The 10 best spots for standup paddling on the French Riviera
The Côte d'Azur is full of heavenly places. Whether you want to soak up the sun on the beach, visit unique places between sea and mountains, or take part in water sports on the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, you've come to the right destination!
This region, bathed in sunshine 360 days out of 365, is the perfect spot for water sports! You'll find plenty of them, including standup paddling (SUP), kayaking, windsurfing, water skiing, jet skiing, boat hire... Of all the water activities, our favorite is Stand Up Paddle!
Imagine sailing on turquoise waters, warmed by the sun... That's what the inflatable stand-up paddle offers you! The added bonus is a guaranteed feeling of gliding and relaxation!
Now that you're ready to take to the waves, paddle in one hand and paddle in the other, here's a list of the French Riviera's best SUP (stand-up paddle) spots.
Hang up your leash and come and discover the breathtaking Côte d'Azur!
1. Antibes and its cape
Antibes and its famous Cap d'Antibes offer an unforgettable StandUp Paddle experience.
Sailing around the cape allows you to discover hidden coves, secret beaches and crystal-clear waters, ideal for all levels of paddler. Views of the Alps and a wealth of marine life make the place even more extraordinary!
There are several places to discover, the first of which is Plage de la Salis. Here you can take your stand-up paddle out on calm water, as this spot is not usually frequented by boats.
The second spot is Cap d'Antibes. The best place to start is at Plage de la Garoupe (make sure you enter "Plage de la Garoupe" and not "Parking de la Garoupe" in your GPS, otherwise it will take you to the Antibes lighthouse).
Then follow the cape to the Bay of Billionaires and deflate your paddle here. You can then walk back to Plage de la Garoupe.
Be careful, as the bay is often full of boats, so make sure you've got your paddle under control before you head out. If you've got a diving mask, the highlight of the show is underwater! You can explore the wildlife and enjoy this unspoilt area.
2. Îles de Lérins (Saint-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat islands)
The Îles de Lérins, comprising the island of Sainte-Marguerite and its little sister, the island of Saint-Honorat, are a haven of peace for SUP enthusiasts. Accessible by a short boat ride from Cannes, Golfe-Juan and Nice.
These islands offer an idyllic setting for paddleboarding. The clear, calm waters surrounding the islands are perfect for a nature getaway.
You can make the crossing from Cannes to the archipelago with your paddle, but we don't recommend it, as the waves between Cannes and Saint-Marguerite can be high, destabilizing your board (for this situation, we recommend sea kayaking or canoeing).
On Sainte-Marguerite, you can explore beaches, forests and secret coves, while Saint-Honorat, known for its monastery, offers a unique blend of culture and nature.
Paddling around these islands allows you to discover historic sites, pine forests and breathtaking views, while enjoying the seclusion and serenity of the maritime environment.
In addition to your paddle, on Saint-Marguerite, just a few meters from the shore, dive and discover the underwater eco-museum, made up of 6 submerged statues.
3. Nice - from Cap de Nice to the Bay of Angels
Everyone knows Nice and its famous Promenade des Anglais, but Nice also has a little secret corner, the Cap de Nice.
Much less well known than the Promenade, you can sail here undisturbed by the crowds, while remaining close to Nice. This cape is located behind the port, and can be reached by taking the streetcar to the port, then the 98 bus to the "Villa de la Côte" stop.
From here, you can paddle around the tip of Nice, catching glimpses of Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. The sunsets from there are incredible, so we really recommend going in the evening!
A little better known, you can SUP paddle on the seafront along the Promenade des Anglais.
Note that in summer, all the beaches are quite busy, so it can be difficult to navigate. As for us, we love to do it early in the morning, or in the evening when it gets dark!
The advantage of this bay is that access to the sea is easy by paddle. Here, you can sail for meters and meters without feeling them, because the water is so calm!
4. Cannes
Cannes, world-famous for its film festival, is also an excellent spot for SUP. Relatively touristy in summer (and during the Cannes Film Festival), our little secret for avoiding the crowds is to sunbathe on the paddle board rather than on the beach! All you have to do is hang on to a buoy and you're all set!
Although La Croisette has the advantage of being protected from the winds, we strongly recommend that you try something a little different.
In summer, there's the International Pyrotechnics Festival (each country is represented by a firework display). During the summer, there's a fireworks display every week.
Here's our little secret... As the beaches are so crowded, it's great to be able to lie back on your paddle and enjoy the show!
5. Cap d'Ail
This jewel of the south, just a stone's throw from Monaco, is relatively unknown - and wrongly so! It's a change of scenery from luxury to nature!
You'll discover hidden coves and beaches that are only accessible by sea.
It's the perfect place to spend a day away from the crowds, tucked away in a breathtaking little secret cove overlooking the sea, having a picnic or reading a book!
Bordering on luxury Monte Carlo, sailing around this cape will also reveal hidden villas, luxurious castles and impressive monasteries, once owned or owned by the world's greatest. The kind of buildings you won't be able to see unless you go by sea!
To reach this cape, we recommend you take the train, as the station is not far from the trailhead, where you can drop anchor!
6. Villefranche-sur-Mer
Villefranche-sur-Mer, with its spectacular harbor and deep waters, is one of the most beautiful spots on the Côte d'Azur for SUP.
The bay is protected from the wind, and the beach provides easy access to the water for paddlers. Ideal conditions for paddlers of all levels.
Water colors range from deep blue to turquoise, creating the perfect setting for paddling.
The town is entirely on the coast, with a pebble beach in front of the station, and the old town on the right-hand side of the bay. We love this town, because when you paddle, you're surrounded by mountains, in the peace and quiet of nature!
7. Eze plage
Èze plage is a hidden treasure on the Côte d'Azur, offering a SUP experience far from the tourist crowds.
Located between Nice and Monaco, this small beach offers clear, calm waters, ideal for beginners or more experienced paddlers looking for tranquility.
The beach is bordered by impressive cliffs and offers magnificent views of the Mediterranean.
Starting from Èze plage, you can paddle along the coast and discover secret coves and caves accessible only by sea.
The calm surroundings and crystal-clear water allow you to observe the underwater flora and fauna, making your paddle outing both relaxing and unforgettable!
To get there, we again recommend taking the train, which runs every hour and drops you off directly in front of the beach.
8. Menton
Menton, known as the "Pearl of France", is another ideal destination for SUP enthusiasts.
The town lies at the easternmost tip of the Côte d'Azur, close to the Italian border, and offers picturesque views and a Mediterranean ambience.
The waters are generally calm, inviting you to enjoy a pleasant paddle session along the coast.
You can start your adventure from Plage des Sablettes, in the direction of the Italian border.
Along the way, you'll discover lush gardens, historic buildings and the famous Basilica of Saint-Michel.
The first advantage of paddling in Menton is that you can easily switch from France to Italy, enjoying two Mediterranean cultures in one outing. Why not stop off in Italy for a good pasta dish!
The only drawback in Menton is that when the wind's up, the waves can be quite big, so choose your day carefully!
9. From Golfe-Juan to Juan-les-Pins
From Golfe-Juan to Juan-les-Pins, this stretch of the Côte d'Azur offers a diversity of landscapes and waters ideal for SUP.
Golfe-Juan, with its sandy beaches and calm waters, is ideal for beginners, while Juan-les-Pins, known for its festive atmosphere and lively beaches, attracts those looking to combine sport and entertainment.
This crossing can be the perfect opportunity to test your stamina, as it is relatively long.
It's similar to cruising along the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, but here you'll be surrounded by sandy beaches, and at the tip of Juan-les-Pins, you can even discover the Eden-Roc villa, a must-see monument on the coast!
10. Beaulieu-sur-Mer et Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat represent the height of beauty and elegance on the French Riviera.
Both spots offer calm, crystal-clear waters, ideal for SUP. Whether you choose to paddle around the prestigious Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula or glide along the beaches of Beaulieu-sur-Mer, you'll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
We've put these two places in the same category, because to get to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, chances are you'll have to go via Beaulieu.
We recommend you drop anchor on the village's main beach, and head for Sain-Jean (it's relatively quick). You'll find breathtaking coves off the coast of the island, and the walk is well worth it!
Be careful, however, if you go too far from Saint-Jean, as sea currents can be quite strong in windy conditions.
Conclusion
We hope you've enjoyed this ranking! We'd like to stress that there's no such thing as the best spot - every place in this region is at once magical, wild and mysterious.
But there are hundreds of other places like lakes and rivers where you can paddle!
If you ever want to rent a paddle on the Côte d'Azur, LocNjoy offers long-term paddle rental at affordable prices, so you can really enjoy your rental, without the stress of having to return your paddle an hour later.
Click on the link to see our availability. We look forward to meeting you soon!