Carnaval de Nice
The 'Carnaval de Nice' almost rivals Rio with its extravagant and colourful parades down the Promenade des Anglais.

© Ali Shayler

© Ali Shayler

© Ali Shayler

© Ali Shayler

© Ali Shayler

© Ali Shayler

© Ali Shayler

© Ali Shayler

© Ali Shayler

© Ali Shayler

© Ali Shayler

© Ali Shayler
An old-fashioned Riviera town between Nice and Monaco
Beaulieu-sur-Mer is filled with Belle Époque buildings, cafés and restaurants.
One of the many beautiful towns dotted along the Riviera sea front between Nice and Monaco, it's easy to get to by train or bus, both of which run regularly up and down the coast. It's a quiet, sophisticated kind of a place that has attracted many celebrities over the years looking for a tranquil haven in which to soak up the sun without getting hassled. The seafront, beaches and ports are its main points of interest, but there is also a good market that takes place in the town centre every day where you can browse fresh local produce, as well as the occasional bric-a-brac market.
Sandwiched between Nice and Monaco it attracts a wealthy crowd and its two marinas make it very popular with the yachting set. There are around 800 boats permanently moored here, meaning that there is plenty going on around the two ports.
Backed by sheer cliffs, you can also drive or hike high above the town and enjoy magnificent sea views.
The seafront and ports are its main points of interest but there is also a good market that takes place in the town centre every day where you can browse fresh local produce, as well as the occasional bric-a-brac market.
The 'Carnaval de Nice' almost rivals Rio with its extravagant and colourful parades down the Promenade des Anglais.
The start of spring is celebrated every Sunday in May with a grand celebration in the Jardins de Cimiez.
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
Exceptional locations around France, including Nice, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
Beaulieu-Sur-Mer is home to Villa Kerylos, an impressive replica of an Athenian villa that was built in the early 20th century. An homage to ancient Grecian architecture, it's richly decorated with murals and elegant furniture; explore the house and its beautiful gardens with a guided audio tour.
There's not much remaining of the old town of Beaulieu-Sur-Mer, but the 12th century chapel of Santa Maria de Olivo is worth a look and often hosts art exhibitions.
If you take a walk around the town or along the coastal path you'll see many fine examples of Belle Époque architecture and grand villas.
Museum charting the history of transport in the area, with lots of old vehicles to look at. Located in an old rail warehouse in Breil.
This palace is thought to have been built in the early 17th century and was home to the Dukes of Savoy until 1860.
Housing the largest collection of the Russian painter, Marc Chagall, the Chagall museum is one of Nice's top attractions.
The museum of palaeontology is located on the excavation site of the Terra Amata where there is evidence of human inhabitation going back 400,000 years.
Beautiful baroque architecture, examples of 17th- and 18th-century frescoes and furniture and a large terraced garden.
This museum was set up by outstanding chef Auguste Escoffier who worked as head chef at the Savoy in London. He founded this museum which is dedicated to culinary art.
Beaulieu-Sur-Mer has two lovely beaches, Les Fourmis and La Petite Afrique, fringed with palm trees and with both private and public stretches.
The beaches are both family friendly with calm waters and sandy shores, and there is the chance to try watersports such as paddle-boarding and jet-skiing.
See our Beach Guide for more information on Beaulieu and other beaches.
Plage de la Petite Afrique is, in our humble opinion, one of the best beaches on the French Riviera, surrounded by stunning scenery with plenty of facilities.
Plage des Fourmis is the long stretch of sand that runs along the main bus route; backed by a shady promenade lined with palm trees and tropical plants, the beach is very easy to find.
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.
Tucked away in a little niche on the north-west side of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, Plage de Passable is a glorious secluded sun trap with shallow crystal clear water.
Plages Fosses and Plage Fossettes are neighbouring beaches that are amongst the easiest to access in Cap Ferrat.
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.
There are plenty of excellent places to eat, but for something less formal there are plenty of great places down by the port serving everything from fresh seafood to pizza.
The jewel in the crown of La Réserve de Beaulieu hotel is this gastronomic restaurant which has one Michelin star.
In a Regency-style dining room decorated with magnificent 18th century woodwork, Jean-Denis Rieubland proposes two menus, "Découverte" and "Chantecler".
Gourmet restaurant of the Saint-Martin Spa & Chateau hotel to the north of Vence.
The Cap Estel gourmet restaurant or "La Table de Patrick Raingeard" as it is known has one Michelin star.
Chef Bruno Cirino prepares Mediterranean dishes that carefully showcase the flavours of local produce. A light and creative cuisine that you can enjoy in their elegant dining room with vaulted ceilings and frescoes or their shaded terrace overlooking the sea.
Michelin-starred chef, Didier Anies, recognised as Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 2000, has created a gourmet cuisine at this restaurant; one which is unfussy, full of flavour and low key yet elegant.
The port area is where you'll find the majority of the bars; Beaulieu isn't a wild nightspot as such, it attracts a more refined crowd, but if you enjoy sipping a fine wine or a cocktail whilst watching the sun go down over the harbour then you're in the right place. There is also a large casino, recently extensively refurbished, that as well as having all the usual game tables, has a restaurant and brasserie.
It is this eclectic and cosmopolitan atmosphere which makes it a place very "French Riviera".
The wine cellar specialises in rare wines and old vintages while the restaurant sits 45 people.
Right on the corner of the Place du Palais de Justice is a little cluster of bars, our favourite of which is Master Home.
An intimate pub with open mic and acoustic nights, a good atmosphere and happy hours!
If you are looking for something a little different then this bar could be for you - you will be transported to a different country!
A vibrant pub in the heart of Nice's busy quarter, the Old Town. Popular with locals and tourists alike but especially the International crowd.
If you go to the main port you can hire boats for fishing trips or sightseeing tours and there are plenty of shops where you can rent nautical equipment. You can also try your hand at waterskiing, jet skiing or paddle boarding at either of the beaches.
Local hikes are a great way to escape the summer crowds and Beaulieu-Sur-Mer has some nice ones, from the coastal Promenade Maurice Rouvier to the more hilly Petite Afrique circuit.
This company is based in Nice and offers a wide range of road bikes.
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
A bike trip for advanced riders, where you can enjoy some of the most scenic roads of the French Alps.
Enjoy a wonderful, peaceful and fume-free journey along the French Riviera on a solar powered motor boat with a professional skipper.
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
A fantastic way to experience the breathtaking scenery of the South of France.
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.
Paddleboarding along the coast is a fun for the whole family!
For those looking for an adrenalin rush, Nice Rafting is the place to go to!
Nice Diving unveils to its clients the underwater marvels of the Mediterranean ocean along the shores of the Cote d'Azur.
The villa in La Roquette-sur-Var has 4 bedrooms and has capacity for 8 people.
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.
In Vence, 5 km from Saint-Paul,, in a residential area, beautiful contemporary villa located on a plot of 1000m2.
In the commune of Colomars, 10 km from the sea, in a residential area, beautiful villa on a plot of 1500m².
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.
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.
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.
In Vence, 5 km from Saint-Paul,, in a residential area, beautiful contemporary villa located on a plot of 1000m2.
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.
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.
The villa in La Roquette-sur-Var has 4 bedrooms and has capacity for 8 people.
In the commune of Colomars, 10 km from the sea, in a residential area, beautiful villa on a plot of 1500m².
There are a number of two and three star hotels in this seaside resort that welcome budget travellers and families. The grander, more luxurious hotels tend to be clustered towards St Jean Cap Ferrat.
Famous hotel and site named after Henri Negresco with an equally famous restaurant Le Chantecler, located on the Promenade des Anglais.
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.
This hotel has been entirely renovated, combining the historical ambience of its past, plus the modern conveniences of an international luxury hotel.
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.
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.
Former 13th-century Cistercian monastery tastefully renovated offering 5 beautifully decorated en-suite rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant and a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean.
From the airport to the city centre, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
Heli Securite offer transfers on a helicopter from the airport to your yacht or various destinations in and around the Cannes area, St Tropez and Monaco. In addition to this they also service all of the main French ski resorts from their base in Courchevel.
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
Luxury six bedroom waterfront property offering direct beach access and breathtaking views.
Located in the heart of the prestigious and secure Abbaye de Roseland residence, a true landmark in the Fabron district of Nice, this 3 bedroom apartment in the Le Baccara building enjoys an exceptional environment, combining luxury, comfort and quality of life.
Le Chauvain, 16 renovated apartments in the centre of Nice.
Find out all about what is happening in Nice and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, fabulous beaches, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in this cosmopolitan city.
See allLatest News & ReviewsYou will not be short of entertainment in this beautiful French Riviera town throughout the year. The most popular public events take place along the Promenade des Anglais, including the Carnival in February, the Bastille celebrations in July and the Nice marathon in November. There are also plenty of live music and cultural festivals.
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