Nice Beaches
Relaxing on the free Plage de l’Opera; (c) Soul Of America
In French, Plage means Beach. Unlike tropical beaches, central beaches in Nice have smooth grey stones, called galets. For your comfort walking on them, water shoes are recommended. As the name implies, public beaches are free, while private beaches charge for sun loungers + umbrella rentals.
If you’ve traveled from America, we recommend spending a few extra bucks for a sun lounger & umbrella to fully enjoy the Cote d’Azur experience. Either way, the time to visit during warm months is morning when the best spots are available before crowds arrive.
Les Bains du Castel Bistro at the end of Plage de Castel; (c) Soul Of America
Plage de Castel
Considered one of the best and most scenic private beaches, located at the eastern end of the Promenade. Plage de l’Opéra: A popular, central beach with excellent service. You will notice a restaurant at the eastern overlooking this glamorous private beach.
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Plage des Ponchettes, Nice; (c) Soul Of America
Plage des Pochettes
A small pebble beach favored by locals and those seeking a relaxed atmosphere.
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Plage de l”Opera
A small pebble beach favored by locals for sunbathing and wave-watching in a more relaxed atmosphere.
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Entrance to Plage Beau Rivage; (c) OrnellaIseppi/PEXELS
Plage Beau Rivage
A small pebble beach favored by local families and a more relaxed atmosphere. Has aFrench restaurant next to it for dining at the beach.
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View of Le Meridien Nice from Plage du Centenaire; (c) Soul Of America
Plage du Centenaire
A public beach known for being accessible, with amenities for those with reduced mobility.
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Plage de Carras & Lido Plage
Two small pebble beaches just west of Plage du Centenaire. Its is convenient to Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Le Meridien Nice, and the Nice Cote d’Azur Office of Tourism.
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Blue Plage Nightclub; (c) Soul Of America
Blue Plage
A small pebble beach favored by visitors who want to rent lounge chairs & umbrellas at the beach
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Plage de la Réserve
A small rocky beach ideal for a quieter, scenic swim. Have lunch at the fine Le Reserve de Nice Restaurant before or afterwards.
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Plage des Marinieres in Villefranche-sur-Mer; (c) Alexandro Pasqualicchio/UNSPLASH
Plage des Marinères
This long near-sandy beach just 17 minutes away from central Nice. I said near-sandy because the pebbles are very small, but not fine like sand. This beach offers tranquil shallow waters that are perfect for lounging. It’s accessible by regional train from Gare de Nice-Ville to Villefranche-sur-Mer Station. Or, you can take Uber or Bolt ride here or take the 80 local bus from Nice. Many visitors stop at cafes along Promenade des Marinieres before or after a swim.
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Coco Beach
Located near Mont Boron district, this very small beach favored by locals for snorkeling and a relaxed atmosphere on the rocks.
Plage de Grasseuil
A small beach near the entrance to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. It best reached by car or shared ride. You might want to stop here after visiting Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.
Plage de Passable
Bring your appetite for the Mediterranean cafe overlooking this medium size beach midway on the west side of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
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Plage Paloma in Cap-Ferrat; (c) Ambre Fraticelli/CdAT
Plage Paloma
This beautiful, sheltered cove in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat offers a sense exclusivity, as it’s surrounded by wealthy homes. serene experience.
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Plage des Fossettes in Cap-Ferrat; (c) Camille MOIRENC/CdAT
Plage de la Fosse & Plage des Fossettes
Located on southernmost Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferratand separated by a small jetty of land, these two sheltered cove beaches also provide exclusivity and serenity. Ladies might want to keep their tops on, since wealthy homeowners on the small jetty have great views overlooking each beach.
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