Plage du Fort Carre and Plage de la Fontonne beaches, Biot
Lovely pebble beaches along the coast towards Biot
Antibes sits at the far end of the Bay of Angels (Baie des Anges), a vast sweep of azure blue sea that washes up on a smooth pebbled shore.
These grey shingle beaches edge the coast road all the way down from Nice to Antibes, where the iconic Fort Carré marks the end of the stony beaches and the beginning of Antibes’ sand beaches. As such, those looking to escape Antibes’ summertime crowds on the sand beaches have the option of visiting the pebbled beaches that begin at the rocky and narrow Plage du Fort Carré and stretch westwards to the wider and busier section called Plage de la Fontonne at Biot.
However, there is no shade along this coast, just pebbles and sea. There are few facilities and it backs the major coastal road, meaning this stretch of coast tends to be an acquired taste. The great advantage of this entire stretch of beach is that it's completely public.
There are fresh water showers at this beach and a few food kiosks and vans parked up in the summer months, but it’s a good idea to bring a picnic if you’re looking for variety. The closest toilets are at Biot.
Because it’s an unprotected beach as we mentioned, this beach doesn’t have any shelter from the cool winds. Not a great choice for winter sun except on calm, windless days. You could walk your dog on here, but the road backing very closely onto the beach could prove a hazard.
These tend to be good beaches if you don’t want to overlap your towel with a stranger’s, as happens on many Riviera beaches. However, the rocky beach and lack of facilities mean that these beaches are generally for hardier souls.
Jump to
Setting and location
With a lovely view to your left of the city of Nice with the Alps rising up behind, these beaches are not without charm, particularly in the evenings when the stones cool down and the beach fills with families picnicking and swimming in the long twilight hours.
Water safety and clarity
Because the beach is very open and unprotected, these beaches do get affected by chop and waves when the wind gets up. In fact, during the winter storms, the coast road that runs along behind the beach often has waves crashing across it.
During the summer there is one lifeguard on duty at Plage du Fort Carré and a lifeguard station at La Fontonne. The seabed drops away quite quickly so keep a good eye on any children swimming.
Note that the mouth of the River Brague comes out at La Siesta at La Fontonne, so after heavy rainfall it can get a little polluted.
Beach Quality
This is a pebble beach, made up of flat grey stones that have been smoothed into gleaming discs by the waves over the centuries (they’re perfect for skimming across the water.) Because they are so smooth, walking across them isn’t painful, rather it’s a bit awkward and the stones also get quite hot in summer. Here’s where those rather silly looking but effective rubber-soled swimming shoes come in so handy.
Watersports Nearby
Those wanting to indulge in some high-octane watersports should head to nearby Villeneuve-Loubet or to the sandy beaches at Juan les Pins. A trip to Marineland Waterpark is a must for families, especially those who enjoy slides, flumes and tube rides. The Marineland animal park has plenty of marine mammals to discover as well as miniature golf and a special kids island.
The medieval village of Biot is a ten-minute bus trip inland and worth the time to explore either before or after a dip in the cool waters of the Mediterranean.
Directions
For those fancying a decent walk, you can walk to Fort Carré from Antibes old town in about 20 minutes to half an hour, either the quick route along the road or through the port past the superyachts. (There’s a path that carries on past the shipyard and around the small headland where the fort sits if you’re sticking to the water). Carry on along the coast road (Route du Bord du Mer) until you find a suitable spot.
For those using public transport, the train is quick and simple as Biot is just one stop from Antibes and the train station lies just by the sea. There is free parking along the coast road, although it fills up quite quickly in summer as half the country descends on the coast.
Villas nearby
Villas in Antibes
See all Villas in Antibes-
Hsud0096 Villa
In Cap d'Antibes, 300m from the sea and the beach in a residential area, nice single storey villa located on a 1200m² enclosed garden with BBQ and private salt pool (9m x 4m - Depth 100/220cm
-
Hsud0043 Villa, Roquefort-les-Pins
6km from Valbonne in the town of Roquefort-les-Pins, beautiful Provencal farmhouse renovated in 2021, located on a plot of approximately 3,000 m².
-
Bellevue Villa, Vallauris
Villa Bellevue does not bear this name without reason. You live here high on the slopes of Vallauris, the place where Picasso lived and worked for many years.
-
Hsud0020 Villa
12 km from Cannes, modern villa situated in a residential estate calm on a garden of 1500 m².
-
Hsud0017 Villa, Vallauris
Located in Vallauris, 10 km from Cannes, in a leafy residential area with sea view, luxurious villa set in 2500 m² of wooded, fenced grounds.
-
Arte Villa, Biot
In your own artistic villa with contemporary interiors, a stunning pool and unobstructed views of the forest of Valmasque in a region of the French Riviera that so inspired Picasso, Matisse and Miró, you will stay just 18 km from the lively city of Cannes
Hotels nearby
Hotels in Antibes
See all Hotels in Antibes-
Juana Hotel, Juan les Pins
27 September 20257 NightsHotel Juana is a stylish 1930s landmark offering timeless elegance, refined service, and an enviable location on the French Riviera.
Price: €4,490
-
Saint-Martin Spa & Chateau, Vence
Château Saint-Martin & Spa is a former 12th century Knights Templar Commandery with superb views over the sweep of the Côte d’Azur. A place of consummate natural beauty set in a 32 acre park, a high point on the French Riviera where sea and the mountains unite.
-
La Villa Hotel, Juan les Pins
27 September 20257 NightsLa Villa Cap d'Antibes, a four-star hotel, offers an intimate boutique experience, blending discreet elegance with a serene atmosphere.
Price: €2,606
-
Sainte Valerie Villa Hotel, Juan les Pins
27 September 20257 NightsA charming and historic four-star villa in the heart of Juan-les-Pins, offering an intimate retreat where Mediterranean elegance and relaxed luxury come together.
Price: €4,146
-
Belles Rives Hotel, Juan les Pins
Hôtel Belles Rives, a historic Art Deco gem, offers luxury and comfort in the heart of Cap d’Antibes, with a Michelin-starred restaurant and stunning seaside views.
-
Royal Mougins Hotel
27 September 20257 NightsLocated just a few minutes' drive from the charming medieval village of Mougins, this stunning four-star spa hotel enjoys a truly exceptional setting.
Price: €2,338
Things to do nearby
Things To Do in Biot
See all Things To Do in Biot-
Biot Golf Course, Biot
The course of Biot Golf Club extends over 4511m, and has been designed so that it is suitable for players of all levels, but also to enhance the beauty of the site.
Restaurants nearby
Restaurants in Biot
See all Restaurants in Biot-
Les Arcades Restaurant, Biot
Les Arcades is situated in the medieval village of Biot. There is inside dining plus tables outside under lots of greenery.
-
Le Jardin du Mas Restaurant, Biot
This restaurant in the village of Biot has a wonderful garden setting with a private pool, fountains and old trees with a magnificent view over the coastline. Provencal-inspired cuisine with a modern twist, the menu is renewed every month.
-
Les Terraillers Restaurant, Biot
Located a few meters from the steep streets of the village of Biot, the restaurant is housed in an authentic pottery from the sixteenth century.
Sights nearby
Sights in Antibes
See all Sights in Antibes-
Fort Carré
Built on a rock 26m above sea level on the Antibes coast line the 16th century fort offers a 360 degree panoramic view.
-
Musee de la Carte Postale
From all period and all countries, this museum has a wonderful collection that showcases the history of the postcard.
-
Chapelle Saint Bernardin
This Gothic church was built in Antibes in the 16th century to house the Brotherhood of the White Penitents of St. Bernardin.
-
Antibes Cathedral
Beautifully located near the sea, the cathedral in Antibes has a nice sculpted façade, and is full of artistic gems inside.
-
Absinthe Museum
Absinthe has been made in Antibes for a long time. It is possible to visit the Absinthe Museum to see how this incredibly potent green spirit is made.
-
Musee d'Histoire et d'Archeologie (History & Archaeology Museum)
Take a look into the ancient past of Antibes which includes some artefacts from the Greek occupation when the town was known as Antipolis.
Golf-clubs nearby
Golf Courses in Antibes
See all Golf Courses in Antibes-
Royal Mougins Golf Course
Founded in 1993, the Royal Mougins Golf Club is a course of exceptional quality. Designed by world-famous American architect, the late Robert von Hagge, the par 71, 18-hole course extends for 6,004 m through a lush, wooded vale.
-
Golf Course de Villeneuve-Loubet, Villeneuve Loubet
A great course for beginners to experienced players, slightly hilly, the greens are linked in a calm and exotic atmosphere in the heart of the Riviera.
-
Old Course Golf Course, Cannes-Mandelieu
The Cannes-Mandelieu Old Race golf course was drawn and traced by Harry Colt in 1891 at the request of Grand Duke Michel of Russia.
-
Opio Valbonne Golf Course, Opio
Set between Cannes, Nice and Grasse, the Golf Club of Opio Valbonne is one of the jewels in the crown of the Riviera.
-
Saint Donat Golf Course, Grasse
This beautifully situated golf club has two courses, one 18 hole and one 9 hole, plus a practice range and practice bunker.
-
Claux Amic Golf Course, Grasse
This golf course is located on a charming old private hunting estate dating back to the 17th century.
Towns nearby
Towns & Villages in Antibes
See all Towns & Villages in Antibes-
Juan Les Pins
Located just west of the old town of Antibes, Juan Les Pins is a seaside resort with beautiful sandy beaches, independent boutiques and a good selection of lively restaurants, bars and hotels.
-
Biot
Biot is a lovely picturesque old town located up in the hills of Antibes. This medieval town is full of culture, history and art.
-
Cap d'Antibes
A short walk from both Antibes and Juan-les-Pins is the Cap d'Antibes. This gorgeous headland is gently undulating and is filled with smart and very private villas. The Cap is best known for the uber-luxurious (and expensive) Hotel du Cap Eden Roc.
-
Vallauris Golfe-Juan
The commune is known as Vallauris Golfe-Juan, combining the traditional charm of the pottery capital of the Riviera, Vallauris, which sits inland, with the seaside resort and sandy beaches of Golfe-Juan.
-
Villeneuve Loubet
Situated between Nice and Cannes, Villeneuve Loubet is a delightful area split into two parts - a seaside resort with plenty of outdoor activities and a fascinating old town.
-
Cagnes Sur Mer
Haut Cagnes is the perched medieval village that overlooks the resort, and is home to the famous Renoir House and the Grimaldi Castle, two of the area’s most popular attractions.
Beach bars and beachclubs
If you’re feeling like a sit-down lunch, head into Biot. Be aware that Biot is a town of two halves: seaside town and hill village. Don’t get fooled into thinking you’ll be having lunch in the famous medieval village as that’s several kilometres inland on a hill. Well worth taking the bus from the Biot train station to see it though, and it has some lovely shady cafes and restaurants to escape the heat. If you want to stick to the coast, the marina at nearby Villeneuve Loubet (the huge curved building) has some quite good restaurants on the waterfront.
