The French Riviera isn’t short on beach clubs — but not all of them are worth a stop from the sea.

When you’re coming in by yacht, you want more than loud music and overpriced rosé. You want smooth, tender access, sharp service, a proper setting, and a crowd that gets it.

These 10 beach clubs deliver – not just on hype, but on heritage, quality, and that hard-to-fake Riviera attitude. From long-standing legends to polished newcomers, here’s where to go ashore when it actually matters.

1. Club 55 – Pampelonne, St Tropez

Best for: The yacht set who prefer linen over logos.

Founded in 1955 to host the cast of And God Created Woman, Club 55 became the blueprint for low-key Riviera luxury. Still family-run and famously discreet, it hasn’t changed much—on purpose. You tender ashore, walk a few steps off the beach, and land in a place that manages to be both casual and iconic. The menu is simple, the crowd impossibly well-heeled, and the entire vibe a reminder that true Riviera style doesn’t need theatrics.

2. Nikki Beach – Pampelonne, Saint-Tropez

Best for: A lively, high-gloss beach day with global flair.

Since 2002, Nikki’s brought Miami-style beach club energy to the French coast. White daybeds, poolside sets, and polished service. Tender in, take a table, and let the afternoon unfold as only Pampelonne can deliver.

3. La Réserve à la Plage – Pampelonne, St Tropez

Best for: Clean design, clean plates, and zero hassle.

Opened in 2019 by Michel Reybier, owner of La Réserve Ramatuelle, this is the calm counterpoint to Pampelonne’s louder options. The design is Jacques Garcia, the vibe is polished but relaxed. Pull up by tender, slide into a shaded table, and eat food that reminds you why French cuisine matters.

4. Gigi Ramatuelle – Pampelonne (inland)

Best for: Off-beach indulgence with garden glamour.

Not technically on the beach but entirely built for the yacht crowd. Gigi offers a pool, Bellini bar, outdoor cinema, and even a kids’ club, all wrapped in Tuscan charm. They’ll pick you up from the shore via buggy, so you step off the tender and straight into curated escapism.

5. La Guérite – Île Sainte-Marguerite, Cannes

Best for: Island dining that blends fine food and festive energy.

First opened in 1902, La Guérite sits on the island that once imprisoned the Man in the Iron Mask. These days, it’s about DJs, wood-fired seafood, and that Côte d’Azur mood. Access is only by boat—ideal for anchoring just off Cannes and tendering in for a long, memorable lunch.

6. Nammos – Palm Beach, Cannes

Best for: Flash, flair, and the Mykonos crowd in Cannes.

The latest offshoot of the Nammos empire (opened 2023), this one imported Greek glam to the Riviera fast. Designed for yacht arrivals with space to spare, it’s heavy on the visuals: mirrored bars, curated playlists, and champagne chilled to within half a degree of perfect. Great for clients who want to see and be very much seen.

7. Byblos Beach – Pampelonne, St Tropez

Best for: A proper meal without the noise.

The beach extension of the iconic Hotel Byblos in Saint-Tropez. It’s relatively new (opened 2019), but pulls from decades of hospitality pedigree. Expect attentive service, Provençal flavors, and white-linen calm. Tender guests appreciate the ease; chefs appreciate the kitchen.

8. Monte-Carlo Beach Club – Monaco

Best for: Classic Riviera elegance with zero surprises.

Dating back to the 1930s and refreshed by India Mahdavi in 2009, this place balances heritage with modern grace. Think striped parasols, seawater pool, and Monaco-style discretion. Arrive via private pontoon, stay for the signature lobster roll, and watch the show unfold around you.

9. Eden Plage Mala – Cap d’Ail

Best for: When you want to disappear into a cove.

Hidden in the cliffs west of Monaco, Mala has long been a favorite for those who know where to look. The beach itself is only accessible by foot or boat—ideal for charters wanting privacy. Less about the scene, more about the setting.

10. Paloma Beach Club – Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Best for: Old-school Riviera charm and long lunches.

Open since the 1940s and named after Picasso’s daughter, Paloma sits in a quiet cove with views across to Monaco. The jetty makes yacht access easy, the seafood is as it should be, and the crowd skews classic Riviera—understated, well-heeled, and sun-literate.