Nice's beaches

What are the best beaches in Nice?

the beach in Nice in summer
The sea, the sun, happiness

On which beach will you lay your towel?

This city is resolutely sea-oriented, but which beach to choose? Directly on the Bay of Angels, the town boasts 8 kilometers of mostly public and free beaches. While most of the city's beaches are covered in large gray and white pebbles, you only have to leave the city center to find fine sandy beaches. Here's an overview of what's on offer.

Pebble beach in Nice
Farniente in the heart of the city

Nice's beaches

Crystal-clear turquoise water right in the center of town - it's one of the miracles that makes Nice so attractive...
All summer long, sunbathing is the order of the day on one of the city's beaches, most of them along the Promenade des Anglais. Lovers of swimming and lounging, as well as the more sporty, can take advantage of twenty public and fifteen private beaches, all covered in grey and white pebbles.  

Did you know?
Water quality

Here, the Blue Flag is hoisted!

Several of Nice's beaches have been awarded the Pavillon Bleu label. This eco-label, created in 1985, guarantees safe bathing and clean water, for perfect bathing peace of mind. 

Public beaches

Whether you're looking for a corner of paradise to relax in, thrilling water activities or simply the ideal place to enjoy the sun and sea, we've selected the must-visit beaches of this iconic city for you. Follow us as we explore these exceptional spaces, where natural beauty and fun come together.

plage du centenaire à nice avec des baigneurs
Sunbathing on the Promenade des Anglais

Centenaire beach

Centenaire beach is one of Nice's most accessible and popular beaches. Opposite the Jardin Albert 1er, the atmosphere is particularly friendly and lively. Well-equipped with showers and sanitary facilities. Deckchairs and parasols are available for hire for those wishing to relax in comfort while soaking up the Mediterranean sunshine. Its proximity to bars and restaurants makes it an ideal place to extend the evening. With its central location and amenities, this is one of Nice's best beaches for enjoying the city to the full.

Carras beach

Located to the west of the town, this is one of the longest beaches. It stretches for 350 meters and features a beach volleyball court. If you fancy a game, this is the beach for you! A nautical center offers jet-ski rentals. A summer pleasure that's hard to pass up.

It's one of the town's 2 handiplages, and is accessible thanks to MOBIL'AZUR, a public transport service on demand, dedicated to people with reduced mobility.

The beach is also dog-friendly.

Lenval Beach

Between the Fabron and Magnan beaches, Lenval beach is reputed to be quieter than the other public beaches on the Prom'. Located just 2.5 kilometers from the Casino Ruhl, many tourists have decided to put down their towels before arriving. Windsurfers and windsurfers have a specially equipped area to practice their favorite sports. The easiest way to get there is by public transport or on foot.

Private beaches

Several private beaches offer holidaymakers a cosy or trendy setting to spend a day or evening with their feet in the water, in a chic, cocooning or festive atmosphere.

The Cocoon Beach Club

The Cocoon Beach Club offers lounge areas and spaced-out deckchairs for absolute relaxation and an exceptional view of the beach. The VIP lounge offers greater privacy. The restaurant serves generous, refined Mediterranean cuisine. A great place to relax in the sun.

 

Beau Rivage Beach

On the Promenade des Anglais, Plage Beau Rivage is the ideal place to spend a day comfortably seated in the shade of a parasol, taking advantage of the clear waters to cool off. You can enjoy a freshly prepared lunch on the terrace and, at the end of the day, enjoy tapas while admiring the sunset. Fancy extending your evening with some music? The Beau Rivage beach offers a lounge or DJ program to end the day in style. 

the sandy beach at villefranche-sur-mer

A touch of the Caribbean...

If you love the feel of warm sand beneath your feet, you'll love our selection of fine sandy beaches near Nice. To enjoy them, you'll have to leave the city center and head for the breathtakingly beautiful calanques. Here's a small selection, just for you:

  • La plage des Fossettes at Cap Ferrat: snorkelling fans beware, this beach is renowned for its serenity and the richness of its seabed.
  • The Mala beach in Cap d'Ail, near Monaco, is an emblematic beach. Renowned for its exceptional setting at the foot of the cliffs, it is lined with villas and its turquoise-blue waters.
  • The Marinières beach at the entrance to the charming port of Villefranche-sur-mer is ideal for a lazy day just a short stroll from the center of the old town.