Nice France Beaches

The French Riviera is primarily known for three things: its hotels, its casinos, and its beaches. While Nice only boasts a handful of casinos, the Nice hotels are certainly impressive, and so are the city’s beaches. The beaches are split into public and private; the former are open to everyone, are free to use, and are consequently quite busy. The latter are more secluded, though you’ll have to pay a fee for a lounge chair, a parasol, and a towel, and eating your own food while on the beaches is strictly prohibited.

In Nice France beaches run along the entire seafront. The Nice beaches are some of the most visited of all French Riviera beaches. They extend uninterrupted for more than four miles, following the Promenade des Anglais from the international airport all the way to the foot of the Château in the Vieux-Port (old port). Like many other French Riviera beaches, the Nice beaches are covered with galets, hard round marble-like pebbles sometimes as large as golf balls. The rocks have been worn smooth by the sea, but can still be uncomfortable to tender feet.

The best beaches by Nice are often private. The fifteen private Nice beaches alternate with the public areas. Most are clustered at the more scenic, western end of the bay close to old Nice. Some belong to seafront Nice hotels such as the Beau Rivage. Others welcome anyone willing to pay to 10 to 20 euros for a half-day or full-day pass. Renting a chaise longue, mattress, or parasol is extra. Outside food is also prohibited in these private areas - the best beaches by Nice expect you to buy food from their own restaurant. This is a good idea if you want to enjoy a day of luxury on a French beach; it can be very pleasant (though expensive) to have drinks brought right to your seat. Be sure to request a place on the premier ligne, closest to the Mediterranean and its cooling breeze. One quality private beach is the Castel Plage (plage is the French word for beach) at the foot of the Château, but all the private areas offer a welcome respite from the crowds and loud children on some of the other Nice beaches. If you only have a few days to spend on a French beach, paying for the private area can be well worth the cost.

In Nice France beaches are most crowded in July and August, the standard vacation months in Europe. If you are visiting the Nice beaches in these months, you may need to call ahead to reserve a lounger or parasol. A visit to the French Riviera beaches is an essential part of any Côte d'Azur vacation and the best beaches by Nice are as good as any French beach.