Plage de la Petite Afrique is, in our humble opinion, one of the best beaches on the French Riviera, surrounded by stunning scenery and with plenty of facilities.
This beach is well equipped with toilets, plenty of showers and a lifeguard service. There is a large (paying) car park and it is just a short walk from the train and bus stops. A kids play area is situated under the shade of the pine trees, beside the beach volleyball court and the beach club, and the rocky outcrop makes for great rock pool exploring with children.
Setting & Location
Curved around a sheltered bay its white shores are covered in very fine pebbles that could almost pass for sand. Palm trees dotted along the beach make it feel like a tropical paradise and pine trees set further back offer some welcome shade.
Water Safety & Clarity
The sea is calm and very clear with safe swimming areas cordoned off. It is lifeguard patrolled.
Beach Quality
The small pebbles are very easy on the feet and smooth enough to feel like sand.
Beach Bars & Beachclubs in Nice
Most of the beach is public but a small stretch is reserved for the very swanky Zelos Plage, which offers fine dining, cocktails and shaded sun loungers. They also run a small snack bar beside the childrens play area and volleyball court.
Watersports
You can hire waterskis, jetskis, paddle boards, banana boats and wakeboards from Riviera Gliss, who have a base at the far west end of the beach. The play area is in a pleasant shady part of the beach near to the car park and has a good selection of climbing frames and scramble nets - it always seems to be a big hit with kids.