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
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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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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.
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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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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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Hsud0058 Villa, Saint Paul de Vence
3 bedroom Villa in Saint Paul de Vence. Sleeps 6
In Vence, 5 km from Saint-Paul,, in a residential area, beautiful contemporary villa located on a plot of 1000m2.
Hotels nearby
Hotels in Nice
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Cap Estel Hotel, Eze
A beautiful 5 star boutique hotel in its own gated estate
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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La Reserve de Beaulieu Hotel
Stunning hotel with stylish rooms, gorgeous sea views & great restaurant
Classic French opulence with Mediterranean charm, all nestled between the mountains and the blue waters of the Riviera.
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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.
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Jerome Boutique Hostellerie Hotel, La Turbie
Small boutique hotel in the centre of La Turbie
Former 13th-century Cistercian monastery tastefully renovated offering 5 beautifully decorated en-suite rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant and a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean.
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Exedra Hotel, Nice Centre
Excellent location, close to all sights and shops within walking distance
The 5-star Luxury Boscolo Exedra Nice is located in the centre of Nice, a few minutes from the old town, the boutiques of Place Masséna, the famous Promenade Des Anglais and the Conference Center.
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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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).
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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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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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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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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.
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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.
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La Fille du Pecheur Restaurant, Villefranche Sur Mer
Fresh seafood specialities served in refined & unique setting
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!
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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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.
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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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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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Golf Course de la Grande Bastide
Welcoming 18 hole golf course with excellent views
Situated between Nice and Cannes, the Grande Bastide golf course is in one of the beautiful parts of the Côte d’Azur.
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Saint Donat Golf Course, Grasse
Beautifully situated golf course with stylish restaurant
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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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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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.
Towns nearby
Towns & Villages in Nice
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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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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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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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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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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
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.













































































