August, tables at the coast's most sought-after clubs get booked out weeks, sometimes months, in advance.
Our expert IYC charter consultants, working alongside your captain and crew, can handle reservations and tender logistics so that every day ashore runs smoothly. Reach out to them today to plan your next French Riviera yacht charter and your beach club stops.
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