French Riviera: 30 Beaches and 8 Ports Awarded the Blue Flag 2026, Confirming the Region as a Leader in Sustainable Tourism

The French Riviera (Côte d’Azur) confirms its status as one of Europe’s leading coastal destinations in 2026. A total of 30 beaches and 8 marinas along the Riviera have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag (Pavillon Bleu), an international eco-label recognizing excellence in environmental management and beach quality.

Among the standout destinations are Antibes, Cannes, and Nice, where the Blue Flag will once again fly for the 2026 summer season, strengthening the region’s reputation as a benchmark for sustainable Mediterranean tourism.

What the Blue Flag Means and Why It Matters

The Blue Flag is far more than a tourist label. It is an international certification based on strict environmental and service-related criteria, including:

• water quality and cleanliness
• waste management and recycling systems
• beach facilities and services
• safety and accessibility standards
• environmental education and protection policies

This certification plays a significant role in travelers’ decisions. Recent studies show that 67% of French tourists consider the Blue Flag an important factor, and more than 80% of them prefer certified beaches for their holidays.

Côte d’Azur: A Benchmark for Sustainable Tourism in 2026

The official 2026 list confirms the leading role of the Alpes-Maritimes region in sustainable coastal tourism. The awarded beaches are mainly concentrated in the key Riviera destinations, reflecting a growing balance between tourism development and environmental protection.

The French Riviera continues to invest in coastal quality, promoting a tourism model that prioritizes sustainability while preserving the Mediterranean’s most valuable natural resource: the sea.

Awarded Beaches: From Antibes to Nice and Cannes

Here are some of the Blue Flag beaches in the French Riviera 2026, by city:

Antibes

• Les Groules
• Fontonne Est
• Fontonne Ouest
• Square Gould
• Antibes-les-Pins East & West
• Garoupe West

• La Salis
• Marineland
• Fort Carré
• Croûton

Cannes

• Bijou
• Trou (Roubine)
• Font de Veyre
• Gare Marchandises
• Gazagnaire
• Île Sainte-Marguerite East & West
• Midi
• Moure Rouge
• Riou (Plage de la Nadine)
• Rochers de la Bocca
• Sud Aviation

Nice

• Bambou
• Carras
• Castel
• Forum

• Poincaré
• Saint Hélène
• Nice Galion

These beaches represent some of the most popular and visited coastal areas of the Riviera, known for their high environmental standards and quality services.

Eight Riviera Ports Also Recognized with the Blue Flag

Alongside beaches, eight marinas in the Alpes-Maritimes have also been awarded the Blue Flag 2026, highlighting the region’s commitment to sustainable nautical tourism.

Awarded ports include:

• Cap d’Ail Marina
• Marina Baie des Anges – Villeneuve-Loubet
• Port Camille Rayon – Golfe-Juan
• Cannes Old Port
• Port du Moure Rouge – Cannes
• Port Pierre Canto – Cannes
• Port de La Napoule – Mandelieu-La Napoule
• Golfe-Juan Old Port

This recognition reflects ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impact and improve sustainable management of maritime infrastructure.

A Greener Côte d’Azur: Sustainability as a Tourism Strategy

The strong presence of Blue Flag sites across the French Riviera confirms a clear trend: environmental quality has become a key competitive factor for tourism destinations.

As global travelers increasingly prioritize sustainability, the Côte d’Azur positions itself as a European leader, combining natural beauty, premium services, and strong environmental protection policies.

With 30 awarded beaches and 8 ports, the French Riviera once again sets the standard for sustainable Mediterranean tourism in 2026.