Beaulieu-sur-Mer
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.
Sights & Attractions in [locality]
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.
Sights in Nice
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Parc Alpha Theme Park, Saint-Martin Vesubie
In 1992, wolves naturally returned to France. It all happened not far from here, in the Mercantour National Park. This park has been created to tell the story of man and the wolf and allow visitors to see wolf packs up close.
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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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Musee et Site Archeologiques Nice-Cemenelum Museum
This museum moved to its current location in 1989 though it has been open since 1960. It houses a variety of objects, from ancient times to the Middle Ages, including the Roman town of Cemenelum.
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Asian Arts Museum
The Asian Arts Museum was created by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange who created a wonderful white marble and glass construction that stands in the middle of a lake in Park Phoenix.
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Musee Renoir, Cagnes sur Mer
The world-famous painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir lived at La Ferme des Collettes with his family from 1907 until his death in 1919. Renoir moved to Cagnes-Sur-Mer in the hopes that the warm climate would improve his arthritis, which eventually confined him to a wheelchair. The house in which he spent the last 12 years of his life is set in a beautiful estate full of citrus and olive trees, looking out along the coastline all the way to way to the Cap d’Antibes.
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Modern & contemporary art Museum
The museum of modern and contemporary art was opened in 1990 and features artworks from the 1960s to the present day.
Beaches in [locality]
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.
Beaches in Nice
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Plage de la Petite Afrique Beach, Beaulieu Sur Mer
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.
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Plage des Fourmis Beach, Beaulieu Sur Mer
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.
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Plage des Mariniers Beach
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.
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Plage de Passable Beach
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.
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Plage des Fosses Beach
Plages Fosses and Plage Fossettes are neighbouring beaches that are amongst the easiest to access in Cap Ferrat.
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Plage de la Darse Beach
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.
Dining in [locality]
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.
Restaurants in Nice
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Restaurant des Rois, Beaulieu Sur Mer
The jewel in the crown of La Réserve de Beaulieu hotel is this gastronomic restaurant which has one Michelin star.
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Chateau Eza Restaurant, Eze
Château Eza offers a Michelin recommended restaurant serving à la carte French and Mediterranean cuisine against the stunning backdrop of the French Riviera.
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Toile Blanche Restaurant, St Paul de Vence
Toile Blanche Le Restaurant offers fresh, seasonal dishes inspired by the Mediterranean, where simplicity meets creative flair.
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Le Saint-Paul Restaurant, Saint Paul de Vence
Laurent Paccini is the chef at this Relais & Châteaux hotel and brings the food of different cultures to his excellent Mediterranean restaurant in Saint-Paul de Vence.
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La Table de Pierre Restaurant, St Paul de Vence
La Table de Pierre offers refined, garden-led cuisine by Chef Emmanuel Lehrer in a romantic setting with views over the estate.
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La Table de Patrick Raingeard Restaurant, Eze
The Cap Estel gourmet restaurant or "La Table de Patrick Raingeard" as it is known has one Michelin star.
Events in [locality]
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.
Events in Nice
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European Heritage Days
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.
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Crossover Festival
A mix of public spaces, moods and musical styles will take over the city of Nice for the Crossover Festival.
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Villeneuve-Loubet night market
Stalls with souvenirs, handmade objects, beach articles and much more held on the seafront at Villeneuve-Loubet.
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Jazz au Château, Cagnes sur Mer
Gather at Place du Château on a Friday evening to enjoy a wonderful evening of live music in an unforgettable venue.
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Live music at the Opéra de Nice
The wonderful Opéra de Nice venue, on the Promenade des Anglais in the old town of Nice, hosts some of the best classical music concerts in the French Riviera.
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Beaulieu Classic Festival
The Beaulieu Classic Festival showcases both local and international talent set in the most mythical and enchanting surroundings on the French Riviera.
Things to do in [locality]
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.
Things To Do in Nice
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One Week Yacht Charter Itineraries
Experience the French Riviera your way with 212 yachts, using one of their sample itineraries or with a specialised itinerary created just for you, based on what you like and don't like, as well as their own expertise.
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Luxury A4A Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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Road bike hire
This company is based in Nice and offers a wide range of road bikes.
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Motorbike hire
Based in Nice, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
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Sunset Boat Trip
Enjoy a wonderful, peaceful and fume-free journey along the French Riviera on a solar powered motor boat with a professional skipper.
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Luxury Good Times Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
Nightlife in [locality]
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.
Bars & Clubs in Nice
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Le Bar du Negresco
It is this eclectic and cosmopolitan atmosphere which makes it a place very "French Riviera".
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Les Compagnons de la Grappe
The wine cellar specialises in rare wines and old vintages while the restaurant sits 45 people.
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Cave de la Tour
This local and friendly wine bar is the perfect place to stop for a midday snack or to try some of the local wines from the region.
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Ma Nolans Restaurant, Vieux Nice
Ma Nolan’s, Vieux Nice has a large inviting terrace, high vaulted ceilings, authentic bar counters and wooden floors.
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Cave Wilson Restaurant, Nice Centre
This is one of the oldest jazz bars on the Mediterranean - been around since 1904. The atmosphere in Cave Wilson is very pleasant, and Antoine, the owner, offers excellent wine with a plate of cheeses, bread and quality music.
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Nomad Bar, Vieux Nice
Located in Vieux Nice, this bar serves breakfast, lunch, tapas and drinks. A great place to soak up the sun while enjoying a meal.
Hotels in [locality]
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.
Hotels in Nice
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La Reserve de Beaulieu Hotel
Classic French opulence with Mediterranean charm, all nestled between the mountains and the blue waters of the Riviera.
Price: €15,970
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La Bastide Saint Antoine Hotel, Grasse
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.
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Le Chateau de la Chevre d'Or Hotel, Eze
Boasting remarkable sea views of St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, this luxurious hotel is listed among the 500 World's Best Hotels.
Price: €12,950
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Royal Riviera Hotel, Beaulieu sur Mer
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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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-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: €25,500
How to get to [locality]
Transfers for Nice
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Private airport transfers
From the airport to the city centre, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
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Private Jet and Helicopter Transfers
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.
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Helicopter Transfers and Scenic Flights
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
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.
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Chabe Airport Transfers
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
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Helicopter Charter Flights
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.
Property For Sale in [locality]
Property for Sale in Nice
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Apartment for Sale
In one of the most sought-after neighborhoods of Nice, in the heart of the prestigious Cimiez district, come and discover this charming apartment located within a Belle Époque residence full of character, combining architectural elegance with an exceptional living environment.
Price: €259,000
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Apartment for Sale
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.
Price: €750,000
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House for Sale
Set in a private estate with 24-hour security, this seafront townhouse offers a rare and sought-after living environment. The estate offers its residents exclusive features such as a funicular railway with direct access to the sea and perfectly manicured landscaped gardens.
Price: €12,500,000
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