Croisette Beach

Getting here is straightforward. From Sainte-Maxime town centre, it's a five-minute drive; from the promenade, a ten-minute walk along the seafront. Parking is available in a mixed free-and-paid arrangement: it's free from 1 November to 31 March, and paid from 1 April to 30 October. No entry fee for the beach itself.

Right in the heart of Sainte-Maxime, La Tour Carrée — a 16th-century defensive tower — is worth a look for a quick hit of local history. The Jardin Botanique des Myrtes offers a shaded wander through Mediterranean flora when the sun gets fierce. A short trip across the water brings you to the Port of Saint-Tropez, about 4.5 kilometres away, where fishing boats and pleasure yachts share a famously animated harbour.

On the beach itself, both Plage de la Croisette and Les P'tits Galets are right on your doorstep — zero kilometres from the sand. Le Diamant is another nearby option for when you want to sit down properly after a swim.

Camping Capfun - Pinède de Grimaud sits just 6.1 kilometres away and is the closest base if you want a camping setup. Further afield, Camping St. Aygulf Beach (rated 3.9/5 across over 2,700 reviews) and the well-regarded Hôtel Lily of the Valley (4.6/5 from 810 reviews) are both around 12.9 kilometres from the beach — worth booking ahead in summer.

The golden sand against the blue water photographs best in the soft light of early morning, before the beach fills up. For a wider compositional shot, position yourself near the promenade with La Tour Carrée visible in the background.

Come before mid-morning in July to claim a decent patch of sand — this beach gets busy fast in peak season, and August is the worst for it. Sanitary closures can happen temporarily; always check the latest status with the Mairie de Sainte-Maxime before you go. Sandals are worth throwing in your bag given the mixed sand-and-pebble underfoot. The promenade access makes an evening stroll an easy way to wind down after a swim.