Grand Jardin beach, the best beach of the French Riviera

GRAND JARDIN BEACH, A WILD AND SUBLIME TREASURE OF THE FRENCH RIVIERA

by

Updated : 2 February 2026 at 10:01

PACA Map-Grand Jardin Beach

After rounding a rock and walking for a few minutes, you will be utterly captivated by the magnificent Grand Jardin Beach. For us, as locals familiar with the region, it is a wonderful swimming spot, with crystal-clear water and white sand. The perfect place to relax and feast your eyes for an entire day…

Map of Grand Jardin beach in Bormes-les-Mimosas

Located in Bormes-les-Mimosas, Grand Jardin Beach lies between Fort de Brégançon and Estagnol Beach. If you are looking for a dream beach surrounded by unspoiled, typical Mediterranean nature, you are in the right place ! Less crowded than its neighboring beaches, it also offers plenty of space thanks to its impressive one-kilometer length. Finally, the pine trees lining parts of the beach provide welcome shade during hot summer days.

The Grand Jardin beach, the best beach of the French Riviera

What we also love is its clear, shallow water and fairly fine sand (mixed with a few pebbles and stones). It is an ideal spot for swimming and relaxing and a must-see if you want to plan holidays in south of France. As explained below, access to Grand Jardin Beach is only possible by water (boat, paddleboard, canoe) or via the coastal footpath.

Where to stay near Grand Jardin Beach ?

In Bormes-les-Mimosas : A charming little village with breathtaking views over the Mediterranean Sea. It is perfectly located close to paradise-like beaches and offers a warm, lively atmosphere in the evening. In terms of accommodation, you can choose between guesthouses and traditional hotels such as the Hostellerie du Cigalou.

See other accommodations in Bormes-les-Mimosas

In Lavandou : Ideal for enjoying the lively harbor atmosphere in the evening, as well as its beaches such as Fossette, Aiguebelle, or Jean Blanc. You will also be just a 20-minute drive from Estagnol Beach. We particularly enjoyed our stay at the Escapade hotel. It is beautifully decorated, comfortable, and only 3 minutes from the town center and the port.

See other accommodations in the lavandou

How to get to Grand Jardin Beach ?

– ON FOOT –

Here are three hiking options :

📍 From Estagnol Beach : Walk along stunning, typically French Riviera coast landscapes to reach Grand Jardin Beach. An easy hike, suitable for children.

Duration : approx. 25 minutes / Estagnol parking : €12 per day / Parking closed during winter.

📍 From Cabasson Beach : Close to Fort de Brégançon, but farther from Grand Jardin Beach. Several beautiful beaches along the way, including La Vignasse and La Mère Dieu.

Duration : approx. 1 hour / Cabasson parking : €11 per day / Free during winter.

📍 From Argentière Beach : This is the longest hike but also the cheapest! You will cross several lovely beaches before reaching Grand Jardin.

Duration : approx. 2 hours / Free parking.

– By boat –

A swimming area is marked by buoys, anchoring is allowed outside this designated zone.

– By paddleboard / canoe / kayak –

You can bring your own equipment or rent one from Estagnol Beach.

What to do at Grand Jardin Beach ? Our TO-DO LIST

Paddle along the coastline (canoe and paddleboard rentals available at Estagnol Beach)

Read a good book and float peacefully on your inflatable in the crystal-clear sea

Continue the hike to Mère Dieu Beach or even Brégançon, the coastal path in this area is absolutely stunning

Build sandcastles… and why not entire palaces !

Perfect your tan between swims, in short, relax and enjoy !

  • Discover Estagnol beach by canoe-kayak or paddle.
    Discover the coast with a paddle
  • Canoe/paddle rental at Estagnol beach
    Canoe/paddle rental at Estagnol beach
  • Relax in the sea on the Grand Jardin beach
    Take the time to relax
  • Coastal path to Mère Dieu beach
    Walking along the beaches
  • Mère Dieu beach
    Mère Dieu beach

The best viewpoint

📸 At the far end of the beach, on the rocks just before Mère Dieu Beach. From this spot, you can admire a beautiful panoramic view of Grand Jardin Beach and enjoy the best perspective of the entire area.

📍 it’s located here.

Beautiful viewpoint on Grand Jardin beach

What to see around Grand Jardin Beach ?

You will be close to several remarkable places, so it would be a shame to not explore them ! Here is our selection :

🏘️ Visiting the charming village of Bormes-les-Mimosas, just a few kilometers away. The best time to admire it is in May, when the bougainvillea are in full bloom.

🏰 Explore Fort de Brégançon, the summer residence of the French President. A guided tour is required and must be booked through the Bormes-les-Mimosas tourist office.

🐟 Enjoy the nearby seaside resort of Le Lavandou, known as the town of 12 beaches (our favorites: Fossette Beach and Jean Blanc Beach).

🌵 Admire the magnificent gardens of Domaine du Rayol at the same time (entrance fee: €14.50).

  • Walk in Bormes-les-Mimosas
    Walk in Bormes-les-Mimosas
  • Hike between the port of Lavandou and La Fossette
    Hike between the port of Lavandou and La Fossette
  • Fort de Brégançon
    Fort de Brégançon seen from afar

A few more questions…

When is the best time to visit Grand Jardin Beach ?

We recommend May–June or September–October to fully enjoy this paradise and avoid the summer crowds.

Are dogs allowed ?

Dogs are not allowed on Grand Jardin Beach. Only Cabasson Beach allows dogs within the municipality of Bormes-les-Mimosas.

Does it have any WEAK POINTS ?

  • Many boats tend to anchor here, which can slightly detract from the experience. Fortunately, since 2024, a buoy-marked swimming area has been installed. It’s a pity it doesn’t extend along the entire beach !
  • Like many wild beaches, it has another (minor) inconvenient : the possible accumulation of posidonia on the sand. (We remind you that posidonia is not waste, it protects the coastline from erosion and is the true “lung of the sea,” essential for preserving marine ecosystems.)

– OUR OPINION –

This authentic beach of the French Riviera is our favorite one. Whether on foot or by paddleboard, it is a joy to follow its coastline and admire its clear blue waters. Above all, it is a quieter alternative to Estagnol Beach, which becomes extremely crowded when summer arrives. For all these reasons, we naturally ranked it among the 5 most beautiful beaches in the Var.

You might also like…

Share on :
Share

2 thoughts on “GRAND JARDIN BEACH, A WILD AND SUBLIME TREASURE OF THE FRENCH RIVIERA”

Leave a Comment