Today’s beach in my series a-beach-a-week is one of the longest sandy beaches on the Côte d’Azur, situated just east of Fréjus. Esclamandes beach in St Aygulf (in the Var) consists of 4 sections – family (regular), nudist, kitesurf and dogs – we go to the family section!
Esclamandes beach is often very windy which makes it great for flying kites (and kite surfing if that’s your kind of thing). It also means there’s a bit of swell, enough for body surfing and a good muck around in the waves.
In terms of the nudist beach, in all honestly I’ve never noticed it, and it was only in verifying the exact address online that I discovered the was a section to bare all. It’s closer to Fréjus than the family section.
The main part of the beach has three man-made bays created with rocky breakwaters which means that when it isn’t windy, the water is very calm. However in high season this area gets very crowded as it’s closest to the carpark and road. Further east, nearer the nudist section is quieter.
Esclamandes beach doesn’t have much in the way of services, which is part of the appeal for us. There is a small private area with sun loungers and a bar, but if you want lifesavers, bars and shops you’ll need to go closer to Fréjus town, or further west towards les Issambres.
Esclamandes beach is located on Avenue de la Corniche d’Azur in St Aygulf, about 50 minutes from Lou Messugo. There is a decent amount of parking available which is free out of season. September is our favourite time to visit this beach.
Do you like windy beaches? What’s your favourite type of beach?
For more beach recommendations take a look at my top 12 favourite beaches on the Riviera
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I have memories of very breezy beaches on the north Wales coast but this looks light years away – lovely warm sea and a gentle cooling wind in the sunshine is just what I fancy! Thanks for linking up to #mondayescapes
I agree about sand blowing in your face, that isn’t pleasant but this beach isn’t always windy.
Glad you like it Holly 🙂
Not really, it’s nothing like as big as Camber and much warmer! No dunes either, but for the Cd’A it’s big. The nearest Camber-ish beach to us is in the Camargue, where there’s 30 kms of wild sandy beach. Other wise to be really like Camber you need to go just opposite it in the Baie de Somme, it’s got dunes, the long trek to the water at low tide and cold temperatures!
France’s answer to Camber?
Gorgeous !
Depends on how windy is windy. A gentle breeze is good for me and I do like sand but not blowing everywhere.