Most visitors to Nice never get beyond the beaches lining the Promenade des Anglais. While these iconic stretches of coastline have a beauty all of their own, anyone who’s tried getting in and out of the water barefoot will know just how unforgiving Nice’s famous pebbles can be.
The good news is that some of the best beaches in Nice are found away from the busiest sections of the promenade, while others lie just a short walk, drive, or train ride from the city centre. From the crystal-clear waters of Coco Beach and Plage de la Réserve to the stunning bay at Plage des Marinières and the azur waters of Plage Mala, there’s far more variety here than many first-time visitors realise.
I’ve been visiting the Côte d’Azur for more than 25 years and have lived in the region for the past few years, giving me plenty of opportunities to explore the coastline from Nice to Menton, Antibes, and beyond. In this guide, I’ll share my favourite beaches in Nice and nearby, including where to find the clearest water, the best swimming, the most scenic bays, and the beaches that are genuinely worth adding to your French Riviera itinerary.
Quick Facts – Best Beaches in Nice – 2026 Guide
🏖️ Best overall: Plage Mala
🏙️ Best beach in Nice: Castel Plage
👨👩👧 Best for families: Plage des Marinières
🤿 Best for swimming: Paloma Beach
🍹 Best beach club: Beau Rivage
💎 Best hidden gem: Plage de la Réserve
🚆 Best day trip: Villefranche-sur-Mer
☀️ Best months: June & September
👟 Don’t forget: Water shoes (Nice beaches are pebbly)
Nice’s Best Beaches Map or Map of the Best Beaches in Nice
You will find each beach pinned in my Google Map below.
⭐ Tip: Click the star icon on the map title bar (“Best Beaches in Nice”) to save this map to your Google account for easy access later.
The 12 Best Beaches in Nice
If you are willing to venture a little further than the Old Town in Nice on foot, by train or car, or even by bike, you can discover some of the best swimming spots that the Côte d’Azur has to offer. Below you will find my 12 favourites. All tried and tested so all you have to do is plan your day and turn up, towel, bathers and sunscreen in hand for a stunning day on this beautiful stretch of Mediterranean coast.
To make planning easier, I’ve organised these beaches from east to west along the coastline, starting with the coves and swimming spots around Villefranche-sur-Mer and Cap Ferrat before working back through Nice and along the Promenade des Anglais.
If you are visiting Nice for the first time – be sure to check out my guide to safety in Nice.
East of Nice (the scenic beaches)
Starting from Nice Port and working eastwards, discover some of the best beaches easily reached on foot, bus or by train from Central Nice.
1. Plage de la Réserve
💡 Best for: Crystal-clear swimming and a more local feel
🚶 Getting there: Around 10 minutes on foot from Port Lympia or 20-30 minutes from Nice Old Town
❤️ Why I Love It: For me, this is where Nice starts to feel like the Côte d’Azur people dream of. The water is often a vivid shade of Mediterranean blue and the setting feels far removed from the busy Promenade des Anglais.
🌿 What it’s like:
Plage de la Réserve sits along the beautiful Sentier du Littoral between Nice Port and Cap de Nice, an area that many visitors never discover. Rather than one large beach, you’ll find a mix of narrow pebble coves, rocky swimming platforms, and small inlets tucked into the coastline.
What I particularly like about this stretch of coast is that it still feels surprisingly natural despite being so close to the city. The coastal scenery is beautiful, with uninterrupted sea views, rocky headlands and the famous Le Plongeoir restaurant perched dramatically on the rocks nearby.
🌊 Swimming:
Swimming here is excellent. The water is usually beautifully clear and takes on the vivid azur-blue colours that gave the Côte d’Azur its name. Access is via pebbles, rocks, steps, and ladders, so water shoes are highly recommended.
This isn’t the best beach for inexperienced swimmers or young children, particularly when the sea is rough. Because of its proximity to the port, larger waves can occasionally appear unexpectedly.
⚠️ Good to know:
There are showers available, but facilities are otherwise limited. The beach is not lifeguarded, access involves several steep steps, and parking nearby can be difficult during summer. It is recommended to come on foot.
💡 Top Tip
Don’t just visit the beach itself. Follow the Sentier du Littoral between the Port of Nice, Plage de la Réserve, Coco Beach and onwards to the Cap du Nice for some of the most scenic sea views in the city and several fantastic spots for a swim along the way.
2. Coco Beach
💡 Best for: Snorkelling and confident swimmers
📍 Location: Nice Port
🚶🏽Getting there: 20 minute walk from the Old Town.
❤️ Why I love it:
This is where I bring visitors who think that all Nice beaches look the same. The water clarity here is on another level.
🌿 What it’s like:
Coco Beach is a swimming spot I never tire of. Unlike the long beaches along the Promenade des Anglais, it feels far more rugged and local. Natural rock platforms extend into the sea, creating crystal-clear swimming areas that are popular with locals during summer.
🌊 Swimming:
The water here is exceptionally clear, making it one of the best places in Nice for snorkelling. Access is via rocks rather than a traditional beach, so water shoes are helpful.
⚠️ Good to know:
There are no major facilities, sunbeds or beach clubs. Bring everything you need and arrive early during summer.
💡 Top Tip
Visit early in the morning when the sea is usually at its calmest and the water takes on an incredible deep blue colour.
3. Plage des Marinières (Villefranche-sur-Mer)
💡 Best for: Families, sandy beaches and classic French Riviera scenery
🚶 Getting there: Just 7 minutes by train from Nice-Ville. The beach sits directly below the Villefranche-sur-Mer station.
❤️ Why I Love It: If I could choose just one beach to capture the essence of the French Riviera, this would be it. I’ve swum across the bay towards Cap Ferrat, paddled beneath the lighthouse, and spent countless mornings here watching Villefranche slowly come to life.
🌿 What it’s like:
Stretching along the beautiful Bay of Villefranche, Plage des Marinières is one of the closest sandy beaches to Nice and one of the most scenic anywhere on the Côte d’Azur. The beach curves around the bay for almost a kilometre, with colourful Villefranche-sur-Mer on one side and the green headlands of Cap Ferrat on the other.
Unlike many beaches in Nice, you’ll find a mix of coarse sand and fine gravel rather than large pebbles, making it much more comfortable for sunbathing and walking barefoot. The setting is spectacular, with crystal-clear water, fishing boats and yachts bobbing in the bay, and some of the Riviera’s most beautiful coastal scenery all around you.
🌊 Swimming:
Swimming here is excellent. The bay is naturally sheltered, the water is usually calm, and the seabed slopes gently, making it one of the best beaches near Nice for families and less confident swimmers.
I’ve spent hours swimming and paddleboarding in this bay over the years and it’s a place I consistently recommend on the entire Riviera for ease of getting into the water. You’ll often see paddle-boarders, kayakers, swimmers, and even paddle-board yoga sessions taking place during summer.
⚠️ Good to know:
This is no secret. During summer the beach becomes extremely busy, particularly once the late morning trains arrive from Nice. The railway line also runs behind the beach, although most visitors quickly stop noticing it.
Facilities include showers, toilets, seasonal lifeguards, nearby cafés, beach rentals, and a large paid car park.
💡 Top Tip:
Arrive early. My favourite mornings here start around 6:30am with breakfast overlooking the bay before spending a few peaceful hours on the beach. By late morning, especially in summer, the atmosphere is completely different as day-trippers begin to arrive from Nice.
4. Paloma Beach (Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat)
💡 Best for: Scenic swimming, snorkelling, and a classic Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat experience
🚴 Getting there: Around 25 minutes from Nice by car, bus, or bike. Arriving by bike is often the easiest option during summer when parking in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat can be challenging.
❤️ Why I Love It: The first time I visited Paloma Beach on a summer morning, I expected crowds. Instead, I found a handful of people enjoying one of the most beautiful bays on the French Riviera almost entirely to themselves.
🌿 What it’s like:
Tucked away on the northeastern side of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Paloma Beach is one of the Riviera’s most spectacular swimming spots. The beach looks across a stunning bay towards Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Èze, Cap d’Ail, and Monaco, with fishing boats, sailing yachts, and superyachts gently bobbing in the sapphire water.
For decades, Paloma was famous for its beach club, which permanently closed following cliff stabilisation works in 2024. Personally, I think the beach is all the better for it. Today it feels more natural, less crowded, and far more authentic than many of the Riviera’s private beach clubs.
The beach is also the starting point for one of the best coastal walks on the Côte d’Azur, the Promenade des Fossettes around Cap Ferrat, making it easy to combine a beach day with a spectacular seaside walk.
🌊 Swimming:
Swimming here is exceptional. The water is incredibly clear, calm, and perfect for snorkelling. I’ve spent hours swimming in this bay and it remains a place I never tire of on the Riviera to get into the sea.
The beach is pebbly, so water shoes are helpful, and there are several rocky areas nearby that are popular for snorkelling and jumping into the water.
⚠️ Good to know:
Access is via a fairly steep staircase, making it less suitable for visitors with limited mobility. During July and August the beach can still become busy, particularly from late morning onwards.
Parking in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is notoriously difficult in summer, which is one reason I often prefer arriving by bike or visiting early in the morning.
💡 Top Tip
Arrive before 9am and combine your visit with a walk along the Promenade des Fossettes towards Saint-Hospice. You’ll enjoy the beach at its quietest and discover some of the most beautiful coastal scenery anywhere on the French Riviera.
5. Plage de la Petite Afrique (Beaulieu-sur-Mer)
💡 Best for: Families, sheltered swimming, and relaxed beach days
🚆 Getting there: Around 15 minutes by train from Nice to Beaulieu-sur-Mer, followed by a 10 to 15-minute walk (˜500m).
❤️ Why I Love It: Few beaches on the French Riviera feel quite as sheltered and protected as Plage de la Petite Afrique. Tucked beneath dramatic cliffs and backed by Mediterranean pines, it has a completely different atmosphere from the more exposed beaches around Nice.
🌿 What it’s like:
Located on the eastern edge of Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Plage de la Petite Afrique is one of the largest beaches in the area and a popular choice for families. The beach stretches for around 400 metres and is made up of fine gravel and small pebbles, making it much more comfortable underfoot than many of Nice’s larger pebble beaches.
One of the things that makes this beach stand out is its setting. Towering cliffs rise behind the beach while umbrella pines and palm trees create an almost subtropical feel. It’s easy to see how the beach earned its unusual name.
There is plenty of space to spread out, along with shaded areas beneath the trees, which can be a welcome escape during the hottest summer afternoons.
🌊 Swimming:
Swimming conditions are generally excellent. The beach is well protected from wind and waves, the water is usually calm, and the seabed shelves gently into the Mediterranean.
During summer, lifeguards are on duty and anti-jellyfish nets are often installed, making this one of the safest family-friendly beaches near Nice.
⚠️ Good to know:
Facilities include showers, toilets, beach volleyball courts, children’s play areas, watersports, and seasonal beach clubs including Baia Bella. Parking is available nearby but fills quickly during summer, so arriving early is recommended.
💡 Top Tip
If you’re visiting with children, head for the shaded pine trees at the back of the beach. It’s one of the few beaches near Nice where you can easily alternate between swimming, relaxing in the shade, and enjoying a picnic without constantly moving your belongings around.
6. Plage Mala (Cap d’Ail)
💡 Best for: Spectacular scenery and crystal-clear swimming
🚶 Getting there: Around 20 minutes by train from Nice to Cap-d’Ail, followed by a steep walk down to the beach
❤️ Why I Love It: If someone asked me to picture a hidden Mediterranean cove, Plage Mala is exactly what would come to mind. The dramatic cliffs, aquamarine water, and secluded setting make it one of the most beautiful beaches anywhere near Nice.
🌿 What it’s like:
Tucked beneath the cliffs of Cap-d’Ail, Plage Mala feels a world away from the city beaches of Nice. The beach sits in a sheltered bay surrounded by pine-covered slopes and rocky headlands, creating one of the most spectacular natural settings on the French Riviera.
Getting here requires a little effort. Whether you arrive via the staircase from Cap-d’Ail or along the Sentier du Littoral, you’ll need to tackle a fair number of steps. The reward, however, is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline on the Côte d’Azur.
The beach itself is divided between public sections and a couple of well-known beach clubs, but there is still plenty of space to enjoy the scenery without spending a fortune on a sunbed.
🌊 Swimming:
Swimming at Plage Mala is exceptional. The bay is naturally sheltered, the water is usually calm, and the colours range from deep sapphire blue to brilliant turquoise depending on the light.
The seabed is a mix of sand and small pebbles, while the protected nature of the cove makes it popular with swimmers, paddleboarders, and families. On calm summer mornings, the water can be almost glass-like. It is up there with my favourite swimming spots on the Côte d’Azur.
⚠️ Good to know:
This is not the easiest beach to access and isn’t ideal for visitors with limited mobility. Parking can also be challenging during summer, particularly in July and August. As always I advise arriving early or coming by bicycle.
If you’re carrying lots of beach gear, remember that you’ll have to bring it all back up the hill at the end of the day.
💡 Top Tip
Combine your visit with a walk along the Sentier du Littoral or to the nearby perched village of Éze. Some of the coastal views around Cap-d’Ail are every bit as impressive as the beach itself, and you’ll discover several smaller coves along the way.
Nice Proper
Although the beach running along the Promenade des Anglais appears to be one long stretch of beach, it is actually divided into several different sections. Along the way you’ll find public beaches, private beach clubs, family-friendly spaces, volleyball courts and even dog-friendly spaces.
I have outlined below the sections that I find myself returning to most often when spending time in Nice.
7. Castel Plage
💡 Best for: Iconic views and swimming beneath Castle Hill
🚶 Getting there: Located at the eastern end of the Promenade des Anglais, directly below Castle Hill and the famous “I Love Nice” sign – just steps away from the Cours Saleya and Nice Old Town
❤️ Why I Love It: If it’s your first visit to Nice, this is the stretch of beach I’d send you to. The setting beneath Castle Hill is spectacular and the water here often feels calmer and more sheltered than other parts of the Promenade.
🌿 What it’s like:
Tucked beneath Castle Hill at the eastern end of the Promenade des Anglais, Castel Plage occupies one of the most beautiful positions anywhere in Nice. With colourful Old Town behind you and uninterrupted views across the Baie des Anges ahead, it perfectly captures the city’s seaside charm.
Part of the beach is occupied by the well-known Castel Plage beach club and restaurant, but there is also plenty of public beach space available, meaning everyone can enjoy this stunning location without needing to rent a sunbed.
The rocky headland around Rauba-Capeù helps create a slightly more sheltered feel than some of the beaches further west along the Promenade.
🌊 Swimming:
Swimming here is excellent, with clear azure water and beautiful views across the bay.
Like most beaches in Nice, the shoreline is made up of large pebbles and the beach shelves steeply into the sea. For 2026, the city has installed additional rope handrails at several entry points, making it easier to get in and out of the water safely.
Water shoes remain highly recommended.
⚠️ Good to know:
The beach becomes extremely popular during summer, particularly with visitors taking photos at the nearby “I Love Nice” sign who stop for a quick dip. Arriving early in the morning offers a much more relaxed experience.
Facilities, restaurants, showers, and public transport are all within easy walking distance.
💡 Top Tip
Visit early in the morning before the crowds arrive. Watching the sun illuminate Castle Hill while the sea turns many shades of blue is a memorable way to start a day in Nice.
8. Plage des Ponchettes
💡 Best for: Easy beach access from Nice Old Town
🚶 Getting there: Just a few minutes’ walk from Cours Saleya, the Opera House, and the heart of Vieux Nice
❤️ Why I Love It: If I’m exploring Nice Old Town and fancy a quick swim, this is usually where I head. You can go from wandering the narrow streets of Vieux Nice to swimming in the Mediterranean in just a few minutes.
🌿 What it’s like:
Located between Castel Plage and Plage de l’Opéra, Plage des Ponchettes occupies one of the most convenient locations anywhere in Nice. Sitting directly opposite the Old Town, it’s a popular choice for visitors who want to combine sightseeing, lunch, and a swim without travelling far.
Like most beaches along the Promenade des Anglais, the shoreline is made up of large pebbles, but during the summer months you’ll also find a beach volleyball area with imported sand that adds a different feel to this section of the waterfront.
The atmosphere is lively throughout the day, with a mix of locals, tourists, volleyball players, and people taking a break from exploring the city.
🌊 Swimming:
The water here is typically clear and inviting, although the seabed drops away quite quickly once you enter the sea.
Like many beaches in Nice, getting in and out of the water can be challenging due to the large pebbles underfoot. Water shoes are highly recommended and make a huge difference to your experience.
The installation of rope handrails along several sections of the Promenade beaches has also been a welcome improvement, making entry and exit easier and safer.
⚠️ Good to know:
This is one of the busiest beaches in Nice during summer thanks to its proximity to Vieux Nice. Parking can be difficult, but if you’re staying in the city centre, walking, cycling, or taking the tram is by far the easiest option.
Lifeguards are on duty during the summer season.
💡 Top Tip
Pick up a coffee and pastry in Vieux Nice and head down for an early morning swim before the crowds arrive. The combination of Old Town charm and Mediterranean views is hard to beat.
9. Plage Beau Rivage
💡 Best for: A classic Nice beach club experience
🚶 Getting there: Located in the heart of Nice along the Promenade des Anglais, just a short walk from Place Masséna and Vieux Nice
❤️ Why I Love It: While beach clubs aren’t usually my thing, Beau Rivage offers one of the better beach club experiences in Nice thanks to its central location, beautiful sea views, iconic blue and white striped umbrellas and easy access from the city centre.
🌿 What it’s like:
Situated in the heart of Nice, Beau Rivage combines a private beach club with public beach access, making it a popular choice for visitors wanting a little extra comfort during their stay on the French Riviera.
The setting is hard to beat. You’re right on the Promenade des Anglais with sweeping views across the Baie des Anges, yet only a few minutes from the shops, restaurants, and attractions of central Nice.
The atmosphere tends to be more relaxed and refined than some of the flashier beach clubs found elsewhere on the Riviera, making it appealing to couples and visitors looking for a comfortable beach day without venturing too far from the city.
🌊 Swimming:
Swimming conditions are excellent, with clear Mediterranean water and easy access directly from the beach.
As with most beaches in Nice, the shoreline consists of large pebbles rather than sand, so water shoes are highly recommended. The sea deepens relatively quickly, but the water is usually calm and inviting during summer.
⚠️ Good to know:
Sunbeds and umbrellas are available to rent, while the beachfront restaurant and lounge bar operate throughout the season. If you’re planning to visit during July or August, booking ahead is advisable.
There is also public beach space to either side of the club if you’d prefer to enjoy the location without paying for a sunbed.
💡 Top Tip
If you’re curious about the beach club experience but don’t want to commit to a full day, stop by for lunch or a sunset drink instead. You’ll enjoy the same fantastic sea views without the cost of a reserved sunbed.
10. Plage du Centenaire
💡 Best for: Accessible swimming in the heart of Nice
🚶 Getting there: Located opposite Jardin Albert I and Place Masséna, just a few minutes from Nice Old Town
❤️ Why I Love It: Plage du Centenaire occupies one of the most central locations in Nice and, importantly, is one of only two beaches in the city awarded the Handiplage label for accessibility, making the beach accessible for all.
🌿 What it’s like:
Stretching along the Promenade des Anglais opposite Jardin Albert I, Plage du Centenaire is one of the busiest and most convenient public beaches in Nice. Its central location makes it an easy choice for visitors staying in the city centre.
Like the other beaches along the Promenade des Anglais, it consists primarily of pebbles, although some sections have a mixture of smaller stones and gravel. Lifeguards are present during the summer season and there are public facilities nearby, making it a practical choice for a day by the sea.
🌊 Swimming:
Swimming conditions are generally excellent, with clear Mediterranean water and easy access from the promenade.
One of the most welcome improvements in recent years has been the installation of rope handrails extending towards the water, helping swimmers navigate Nice’s famously steep pebble beaches more comfortably.
As with most beaches along the Promenade des Anglais, water shoes are highly recommended.
♿ Accessibility:
Plage du Centenaire is particularly notable for being one of only two beaches in Nice to hold the prestigious Handiplage label.
During the summer season, specially trained staff provide assisted bathing services using adapted equipment, including amphibious wheelchairs, flotation aids, and accessible changing facilities. Ramps, pathways, accessible toilets, and shaded areas have all been designed to make the beach as inclusive as possible.
⚠️ Good to know:
The beach sits close to the mouth of the Paillon River. Following periods of heavy rainfall, water quality can occasionally be affected near the river outflow, so many swimmers prefer to position themselves further along the beach.
💡 Top Tip
If you’re staying in central Nice and want the easiest possible beach day, this is one of the most convenient options in the city. You can be shopping in Place Masséna, exploring Vieux Nice, or enjoying a coffee in Jardin Albert I and reach the beach in just a few minutes.
11. Plage Lenval (Brigitte Bardot Beach)
💡 Best for: Dog owners and a more local beach experience
🚶 Getting there: Located along the western section of the Promenade des Anglais, opposite Lenval Children’s Hospital
❤️ Why I Love It: This stretch of beach feels noticeably more local than the beaches around Old Town and Castle Hill. I also can’t help smiling every time I pass the dog sculpture standing watch over the beach.
🌿 What it’s like:
Located west of the Negresco Hotel and opposite Lenval Children’s Hospital, Plage Lenval offers a quieter alternative to Nice’s busier central beaches. While you’ll still find the same beautiful Mediterranean views and clear water, the atmosphere here tends to be more relaxed, with a greater mix of local residents than tourists.
In 2026, the beach was renamed Brigitte Bardot Beach in honour of the French icon’s lifelong commitment to animal welfare. It’s one of the few beaches in Nice where dogs are welcome, making it a favourite with local pet owners.
The beach is easy to spot thanks to the playful sculptures of “Totor”, the surfing lifeguard dog.
🌊 Swimming:
Like most beaches in Nice, Plage Lenval is made up of large pebbles with clear Mediterranean water and a steep entry into the sea.
The beach is generally quieter than those closer to Place Masséna, making it a pleasant spot for a swim away from the busiest tourist areas.
Water shoes are strongly recommended, particularly if you’re planning to spend time in and out of the water.
🐕 Dog Friendly:
Plage Lenval is one of the few dog-friendly beaches in Nice. Dogs are permitted to use the beach and swim in designated areas, making it a rare option for travellers visiting the Côte d’Azur with their four-legged companions.
Dog drinking fountains and waste bag dispensers have also been installed to make visits easier for pet owners.
⚠️ Good to know:
There are showers and toilets nearby, but parking can be difficult. The easiest way to reach the beach is by tram, bus, bicycle, or on foot along the Promenade des Anglais.
Unlike some neighbouring beaches, there is generally more room to spread out during summer.
💡 Top Tip
Even if you don’t have a dog, this is a great beach to visit if you’re looking for a quieter and more local side of Nice. Arrive in the late afternoon and enjoy a swim before strolling back along the Promenade des Anglais as the sun begins to set.
12. Plage du Carras
💡 Best for: Families, accessible swimming and plane spotting
🚶 Getting there: Around 20 minutes by tram from Place Masséna (Carras stop)
❤️ Why I Love It: Most visitors never make it this far west along the Promenade des Anglais, but that’s exactly why I like it. The atmosphere feels far more local than the beaches around Old Town, and if you’re an aviation geek like me, watching aircraft glide in over the Mediterranean before landing at Nice Airport never gets old.
🌿 What it’s like:
Located close to Nice Airport, Plage du Carras is one of the largest public beaches in western Nice. It stretches for around 350 metres and tends to attract local families rather than tourists staying in the city centre.
The beach has a much more relaxed feel than the crowded sections around the Old Town. There are not really beach clubs on this section, more space to spread out and a noticeably local atmosphere, particularly outside peak summer weekends.
Although the pebbles are larger here than on some of Nice’s central beaches, the reward is fewer crowds and plenty of room to enjoy the Riviera sunshine.
🌊 Swimming:
The water is typically clear and clean, with lifeguards on duty during the summer season.
Plage du Carras is one of only two beaches in Nice awarded the Handiplage label, making it one of the most accessible swimming spots on the Côte d’Azur. Adapted facilities, amphibious wheelchairs and support staff help visitors with reduced mobility enjoy safe access to the sea.
🏐 Facilities and Activities:
Plage du Carras is one of the best-equipped public beaches in Nice, with:
- Handiplage facilities
- Lifeguard station
- Showers and toilets
- Beach volleyball courts
- Watersports operators
- Jet ski rentals
- Beach library (“Cabane Bleue”)
It is also the only beach in Nice where jet ski activities are officially based, which can be either a bonus or a drawback depending on what you’re looking for.
⚠️ Good to know:
If you’re staying around Old Town Nice or Place Masséna, this beach is probably too far away to visit purely for convenience. However, if you’re staying in western Nice, travelling by tram, or looking for a quieter local beach, it’s well worth considering.
The beach is also dog-friendly in designated sections.
💡 Top Tip
Visit in the late afternoon when temperatures are cooler and watch aircraft make their final approach into Nice Airport across the Bay of Angels. It might not be everybody’s idea of a perfect beach view, but for aviation enthusiasts it’s one of the most entertaining spots on the entire Promenade des Anglais, especially when the Emirates A380 comes in around lunchtime.
Best Beaches in Nice for Families
Travelling with children? These are the beaches I would recommend first.
👨👩👧👦 Plage des Marinières (Villefranche-sur-Mer)
The gentle slope into the water, sandy shoreline and calm sheltered bay make this one of the best family beaches anywhere on the French Riviera. There are also plenty of places to eat, toilets, showers and space for children to play.
♿ Plage du Centenaire
Located in the heart of Nice, Plage du Centenarie is one of only two beaches in the city awarded the Handiplage label. Lifeguards, adapted facilities, accessible pathways and supervised swimming make it an excellent choice for families looking for convenience and peace of mind.
🌴 Plage de la Petite Afrique
With its sheltered location, calm water, shaded pine trees, children’s play area and family-friendly atmosphere, Petite Afrique is ideal for a full beach day. It’s also one of the few beaches near Nice where you can easily escape the midday sun with adequate shade.
Best Beaches in Nice for Swimming
If your priority is getting into the water rather than simply lying on the beach, these are the beaches I return to again and again.
🏊 Plage des Marinières (Villefranche-sur-Mer)
I’ve spent countless hours swimming and paddleboarding in the bay of Villefranche. The sheltered conditions, clear water and stunning scenery make it one of the best swimming spots on the entire Côte d’Azur.
🤿 Paloma Beach
The crystal-clear water around Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Arrive early and you’ll often have large sections of the bay almost to yourself.
🌊 Castel Plage
For swimming within Nice itself, Castel Plage is hard to beat. The water is usually beautifully clear and the setting beneath Castle Hill is one of the most iconic on the Riviera.
💎 Plage Mala
Protected by dramatic cliffs and tucked into a beautiful cove, Plage Mala offers some of the most inviting swimming conditions you’ll find anywhere near Nice. On calm mornings, the water can be almost impossibly blue.
🏨 Where to Stay for Nice’s Best Beaches
If beach access is your priority, I’d recommend staying somewhere between Castle Hill and the Negresco Hotel. This puts you within walking distance of Castel Plage, Plage des Ponchettes, Beau Rivage and many of Nice’s best restaurants and attractions.
🌟 Best Luxury Hotel
Hotel Negresco
Iconic Belle Époque landmark overlooking the Promenade des Anglais.
👉🏼 Check availability and prices
✨ Best Boutique Hotel
Hotel La Pérouse
Tucked beneath Castle Hill with easy access to Castel Plage and the Old Town.
👉🏼 Check availability and prices
💰 Best Value Hotel
Hotel Rossetti
A great location in Vieux Nice (Old Town) within walking distance of several beaches.
👉🏼 Check availability and prices
What to Know Before Visiting Nice’s Beaches
🩴 Bring Water Shoes
If you’re visiting Nice’s beaches for the first time, the biggest surprise is usually the pebbles. Unlike many Mediterranean destinations, most beaches in Nice are covered with large smooth stones (called ‘galets’ in French), rather than sand.
While they look beautiful, they can make getting in and out of the water surprisingly uncomfortable. I strongly recommend packing water shoes, particularly if you plan to visit the beaches along the Promenade des Anglais.
⛱️ Public vs Private Beaches
Most beaches in Nice are public and free to access. However several sections of the Promenade des Anglais are occupied by private beach clubs where you can rent sunbeds, umbrellas and enjoy waiter service.
Personally, I rarely feel the need to pay for a beach club, as the public beaches offer the same beautiful sea views and swimming conditions.
🏖️ Looking for Sand?
If sandy beaches are important to you, consider heading slightly beyond Nice itself. My favourites include Plage des Marinières in Villefranche-sur-Mer, Plage de la Petite Afrique in Beaulieu-sur-Mer and parts of Plage Mala in Cap-d’Ail.
⏰ Visit Early
The French Riviera is at its best before the crowds arrive. During summer, I often aim to reach the beach well before 8am. You’ll enjoy calmer water, easier parking and a much more relaxed atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓Are there sandy beaches in Nice?
Most beaches in Nice are pebbly rather than sandy. For sand or fine gravel, I recommend Plage des Marinières, Plage de la Petite Afrique and Plage Mala.
❓What is the nicest beach in Nice?
Within Nice itself, my favourite is Plage de la Réserve. For the wider area, Plage des Marinières and Paloma Beach are hard to beat.
❓Which Nice beach is best for swimming?
Plage des Marinières, Paloma Beach, Plage Mala and Castel Plage offer some of the best swimming conditions near Nice.
You can check water quality on the Riviera here.
❓Are Nice beaches free?
Yes. Most beaches in Nice are public and free to access, although private beach clubs can be found and charge for sunbeds and other services.
❓Why are Nice beaches pebbly?
The coastline around Nice naturally consists of smooth limestone pebbles deposited by rivers flowing from the Alps. While they’re not as comfortable as sand, they help keep the water remarkably clear.
❓What is the best beach near Nice?
If I could recommend just one beach close to Nice, it would be Plage des Marinières in Villefranche-sur-Mer for its beautiful bay, excellent swimming and easy train access.
❓When are Nice beaches least crowded?
Early mornings are always quieter, especially before 9am. June and September are my favourite months, offering warm weather without the peak summer crowds.
Best Beaches in Nice – The Wrap Up
If you’re planning to spend time on the beaches along the Promenade des Anglais, you’re only seeing one small part of what makes this stretch of the French Riviera so special.
Some of the best swimming spots lie just beyond the city, whether it’s the crystal-clear waters of Plage de la Réserve, the postcard-perfect bay at Villefranche-sur-Mer, the peaceful beauty of Paloma Beach or the spectacular cliffs surrounding Plage Mala. Each offers something completely different, and together they showcase why I keep returning to this coastline after more than 25 years.
If you have the time, don’t limit yourself to just one beach. Hop on a train, hire a bike or simply follow the Sentier du Littoral and explore. Some of the Riviera’s most memorable moments aren’t found on an itinerary at all, but in discovering a quiet cove, taking an early morning swim, or watching the Mediterranean change its shade of blue as the sun climbs over the Côte d’Azur.
Explore the Coast Beyond Nice
If you’ve fallen in love with the coastline around Nice, these are a few experiences I’d personally recommend.
🌊 Best for Swimming and Snorkelling
Secret Riviera Boat Tour to Mala Cave
Visit the spectacular Mala Cave, swim in crystal-clear water and explore hidden sections of the coastline that are inaccessible by land. This is one of the closest experiences you’ll get to discovering the Riviera by private boat without the private boat price tag.
🚢 Best Coastal Cruise
French Riviera Sightseeing Cruise
A relaxing one hour cruise showcasing Nice, Cap de Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer and some of the most beautiful scenery on the Côte d’Azur.
🚗 Most Unique Day Trip
Nice to Monaco in a Classic Citroën 2CV
Explore Villefranche-sur-Mer, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Èze and Monaco in one of France’s most iconic cars.
⛴️ Best Day Trip from Nice
Saint-Tropez Ferry
Skip the traffic and cruise along the coast to Saint-Tropez. It’s one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to visit the Riviera’s most famous beach destination.
💡 Top Tip: If you’re planning a trip to Saint-Tropez, don’t miss my guide to the best things to do in Saint-Tropez.
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Written by Richard Hoskisson
Founder of The Cosmos Traveller
With over 30 years of travel experience across France, South Africa, the UAE and Greece – and many more far flung places – Richard helps curious travellers explore hidden gems, discover culturally-rich adventures and enrich their travel stories.
Published June 2026