Beaches in Nice

Saint-Laurent-du-Var has one of the best-equipped waterfronts in terms of barely having to leave the beach all day - everything is right here. 

Plage de la Darse is a secret beach, hidden from view and discretely signposted. It never gets very busy because so few people know that it’s there - so keep it on the down-low if you plan to head here.

Plage de la Petite Afrique is, in our humble opinion, one of the best beaches on the French Riviera, surrounded by stunning scenery with plenty of facilities.

Right beside the marina, Plage de la Batterie (also known as Plage Villeneuve-Loubet) is a pleasant pebble beach with plenty of activities on offer. 

This is a small and secluded beach with two excellent restaurants and safe swimming. Plage Mala is a little haven.

The main beach at Villefranche is one of the best located for easy access and convenient facilities. Situated right next to the charming old port area and just a few minutes walk from the old town, there are both bus and train stops nearby.

Plage des Fourmis is the long stretch of sand that runs along the main bus route; backed by a shady promenade lined with palm trees and tropical plants, the beach is very easy to find.

This public beach sits at the western end of the Promenade des Anglais and is situated near the Lenval hospital.

The name might sound a bit intimidating but Bains Militaires is actually quite a nice quiet beach, away from the hustle and bustle of Nice centre.

Located just beneath Restaurant La Pinede along the Sentier Littoral, Plage Gramaglia is more a series of rocky coves than a traditional beach.

The glamorously named Coco Beach is more of a launchpad into the deep blue sea than a true beach.

Plage du Cros de Cagnes is the main stretch of beach in Cagnes-Sur-Mer, running the length of the lively row of restaurants and bars that line the seafront. 

Plage des Fossettes is just a stone’s throw from its neighbour, Plage des Fosses; they are both great family beaches with enclosed waters that are always fairly calm.

Plage de Carras is a well-equipped “handiplage”, which has facilities and lifeguards to enable people with disabilities to enter the water safely.

Tucked away in a little niche on the north-west side of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, Plage de Passable is a glorious secluded sun trap with shallow crystal clear water. 

Plage Buse is a pretty and undulating stretch of pebbly coastline tucked away to the west of the Roquebrune Cap Martin peninsula.

Plage Marquet is the most easterly of the Cap d’Ail beaches and is right on the border with Monaco.

This long stretch of pebble beach in Nice runs along the Baie des Anges and is backed by the Promenade des Anglais.