Blue Flag beaches in Antibes

The FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education) announced the sites awarded the sought-after Blue Flag label last week. This year, the area of Antibes has been given a total of nine Blue Flags, seven of which are for beaches and two for the marinas of Port Vauban in Antibes and Port Camille Rayon in Golfe Juan.

Well-known for their crystalline turquoise waters, golden sand and wide range of facilities, the beaches in Antibes are among the most famous in the world so it's not surprising that a whopping eight of them have been awarded the coveted Blue Flag. Les Groules, Marineland, Fontonne (East and West), Fort Carré and Antibes-les-Pins (East and West) are this season's chosen beaches.

Blue Flags are given out by an independent organisation called the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches are evaluated each year and monitored for their facilities and cleanliness. Based on 32 separate criteria, each beach or marina is judged on the quality of the water, safety and services (including lifeguards and first aid), information for beach users, environmental education and protection of the coastal environment.