Some Var and Alpes-Maritimes beaches are road-inaccessible — or only at the cost of 2-3h hiking. By boat, they're 30 minutes away, deserted, crystal-clear. Five gems to add to your itinerary.
1. Plage de la Briande (Cap Taillat)
Located between L'Escalet and Cap Taillat, this fine-pebble beach is accessible only by sea or a 45-min coastal trail from Gigaro parking. 400m long, turquoise waters, rocky seabeds perfect for snorkelling. No infrastructure — bring picnic and water.
Why go: zero crowds even in August (max 10 boats at anchor), spectacular mineral setting (ochre cliffs), cooler and clearer water than Pampelonne. Anchorage 100m from shore, sandy bottom at 4m.
2. Île d'Or cove (Estérel)
Facing Saint-Raphaël, Île d'Or is a private island, access prohibited. But 50m to the west, a 30m-wide micro-cove, with posidonia beds, is accessible by sea only. Emerald water, 12m visibility in September, abundant fauna (groupers, octopus, sars).
Why go: THE Var snorkelling spot for insiders. Wetsuit advised in May-June (17°C water). No restaurant — head to Agay (15 min) for lunch.
3. Calanque de la Figueirette (Théoule-sur-Mer)
At the eastern limit of the Estérel, this calanque offers a unique mineral setting: red rocks plunging into the sea, umbrella pine vegetation, crystal water. Access: only by sea or a demanding GR51 trail (2h from Théoule). Zero landlubber tourists.
Why go: ideal stopover for an extended Estérel day (beyond Anthéor). Sheltered anchorage from the westerly wind, sandy and pebble bottom. Bring fins — snorkelling among red rocks is unforgettable.
4. Anse de Pellegrin (Bormes-les-Mimosas)
This little-known cove is at the Gulf's western entrance, between Cavalaire and Bormes. Small 200m fine-sand beach, only local residents reach it by road (private 4×4 path). By boat from Sainte-Maxime: 40 min. Water is among the French Mediterranean's clearest.
Why go: family vibe, 2m sandy bottom, shallow waters ideal for kids swimming. Simple Chez Jo restaurant 200m from shore (daily menu €30, grilled fish).
5. Plage de la Pointe Camarat (Ramatuelle)
At the foot of the Cap Camarat lighthouse, this pebble beach is accessible by a steep 20-min trail from the lighthouse, or 10 min by sea from Pampelonne. Hardly visited on weekdays.
Why go: unobstructed view of the historic 1831 lighthouse, 23°C water in summer, iconic photo spot. Tricky anchorage (rocky bottom) — the skipper handles the manoeuvre. No sand, pebbles only.
These beaches stay preserved because they're little known. Please respect the golden rule: zero waste, zero fire, zero loud music. Take out everything you bring in. The price of their preservation for future generations.
FAQ
Can we land on all these beaches?
Yes, all are public beaches (except Île d'Or which is private — you anchor only offshore). Landing by dinghy or swimming. Most have sand or pebbles — no infrastructure (umbrellas, shower, on-site restaurant).
Best season for these confidential beaches?
June and September. July-August, even these secret beaches fill (20-30 boats at Briande in August). September is ideal: 24°C water (year's warmest), max visibility, only 3-5 boats.
Do I need an experienced skipper for these anchorages?
For most, a coastal-licenced pilot suffices. Exceptions: Pointe Camarat (rocky bottom, delicate manoeuvre) and Calanque de la Figueirette (narrow passage). In these cases, we strongly recommend a skipper (+€200/day).
