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 Darse Beach
A family friendly pebble beach with good snorkelling
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.
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.
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
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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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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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Hsud0034 Villa, La Gaude
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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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.
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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.
Hotels nearby
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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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Le Palais de la Mediterranee Hotel
Grand seafront hotel ideal for both business & luxury holidays alike
Located on the famous Promenade des Anglais, this contemporary hotel features a casino, an indoor & outdoor pool and spa facilities.
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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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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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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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La Bastide Saint Antoine Hotel, Grasse
Charming Provençal retreat with luxury suites, panoramic terrace, and Michelin-starred dining
La Bastide Saint-Antoine in Grasse sits within five hectares of lush Mediterranean gardens and olive groves. It overlooks the surrounding plains and the Bay of Cannes, offering stunning views and a feast for the senses.
Things to do nearby
Things To Do in Villefranche-sur-Mer
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Inflatable Rides, Villefranche Sur Mer
10min rides on inflatable tubes and sofa boats
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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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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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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).
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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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Bikram Yoga
Bikram yoga's 26 postures in Nice
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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Les Pecheurs Restaurant
Exotically flavoured fish specials from the Med & the Indian Ocean
Yanis and Aurélie run this gastronomic delight which specialises in excellent fish dishes influenced by the flavours of the Mediterranean, Indochina and the Indian Ocean.
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L'Oursin Bleu Restaurant
Perfect spot for a water-front dining experience
L'Oursin Bleu is a restaurant along the port in Villefrance with a beautiful décor, great piano music and a fresh and tasty cuisine.
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La Roustide Restaurant
Restaurant tucked away in the old town
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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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L'Aparte Restaurant 
L'Aparte Restaurant
Small restaurant on a little back street in the old town
The restaurant is situated on the end of the Rue Obscure, a 13th century covered way.
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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.
Nightlife nearby
Bars & Clubs in Villefranche-sur-Mer
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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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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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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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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.
Sights nearby
Sights in Nice
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Citadelle de Villefranche 
Citadelle de Villefranche
Ancient citadel built to defend a medieval town
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Volti Museum
Impressive bronze, terracotta and copper sculptures
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Goetz-Boumeester Museum 
Goetz-Boumeester Museum
Hundreds of works by contemporary artists
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
11 kilometres of marked trails in the heart of a Mediterranean forest
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Saint-Pierre des Pecheurs Chapel 
Saint-Pierre des Pecheurs Chapel
Beautiful church decorated by Jean Cocteau with frescoes
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 
Le Fort du Mont Alban, near Nice
Hillside fort from the 16th century with an exceptional panorama
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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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Opio Valbonne Golf Course, Opio
Roman ruins & 17th century bastide at lovely 18-hole course
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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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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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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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.
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Monte-Carlo Golf Course
Beautiful 18-hole golf course set in lush greenery north of Monaco
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Towns nearby
Towns & Villages in Nice
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Cap de Nice 
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 
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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Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat 
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 
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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Cimiez 
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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Eze 
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.
