Plage de la Darse Beach
A family friendly pebble beach with good snorkelling
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.
It’s only a short walk from the main beach of Plage des Mariniers, hidden away behind the wall at Port de la Darse. There is a snack bar and a couple of restaurants just a few minutes walk away at the port.
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Setting & Location
Situated in the area of Port de la Darse, just a short walk from Villefranche.
Water Safety & Clarity
The beach itself is small and sheltered with calm water; the sea is so clear here that you can see small silver fish swimming around your legs. The entry into the water is gradual and shallow with fine gravelly stones underfoot, good paddling for children and great visibility for snorkelling.
There is one beach shower here but no toilets or lifeguards.
Beach Quality
The pebbles on the beach can be big and hard on the feet, so bring the rubber shoes with you and maybe a mat to put under your beach towel.
Watersports Nearby
Directions
To find it you need to follow the road round the port, past the restaurant “Le Cockpit” and look out on your left for a footpath called “Promenade des Professeurs”. The path leads to the lighthouse but about halfway along is a staircase leading to the beach.
There is no parking here, so either leave your car in Villefranche or take bus no.80 and get off at Darse-Capitainerie.
Villas nearby
Villas in Nice
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Roquette Villa, La Roquette-sur-Var
The villa in La Roquette-sur-Var has 4 bedrooms and has capacity for 8 people.
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Hsud0145 Villa
In the commune of Colomars, 10 km from the sea, in a residential area, beautiful villa on a plot of 1500m².
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Hsud0081 Villa
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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Aurelia Villa, Vence
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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Hsud0058 Villa, Saint Paul de Vence
In Vence, 5 km from Saint-Paul,, in a residential area, beautiful contemporary villa located on a plot of 1000m2.
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Hsud0083 Villa, Vence
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.
Hotels nearby
Hotels in Nice
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La Colombe D'Or Hotel, St Paul de Vence
This celebrated Provençal inn combines elegant accommodation with a private collection of modern art by renowned 20th-century artists.
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Cap Estel Hotel, Eze
Situated on its own two-hectare peninsula jutting into the Mediterranean Sea, the hotel has wonderful panoramic views. With only 28 rooms spread over four separate locations, it is a very private and luxurious place to stay.
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Le Mas de Pierre Hotel, Saint-Paul de Vence
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
Distinguished turn-of-the-century resort hotel with a sophisticated aura, surrounded by a beautifully landscaped 14-acre park.
Price: €39,615
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Toile Blanche Hotel, St 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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Le Negresco Hotel
Famous hotel and site named after Henri Negresco with an equally famous restaurant Le Chantecler, located on the Promenade des Anglais.
Price: €19,404
Things to do nearby
Things To Do in Villefranche-sur-Mer
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Provençal Tasting Tour, from Nice
A taste of traditional Provencal Nissarde cuisine, wine, and olives.
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Parasailing, Villefranche Sur Mer
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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Vinaigrier Park
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
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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Bikram Yoga
Classes of bikram yoga's 26 postures take place in a heated classroom every day in the port area of Nice. English speaking Yoga instructors.
Restaurants nearby
Restaurants in Villefranche-sur-Mer
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Salon de The de la Villa Ephrussy de Rotschild, St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
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 Cave Nature Restaurant
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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La Fille du Pecheur Restaurant, Villefranche Sur Mer
Situated on the Quay Courbet in Villefranche-sur-Mer, just in front of one of the most beautiful bays in the world, the restaurant La Fille du Pêcheur is managed by Krystel Roux, a true fisherman's daughter!
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Le Cosmo Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
In a relaxed family atmosphere, the restaurant Cosmo offers a variety of traditional, Mediterranean and French cuisine.
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La Reserve Restaurant
La Réserve has been refurbished throughout in an eye-catching style of the 1930s. Its superb location boasts stunning panoramic views and you can enjoy lunch on the terrace overlooking the water, or dinner at nightfall with exquisite views over the Baie des Anges.
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Rosalina Bar & Restaurant, Nice Centre
A converted garage in the Old Port area of Nice brings a friendly atmosphere and hip vibe to the bar and restaurant scene of Nice.
Nightlife nearby
Bars & Clubs in Villefranche-sur-Mer
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Le Cosmo Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
In a relaxed family atmosphere, the restaurant Cosmo offers a variety of traditional, Mediterranean and French cuisine.
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Ma Nolans, 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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Casino de Beaulieu
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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La Cave Nature Restaurant
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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Citadelle de Villefranche
The citadel of Villefranche-sur-Mer looms over the old town; it is open to the public and has a number of interesting features.
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Volti Museum
The sculptor, Antoniucci Volti, was born in Italy in 1915 but his family lived in Villefranche-sur-Mer. His collection is housed in the town's 16th-century citadel.
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Goetz-Boumeester Museum
This museum's collection is composed of the donation of Henri Goetz to the town of Villefranche. It is located on the ground floor of an old barrack building in the 16th-century citadel, which houses many museums.
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Parc du Mont Boron
Looming protectively over the exclusive Cap de Nice area, the Parc du Mont Boron is a hilltop forest with picnic areas, olive trees, exercise circuits, hiking trails, boules pitches and a 16th-century castle. Sitting on the crest of a hill just over 190m high, Parc du Mont Boron looks over Nice to one side and Villefranche-Sur-Mer to the other - if you hike up to Fort Alban you can enjoy sweeping panoramic views from the Cap Ferrat peninsula in the east all the way to the Esterel mountains in the west.
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Saint-Pierre des Pecheurs Chapel
Located near the port in Villefranche is the tiny chapel of Saint Peter, patron saint of fishermen.
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Le Fort du Mont Alban, near Nice
This 16th century hilltop fort was built in 1557 and is almost perfectly preserved, it looks out over the coastline of the French Riviera all the way to the Italian border. Mont Alban is located in the east of Nice in the Mont Boron National Park area, with Nice on one side and Villefranche-sur-Mer on the other - you can hike up to the fort from either town. The castle was built on the orders of the Duke of Savoy in response to the siege of Nice; when you get up there you’ll understand why he chose this spot - the view in all directions couldn’t be any better.
Golf-clubs nearby
Golf Courses in Nice
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Royal Mougins Golf Course
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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Claux Amic Golf Course, Grasse
This golf course is located on a charming old private hunting estate dating back to the 17th century.
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Saint Donat Golf Course, Grasse
This beautifully situated golf club has two courses, one 18 hole and one 9 hole, plus a practice range and practice bunker.
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Le Provencal Golf Course, Biot
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.
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Opio Valbonne Golf Course, Opio
Set between Cannes, Nice and Grasse, the Golf Club of Opio Valbonne is one of the jewels in the crown of the Riviera.
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Monte-Carlo Golf Course, La Turbie
Situated in the La Turbie area in the heights of Nice the rolling green terrain offers an interesting and challenging round of golf.
Towns nearby
Towns & Villages in Nice
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Cap de Nice
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
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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Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
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
Beaulieu-sur-Mer is filled with Belle Époque buildings, cafés and restaurants.
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Cimiez
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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Eze
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.