A word of warning: if you want to build sandcastles, Nice’s beaches may not be for you. The five mile long bend at the water’s edge consists almost exclusively of small stones, or larger ones. But the compensations are many. The Bay of Angels did not adopt his name. The vast sea is filled with light that seemingly comes directly from our Creator. The water is serene and warm(ish). The long, long beach appears to be one continuous stretch, but the Niçois have divided it into more than twenty separate beaches, some private, some public and some mixed. If you need one of the sun loungers set up in military ranks on private beaches, prepare to pay around £25 per person per day. These are our 10 favorites.
And for more Nice inspiration, check out our guides to the city’s best hotels, restaurants, nightlife and activities.
Castel Beach
At the far eastern end of the promenade, beneath the cliffs of Castle Hill, the public space borders a private Castle area under Art Deco influence. The Bains-du-Castel restaurant opened in 2023 and serves Mediterranean mains from £27 – steep, but the sun and views are lush. After all, this is fun. The local population is present here in abundance.
How to get there: Walk out of the old town, go to the east end of the ball – and voila.
Insider tip: In the private area, look at artwork from Riviera stars like Ben and Arman. Castel is also one of the more gay-friendly beach concessions.
Opera Beach
The oldest private beach – created in 1889 by the family that still runs it – is one of the longest and liveliest: in the 1960s it was the seaside repair of Johnny Hallyday, Picasso and everyone in between. Renewed in 2019, it remains chic, hip and (for Nice) relatively good value for money, with creditable sea bass in the waterfront restaurant.
How to get there: It is located on the old town. You can not miss it.
Insider tip: Pay a little extra and they’ll deliver national and international newspapers to take the stress out of you, and massages to de-stress. At £8.50, Opéra cocktails are among the cheapest along the beach.
Coco Beach
Beyond the harbour, a series of creeks are barely beaches anymore, more rocks to clamber over. As a result, and because of the distance to the center, you create space between yourself and the majority of tourists. Like the other two major creeks (Réserve and Bains Militaires), Coco has access to the sea via steps or ladders, fantastic views and space for sunbathing, if you can find a flat rock. (Note: These beaches are not great for kids.)
How to get there: Walk around the harbour, to Blvd Franck Pilatte and then to Ave Jean Lorrain. Or take bus 98, stop Théodore-de-Banville/Lorrain. Or tram line 2 to Port Lympia.
Insider tip: Above the rocks of the Réserve beach, the restaurant of the same name is a landmark in Nice. The rooftop bar is unbeatable, but expensive (lareservedenice.fr).
Lenval Beach
A half-hour walk west puts the smart coastal stroller away from the noisy center, and rewards him or her with a decent stretch on which to spread out the towel, toilets, showers and the company of dogs. Lenval is one of the few beaches where pets are allowed in summer.
How to get there: West along the ball until you reach Lenval Hospital. The beach is in front. Or tram line 2 to the Fabron stop.
Insider tip: Do not light up. Lenval is one of the increasing number of smoke-free French beaches.
Centenaire Beach
Right in the center – opposite the Albert I Gardens – is one of the two beaches labeled ‘Handiplage’, therefore fully equipped to ensure that disabled people have access to both the beach and the sea: good water wheelchairs, guidance for those those who want it, adapted toilets and showers, ropes at the water’s edge to pull yourself out of the water and onto the beach. The other Handiplage, Carras Beach, is located near the airport.
How to get there: Via the Albert I gardens.
Insider tip: The Peillon River flows through this beach. It is best to bathe a little away as this can make the sea turbulent.
Beau Rivage Beach
Some people think that the restaurant on this private beach is the best restaurant of all the beaches in Nice, although it is not the most expensive. A main course and drink for lunch costs around £17. It’s still cool and slightly bohemian, with a recently acquired eco-label Clef Verte because it does everything eco-correctly. Next to the sun loungers there are some four-poster beds and the possibility of massages and things like that.
How to get there: Turn right out of the Albert I garden and stop at the Beau Rivage hotel.
Insider tip: A great place for water sports. Nikaia Glisse is located here and offers parasailing, water skiing, towing buoys and almost all other water activities.
Blue beach
In the middle of the ball, more or less in front of the Negresco hotel, Blue Beach’s restaurant scores highly because it is open for lunch all year round. Their summer grilled fish is almost reason enough to stop by. Try the sea bass for £26.
How to get there: Aim for the pink domes of the Negresco and Bob is your uncle.
Insider tip: Do you think the beach restaurant is too expensive? Just off the beach, across the street from the prom, you’ll find a host of seaside dining options. Maybe you should put your shirt back on.
Voilier Beach
Just off centre, the Voilier is long and wide, with smaller pebbles than at the ends of Nice’s beaches, and sloping slightly more gently towards the sea. The public area, ideal for families, is surrounded by private beaches at both ends. Pick is probably the La Vela family business.
How to get there: West along the Promenade des Anglais to Rue Honoré Sauvan. Voilier and La Vela are at the front. Or tram line 2 to the Center Universitaire Méditerranéen (CUM).
Insider tip: You can reserve a table on 0033493571795, but no sunbed. They are first come, first served.
Li Rateta Beach Club
What used to be ‘Florida Beach’ is now dedicated to children: locals who can sign up for the summer or youthful visitors who can sign up for a morning, an afternoon or a whole day. We’re talking beach rugby, football and volleyball, bouncy castles, trampolines, Zumba, supervised swimming and much more.
How to get there: It is a walk to Promenade des Anglais 71, or tram line 2 to the CUM stop.
Insider tip: If you would like your nipper to sign up, come between 9am and 10am in the morning or for a full day, between 1pm and 2.30pm in the afternoon. A whole day costs €18.
Les Marinières, Villefranche
Next along the coast from Nice, heading east, is Villefranche-sur-Mer, on the edge of perhaps the most beautiful bay on the Riviera. The view from the 700 meter long beach, les Marinères, is excellent. The beach itself is also quite good: pebbly, but slightly less than in Nice, and well sheltered by the hills directly behind it.
How to get there: The best choice is the train from Nice Central Station. The journey takes seven minutes, costs £2.15 and the station is directly above the beach.
Insider tip: Although not in Nice, this beach fills up quickly, not least with Niçois. So be there as early as possible.
