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 Mariniers Beach
Fine pebble beach near the old town and harbour
This does make the beach quite a popular one for families and so it can get quite busy during the peak summer months, our advice is to head further away from the port end towards the small beach at the east end of Plage des Mariniers. Here you will find a small sandy bat between two stone pontoons that is popular with families and older people. There is a shower here and the facilities of Plage des Mariniers are only a short walk away; you can find toilets, snacks and drinks very easily. The small bay is hemmed in by rocks on either side, making it easy to keep an eye on children and ensure they don’t swim too far away.
Beach Bars & Beachclubs in Nice
If you want to treat yourself then there are some excellent restaurants along the harbour, with great views of the bay. It is particularly charming at sunset, when the lights from the boats reflect on the water.
Setting & Location
Plage des Mariniers is one of the very few Riviera beaches that has no private sections; the whole beach is public and free to access. There are plenty of snack kiosks and ice cream huts alongside the beach, with free showers and toilets. You can bring a picnic and make this a very pleasant but cheap day out.
Water Safety & Clarity
The beach drops away gradually into the sea, making it ideal for little paddlers and cautious swimmers. But you should note that lifeguards are only on duty here during July and August.
Beach Quality
The pebbles here become very fine towards the water and it is comfortable to lie on and although you can’t make sandcastles it almost feels like a sand beach.
Villas nearby
Villas in Nice
See all Villas in Nice-
Enquire 
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.
-
Enquire 
Hsud0145 Villa
In the commune of Colomars, 10 km from the sea, in a residential area, beautiful villa on a plot of 1500m².
-
Enquire 
Roquette Villa, La Roquette-sur-Var
The villa in La Roquette-sur-Var has 4 bedrooms and has capacity for 8 people.
-
Enquire 
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.
-
Enquire 
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.
-
Enquire 
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.
Hotels nearby
Hotels in Nice
See all Hotels in Nice-
Check Booking.com 
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.
-
Check Booking.com 
Le Saint Paul Hotel, Saint-Paul de Vence
Five-star boutique hotel blending Provençal elegance, art, and gourmet dining
Tucked inside the medieval village of Saint-Paul de Vence, Hotel Le Saint Paul offers timeless charm, artistic flair, and refined hospitality in a Relais & Châteaux setting.
-
Check Booking.com 
Eza Chateau Hotel, Eze
Charming Chateau hotel with stunning views & Michelin quality restaurant
Exquisite and intimate, the rooms and suites of Château Eze cling to the side of the ancient rock walls of Eze, a thousand-year-old Medieval village more than 400 metres above the Mediterranean Sea.
-
Check Booking.com 
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.
-
Check Booking.com 
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.
-
Check Booking.com 
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.
Things to do nearby
Things To Do in Villefranche-sur-Mer
See all Things To Do in Villefranche-sur-Mer-
Enquire 
Inflatable Rides, Villefranche Sur Mer
10min rides on inflatable tubes and sofa boats
-
Enquire 
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.
-
Enquire 
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.
-
Enquire 
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.
-
Enquire 
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.
-
Enquire 
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
See all Restaurants in Villefranche-sur-Mer-
Enquire 
La Table du Royal Restaurant, St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Restaurant of the 5 star Hotel Royal-Riviera
Chef Bruno Le Bolch takes you on a journey of the senses that is a delight to the eye and the taste buds.
Read more about La Table du Royal Restaurant, St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
-
Le Mayssa Restaurant, Villefranche Sur Mer 
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.
-
Rosalina Bar & Restaurant, Nice Centre 
Rosalina Bar & Restaurant, Nice Centre
A refreshing change for dining in the beautiful city of Nice
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.
-
Enquire 
La Reserve Restaurant
Unique location with terraces overlooking the sea
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.
-
Enquire 
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.
-
Enquire 
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
See all Bars & Clubs in Villefranche-sur-Mer-
Enquire 
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.
-
Enquire 
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.
-
Enquire 
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.
-
Enquire
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
See all Sights in Nice-
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.
-
Saint-Michel Church, Villefranche sur Mer 
Saint-Michel Church, Villefranche sur Mer
Classic Baroque church in the centre of Villefranche-sur-Mer
This Baroque Italianate church dates to the 1750s, although it was built on the site of a 14th-century church.
-
Citadelle de Villefranche 
Citadelle de Villefranche
Ancient citadel built to defend a medieval town
The citadel of Villefranche-sur-Mer looms over the old town; it is open to the public and has a number of interesting features.
-
Visit website 
Volti Museum
Impressive bronze, terracotta and copper sculptures
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.
-
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.
-
Visit website 
Ephrussi de Rothschild Villa, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Stunning villa of Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, a wealthy French socialite
This impressive villa was built in 1906 by Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild. It overlooks the Mediterranean sea from Cap Ferrat and it is full of antique furniture, Old Master paintings, sculptures and a collection of rare porcelain, while the gardens are classified as Notable Gardens of France.
Read more about Ephrussi de Rothschild Villa, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Golf-clubs nearby
Golf Courses in Nice
See all Golf Courses in Nice-
Enquire 
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.
-
Enquire 
Golf Course de Villeneuve-Loubet, Villeneuve Loubet
A 9 hole course close to the town of Grasse in the heart of the Riviera
A great course for beginners to experienced players, slightly hilly, the greens are linked in a calm and exotic atmosphere in the heart of the Riviera.
Read more about Golf Course de Villeneuve-Loubet, Villeneuve Loubet
-
Enquire 
Nice Golf Country Course
Compact nine-hole course with a wide driving range ideal for practicing
Close to the city, this nine hole compact course offers a range of different situations with its relief, bunkers and water hazard. It is aimed at both beginners and low handicaps wishing to improve.
-
Visit website 
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.
-
Enquire 
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.
-
Enquire 
Biot Golf Course, Biot
Beautiful golf course close to the coast near Antibes
The course of Biot Golf Club extends over 4511m, and has been designed so that it is suitable for players of all levels, but also to enhance the beauty of the site.
Towns nearby
Towns & Villages in Nice
See all Towns & Villages in Nice-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
