Discover the Best Beach Clubs in Cannes

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The Beach Clubs

Famous for hosting the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, the city exudes an air of sophistication with its elegant boulevards, luxury boutiques, and historic hotels like the Carlton and Martinez. The stunning Mediterranean coastline, with its golden beaches and azure waters, provides a picturesque setting for both relaxation and high-end leisure. Beyond its film festival fame, Cannes offers a rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, and a blend of French and international cuisine, making it a destination that epitomizes the allure of the Riviera. Unlike other vacation destinations with popular beaches, Cannes’ beach club experience is unparalleled.

Among the myriad of options, a few beach clubs stand out for offering an unparalleled experience. Each of these beach clubs also house a full service restaurant that can accommodate patrons either in a seated dining area or directly on the beach. If you rent a bed at one of these beach clubs you can order food directly to your sun bed. Here’s a guide to the best beach clubs in Cannes that promise sun-soaked relaxation with a touch of sophistication.

Source: The Empire City Wire

1. La Plage Du Martinez

La Plage Du Martinez is widely considered the crème de la crème of beach clubs in Cannes. What sets it apart is the attention to detail and the sheer comfort it offers. The beach beds here are more like full mattresses, providing the ultimate in relaxation. Meticulously maintained, these beds are as inviting as they are luxurious.

The vibe is sophisticated yet relaxed, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors seeking a high-end beach day. This beach is also heavily influenced by the film festival and some of the chairs in the dining area actually have the names of opular celebrities, actors, and film directors.

One of the standout features of this beach club is the wooden slats laid out across the sand, which make navigating the hot sand a breeze, especially when exiting the beach. As for the water, it’s kept in pristine condition, ensuring that your dip in the Mediterranean is as refreshing as it is crystal clear.

This beach club is associated with The Martinez Hotel and if you are not staying at the hotel it is recommended to show up at around 10am to secure a bed. If you show up any later and are not a guest of the hotel you will be turned away.

Source: The Empire City Wire

2. The Carlton Beach Club

The Carlton Beach Club is a close contender to La Plage Du Martinez. Known as the most iconic beach club in Cannes, it has a reputation that precedes it. The beach staff here provide incredible service and are equipped with earpieces for seamless communication, ensure that every guest’s needs are met with promptness and professionalism.

The water at The Carlton Beach Club is also immaculate, offering a pristine environment for those looking to swim or simply enjoy the view.

Same as the Martinez, this beach club is also associated with a hotel (The Carlton) and if you are not staying at the hotel it is recommended to show up at around 10am to secure a bed. If you show up any later and are not a guest of the hotel you will be turned away.

In the 1955 film To Catch a Thief, the Carlton Beach Club is prominently featured as a symbol of luxury and elegance, reflecting the opulent lifestyle of the characters played by Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. Set against the stunning backdrop of the French Riviera, the beach club serves as the location for key scenes, including a memorable moment where Grace Kelly's character invites Cary Grant’s character to join her, enhancing the film’s romantic and glamorous atmosphere.

3. Miramar Plage

Miramar Plage is a solid choice for those seeking a good beach experience in Cannes. While it may not reach the heights of luxury found at La Plage Du Martinez or The Carlton Beach Club, it offers a pleasant setting for a day by the sea. The ambiance is laid-back, and the service is attentive, making it a reliable option for beachgoers.

This beach club is also associated with a hotel (The Miramar) and if you are not staying at the hotel it is recommended to show up at around 10am to secure a bed. If you show up any later and are not a guest of the hotel you will be turned away.

The ambiance at Miramar Beach is complemented by its Mediterranean cuisine with international inspirations. Offering a fusion of traditional recipes and flavors from distant destinations, the menu blends influences from the South of France, Latin America, and Asia, creating a delicious and unique dining experience.

Source: The Empire City Wire

4. La Plage Du Festival

In the nineteenth century, the Bains Bottin, the first sea bathing establishment in Cannes, was built by Joseph Bottin on this site. Later, Jean Mineur established La Plage du Festival at the same location, naming it after its proximity to the former Palais des Festivals. This rich heritage has made the establishment one of the largest private beaches on La Croisette.

La Plage Du Festival offers a delightful beach experience but with a slight drawback—the water is closer to the public beaches, making it a bit murkier compared to other beach clubs. However, this is offset by the quality of the cocktails, which are a highlight here. The overall vibe is still enjoyable, and it’s a great place to relax and soak in the Cannes sun.

Source: The Empire City Wire

5. La Plage Goeland

La Plage Goeland is the 1st private beach in Cannes and also the closest to le Palais des Festivals. It has been in operation since 1981 and is not associated with a hotel.

Similar to La Plage Du Festival, La Plage Goeland offers a good beach experience, though the water here is also closer to the public beaches and can be a bit murky. The beach beds, while not as meticulously maintained as those at La Plage Du Martinez, still provide a comfortable spot to lounge.

Plage Goeland is a good, cheaper alternative to the public beach, with beds that cost slightly less than those at the Martinez or Carlton beach clubs. You don't have to fight your way in, as it is not associated with a hotel, but it still offers a full restaurant, so you can order cocktails and food directly to your sunbed.

Wrap Up

Each of these beach clubs in Cannes has something unique to offer, from the ultimate luxury at La Plage Du Martinez to the iconic service at The Carlton Beach Club. Whether you’re seeking pristine waters, exceptional service, or a relaxed atmosphere, these beach clubs will ensure your time in Cannes is nothing short of extraordinary.