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.
Plage des Bains Militaires Beach
A quiet public beach not far from the port of Nice
The beach is small but the rocks extend a fair bit at either end, so you can usually find a spot without being awkwardly close to someone else - something not always possible on some of the more obvious beaches.
There is a shower but that’s about it as far as facilities go. If you want snacks and drinks then there is a takeaway kiosk on the corner of Boulevard Franck Pilatte or a brasserie called Le Saint Juan just a few minutes walk from the beach.
Beach Bars & Beachclubs in Nice
As well as organising sailing lessons, the Club Nautique also has a restaurant which is open to everyone. They have a lovely sunny terrace that looks out over the sea and is open for lunch and dinner every day except Mondays.
Setting & Location
This beach is situated in a residential area but is not far from the port area of Nice. Just a short walk past the port and you’ll come to the Club Nautique of Nice and the Bains Militaires; once a private beach for the military but now open to the public.
Beach Quality
The beach is pebbly, as are most of Nice’s beaches, so rubber beach shoes are a great help when trying to get in and out of the sea without mincing and wincing too obviously.
Watersports Nearby
Spectator sports can be found in watching the local youth leap from the scarily high (and officially off-limits) diving platform.
Even climbing up it is pretty dodgy as the ladders have been removed to try and discourage people from accessing it, but if anything that seems to have increased the thrill for the kids, mostly teenage boys, who shin up and then plummet back down into the waves.
For the rest of us there is a nice ladder leading down from the rocks by the Club Nautique.
Directions
Getting there is easy, you can either walk from the port in about 10 minutes or take the no.30 or no.T32 buses and get off at Saint-Aignan Pilatte.
Villas nearby
Villas in Nice
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Aurelia Villa, Vence
5 bedroom Villa in Vence. Sleeps 10
Just outside historic Vence and a short distance from magnificent Saint Paul de Vence, this beautiful and contemporary house on a generous private plot is very quietly located for exploring all the delights of this beautiful corner of the French Riviera. The villa is located in a beautiful natural setting with views of the mountains.
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Roquette Villa, La Roquette-sur-Var
4 bedroom Villa in La Roquette-sur-Var. Sleeps 8
The villa in La Roquette-sur-Var has 4 bedrooms and has capacity for 8 people.
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Hsud0083 Villa, Vence
3 bedroom Villa in Vence. Sleeps 6
Located in the town of Vence, in a quiet residential area, charming villa set in grounds of 3600 m². Private salt water swimming pool (10m x 5m – Depth 110/170 cm – Alarm), outdoor shower (hot water), pool house (barbecue, oven, gas hob), terrace with garden furniture, deckchairs and dining table. Parking for 4 cars. 2 km shops. Beach 12km.
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Hsud0081 Villa
4 bedroom Villa in Nice. Sleeps 8
In Nice, in the residential area of Saint Pancrace, beautiful villa situated on a plot of 1Ha in edge of forest of which 2000m ² done up.
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Hsud0034 Villa, La Gaude
4 bedroom Villa in La Gaude. Sleeps 8
In the heart of the French Riviera, 10 km from the beach and 13 km from the airport, this villa is set in lush greenery and nature.
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Hsud0145 Villa
3 bedroom Villa in Nice. Sleeps 10
In the commune of Colomars, 10 km from the sea, in a residential area, beautiful villa on a plot of 1500m².
Hotels nearby
Hotels in Nice
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Le Chateau de la Chevre d'Or Hotel, Eze
Chic hotel with stunning views, Michelin starred dining & spa facilities
Boasting remarkable sea views of St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, this luxurious hotel is listed among the 500 World's Best Hotels.
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Le Mas de Pierre Hotel, Saint-Paul de Vence
Luxurious Provençal retreat with a spa, lagoon and gourmet dining
This five-star Relais & Châteaux resort offers elegant rooms, exceptional facilities and a peaceful setting near Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
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Cap-Ferrat Grand Hotel, Cap-Ferrat
Right on the waters edge with spa & Michelin starred restaurant
Distinguished turn-of-the-century resort hotel with a sophisticated aura, surrounded by a beautifully landscaped 14-acre park.
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Toile Blanche Hotel, St Paul de Vence
Boutique luxury and artistic charm on the edge of Saint-Paul de Vence
Toile Blanche is a stylish retreat where contemporary design, Provençal elegance and immersive art come together across serene gardens and valley views.
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Windsor Hotel
Artists invest the space & rooms with contemporary art installations
Charming hotel with a secluded tropical garden set in the heart of Nice within a walking distance to the city's main attractions.
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Royal Riviera Hotel, Beaulieu sur Mer
Beachfront luxurious hotel part of the leading hotels of the world
This hotel has been entirely renovated, combining the historical ambience of its past, plus the modern conveniences of an international luxury hotel.
Things to do nearby
Things To Do in Villefranche-sur-Mer
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Parasailing, Villefranche Sur Mer
Single, double or triple flights from age 5 years up!
Fly at 50 metres above the sea by yourself or with friends security attached, enjoy a spectacular view of the gorgeous Baie des Anges, mountains and surroundings.
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Inflatable Rides, Villefranche Sur Mer
10min rides on inflatable tubes and sofa boats
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Provençal Tasting Tour, from Nice
4hr30 & 5hr driver guided tour of the culinary specialities of Provence
A taste of traditional Provencal Nissarde cuisine, wine, and olives.
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Vinaigrier Park
Nature park with lovely views over Nice bay
On the eastern outskirts of Nice lies the national park of Mount Vinaigrier. The hillsides are covered in pine and oak trees and a rare flowering ash species that blossoms in May.
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Nice Diving School
Exploration of the Mediterranean underwater wonders & diving lessons
Nice Diving unveils to its clients the underwater marvels of the Mediterranean ocean along the shores of the Cote d'Azur.
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Club Nautique de Nice
Rowing and sailing club in the heart of the old port of Nice
Rowing, power boating and sailing. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, whether you prefer a leisure or competitive approach, the club offers its resources, its equipment, its fleet (except for power boating).
Restaurants nearby
Restaurants in Villefranche-sur-Mer
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Salon de The de la Villa Ephrussy de Rotschild, St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Tea room & restaurant in a stunning villa setting
Set in the room that Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild’s used as a dining room, the tea room/restaurant's terrace overlooks the Bay of Villefranche. All day, you can break for a delicious snack in this calm oasis with an unrestricted view of the bay.
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La Roustide Restaurant
Restaurant tucked away in the old town
The restaurant welcomes you in a friendly and warm atmosphere offering a refined and delicate cuisine.
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La Cave Nature Restaurant
Restaurant, bar and wine cellar in Villefranche
In a simple and relaxed atmosphere, La Cave Nature is a place of tasting organic wines and specialities of the house such as sandwiches, Mediterranean products freshly prepared, and tastings of cheeses and Italian delicatessen.
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Maison Gusto Restaurant
Tucked away in a street behind the Port
Located between the Port and Place Garibaldi, Maison Gusto restaurant is a must for lovers of burger in Nice.
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L'Atelier du Port Restaurant, Nice Centre
Situated at harbour side of Nice
In a black and white décor with a modern open space kitchen the chef cooks right in front of you with the freshest ingredients of the day from the local markets.
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Le Mayssa Restaurant, Villefranche Sur Mer
Inventive & colourful cuisine with great fresh fish of the day
Overlooking the bay of Villefranche and Cap Ferrat, this lovely restaurant serves excellent fish and seafood dishes, as well as pasta and meat mains.
Nightlife nearby
Bars & Clubs in Villefranche-sur-Mer
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Casino de Beaulieu
This beautiful building has been recently renovated to its former glory!
Reopened in December 2014 and restored to its original elegance with a touch of modern glamour this is 'must see' building as well as fantastic entertainment venue.
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Ma Nolans, Nice Port
Find a bit of the Irish with some great views over Nice Port
Ma Nolan’s, Nice Port is designed to be a warm, welcoming and atmospheric venue, the perfect place to eat, drink and party.
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Le Cosmo Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
Located on a pretty pedestrian square overlooking the sea
In a relaxed family atmosphere, the restaurant Cosmo offers a variety of traditional, Mediterranean and French cuisine.
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La Cave Nature Restaurant
Restaurant, bar and wine cellar in Villefranche
In a simple and relaxed atmosphere, La Cave Nature is a place of tasting organic wines and specialities of the house such as sandwiches, Mediterranean products freshly prepared, and tastings of cheeses and Italian delicatessen.
Sights nearby
Sights in Nice
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Vigier Park
Exotic greenery & plentiful palms in charmingly rustic surroundings
Located close to the city’s harbour, this park stretches over a surface of 1 hectare.
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Galerie Lympia Cultural Gallery
Recently renovated gallery & cultural space in Nice Port
The former prison building and clock pavilion in the port of Nice have recently been renovated to include several exhibition spaces and galleries for the public to enjoy.
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Musee de Paleontologie Humaine de Terra Amata
Excavation site showing human inhabitation 400,000 years ago
The museum of palaeontology is located on the excavation site of the Terra Amata where there is evidence of human inhabitation going back 400,000 years.
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Colline du Chateau
Fantastic views from this hill first settled by the ancient Greeks
Named Castle Hill in French, the ancient Greeks first chose to settle on this site several millennia ago.
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Tour Bellanda
Historic tower right by the sea
Guarding the Bay of Angels, this 19th-century tower is where composer Hector Berlioz created the opening of the famous King Lear overture in 1831, whilst staying here.
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Parc de la Colline du Chateau
A lush green park with the ruins of a castle & lots of paths
Just a few minutes walk from the centre of Nice you can find yourself in a lush green park, shaded from the intense Mediterranean sun, high enough to benefit from a cool breeze and with showstopping views of the bay of Nice. Colline du Chateau translates as “Castle Hill” and, once upon a time, there was indeed a castle up here. All that remains now are the ruins but they are open to the public and there are information boards telling you what part of the castle they would have been.
Golf-clubs nearby
Golf Courses in Nice
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Royal Mougins Golf Course
Luxurious golf course that forms part of the Royal Mougins Resort & Estate
Founded in 1993, the Royal Mougins Golf Club is a course of exceptional quality. Designed by world-famous American architect, the late Robert von Hagge, the par 71, 18-hole course extends for 6,004 m through a lush, wooded vale.
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Old Course Golf Course, Cannes-Mandelieu
Oldest golf course on the French Riviera, dating back to 1891
The Cannes-Mandelieu Old Race golf course was drawn and traced by Harry Colt in 1891 at the request of Grand Duke Michel of Russia.
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Monte-Carlo Golf Course
Beautiful 18-hole golf course set in lush greenery north of Monaco
Situated in the La Turbie area in the heights of Nice the rolling green terrain offers an interesting and challenging round of golf.
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Claux Amic Golf Course, Grasse
17th century hunting estate offering a technical 18-hole golf course
This golf course is located on a charming old private hunting estate dating back to the 17th century.
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Cannes-Mougins Golf Country Course
All the features one can expect from a modern golf club
The Cannes-Mougins Golf Club provides all features you are expecting from a modern golf within an historical environment. The Cannes Country Club was founded in 1923 by a group of illustrious gentlemen such as Aga Khan, Prince Pierre of Monaco and Baron Edouard de Rothschild.
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Le Provencal Golf Course, Biot
9 hole golf course close to Biot in the Sophia Antipolis area
The route goes up and down hills through pines and cork oaks, shrubs and flowers, with large undulating greens and meets the expectations of any golfer.
Towns nearby
Towns & Villages in Nice
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Cap de Nice
Wonderful national park area with a hilltop fortress
Cap de Nice and Mont Boron is a peaceful exclusive area to the east of Nice and is a mix of affluent residential properties and a national park.
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Villefranche-sur-Mer
Pretty medieval coastal town to the east of Nice centre
Just to the east of Nice lies the coastal town of Villefranche-sur-Mer; with its little cobblestone lanes and 16th century citadel.
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Cimiez
A tranquil oasis sat on the hillside above Nice with great views
High up above the hot crowds of Nice is a tranquil oasis with shady trees, panoramic views and, if you’re lucky, a cool breeze. Off the typical tourist trail, Cimiez lies about 2km north east of the centre of Nice.
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Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Small village surrounded by luxury villas
Sitting on a beautiful rocky peninsula of pine trees and palms just to the east of Nice is Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. This area is the epitome of elegance and old Riviera glamour: from the small, chic harbour to the palatial gated villas and magnificent gardens of celebrities, oligarchs and famous family dynasties.
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Beaulieu-sur-Mer
An old-fashioned Riviera town between Nice and Monaco
Beaulieu-sur-Mer is filled with Belle Époque buildings, cafés and restaurants.
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Eze
An incredible little village perched by the sea
A wonderful medieval village, Eze is perched on a hilltop overlooking the Riviera with a ruined 12th century castle at its pinnacle. It's actually split into two very distinct areas - Eze-Sur-Mer and Eze Village.












































































