"Travelers flock in droves to the see-and-be-seen beach clubs in Saint-Tropez and Cannes, but Plage Mala’s cobalt- and emerald-colored water easily rivals the Maldives — and lacks the crowds. The entrance to Cap-d’Ail’s cove is as dramatic as the surrounding cliffs encasing the pebble beach. You'll need to prepare for a light trek down winding steps, but once you reach the shore, you’ll see why the effort was worth it. Book one of the ink-black beach beds at local favorite Eden Plage Mala (one of two private beaches here) and spend the afternoon sipping local rosé or cruising to the nearby sea caves by pedal boat." - Lane Nieset Lane Nieset Lane Nieset is a travel writer from Miami who has lived in France for the past decade. From Paris, she covers a mix of lifestyle, wine, food, and design for publications including Food & Wine, Condé N