North of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, the seaside resort of Sainte-Maxime is a popular destination for tourists who appreciate the charm of its shopping streets, the beauty of its landscapes, the appeal of its beaches and the quality of its turquoise waters.
The most beautiful beaches in Sainte-Maxime
The beach of La Croisette
A long beach protected and sheltered from the winds, the Croisette beach is composed of fine sand or pebbles. It offers a remarkable panorama of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. A first-aid post provides surveillance in July and August. Private beaches open their terraces to vacationers, who can share a refreshment, lunch or dinner on the terrace. Toilets and showers provide all the expected comfort.
The city center beach
Located in the city center and easily accessible, next to the casino, it offers a breathtaking view of Saint-Tropez. The proximity of the trees provides much sought-after shade in summer. The first-aid post ensures the surveillance of the bathers in summer. It is also possible to have lunch or dinner facing the sea in one of the straw huts. Sanitary facilities and showers are available to holidaymakers.
The beach of la Madrague
This long but narrow beach is mainly composed of sand. It is particularly appreciated by snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts, as it has a remarkable seabed where you can admire posidonia and rock fish. Its wilder setting and the quality of its waters make it a privileged place for good swimmers. Indeed, this beach is unsupervised.
La pointe des Sardinaux
Small creeks and fine sandy beaches welcome lovers of the Big Blue in an absolutely remarkable setting. The Pointe des Sardinaux is bordered by green spaces shaded by large umbrella pines which are a great playground for children and a privileged area for family picnics. A World War II bunker and a fishpond dating from the Roman period are two historical curiosities.
The Nartelle
Supervised during the summer season, the sandy beach of La Nartelle is an ideal destination for families. It is a famous spot for windsurfing and bodyboarding when the east wind blows. Public showers are available on site. Parents and children can also enjoy many water activities. The private beaches of La Nartelle are renowned and even compete with those of the very select Saint-Tropez.
The beach of the elephants
This beach owes its name to the comic book “Le Voyage de Babar” (Babar’s Journey). Its author, Jean de Brunhoff, regularly stayed in Sainte-Maxime and he was inspired by the panorama that opened before his eyes to illustrate the honeymoon of Celeste and Babar. Today, De Brunhoff’s house continues to look out over the sea and this beautiful wild beach, ideal for relaxing, sunbathing or swimming. Swimming is not supervised. Showers are available on site.
The Garonnette beach
Stretching over several hundred meters, the Garonnette River adjoins the port of Issambres. Its wild character does not prevent it from benefiting from several facilities, such as showers and a first-aid post. Private beaches offer you a lunch or dinner and the rental of deckchairs and parasols.
Water Activities
Sainte-Maxime offers many nautical activities. With your family, you can learn paddle or go for a walk to the sound of the waves in a canoe or kayak. Are you looking for thrills? Windsurfing, jet skiing, towed buoys or flyboarding can help you fill up with emotions.
You can also try your hand at scuba diving or admire the sea bed while snorkeling. Half-day or full-day trips at sea allow you to discover the treasures of the Var coastline in a different way.