Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Alpes-Maritimes
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.
History & Culture in [locality]
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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Gorges du Loup, Cannes Region
The narrow and beautiful Gorges du Loup cuts north-south through the hills at the foot of Gourdon, 12 km from Grasse.
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Ephrussi de Rothschild Villa, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Located in Cap Ferrat
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.
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Matisse Museum
Located in Nice
A small collection of some of Matisse's works and items from his own personal collection and that of his descendants are housed in an impressive 17th century Genoese mansion.
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Musee International d'Art Naif Anatole Jakovsky Museum
Located in Nice
The museum is located in the Chateau Sainte Hélène, the former private residence of perfume master François Coty, surrounded by a garden with rare aromatic plants. It showcases a collection of 'Naïve Art' paintings.
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Abbaye de Lerins Monastery (Lerins Abbey), Ile Saint-Honorat
Located in Cannes
Located on the island of Saint Honorat, the abbey is still occupied by monks. It's possible to receive a guided tour and re-charge your spiritual batteries.
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Eco Musee, Breil-sur-Roya
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.
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
Located <1 km away
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
Located <1 km away
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
Located 1.2 km away
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
Located 1.7 km away
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
Located 2.3 km away
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
Located 2.4 km away
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.
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.
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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The Alps self-guided motorbike tour
Located in Nice
A bike trip for advanced riders, where you can enjoy some of the most scenic roads of the French Alps.
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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.
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Motorbike day tour
Located in Nice
A fantastic way to experience the breathtaking scenery of the South of France.
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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La Colombe d'Or Restaurant, St Paul de Vence
Located in Vence
Enjoy refined regional cuisine in an iconic setting featuring original works by Picasso, Matisse, Miró and more.
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Chateau Eza Restaurant, Eze
Located in 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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Le Chantecler Restaurant
Located in Nice
In a Regency-style dining room decorated with magnificent 18th century woodwork, Jean-Denis Rieubland proposes two menus, "Découverte" and "Chantecler".
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Hostellerie Jerome Restaurant, La Turbie
Located in Monaco
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.
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Le Saint-Paul Restaurant, Saint Paul de Vence
Located in 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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Le Cap Restaurant, Saint Jean Cap Ferrat
Located in Cap Ferrat
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.
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
Located in Nice
It is this eclectic and cosmopolitan atmosphere which makes it a place very "French Riviera".
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La Cave Nature Restaurant
Located in Villefranche-sur-Mer
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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La Havane Live Jazz
Located in Nice
If you are looking for something a little different then this bar could be for you - you will be transported to a different country!
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Les 3 Diables
Located in Nice
The ground floor with Its welcoming bar and the main room, then the mezzanine for a more intimate space and finally its back room is a discotheque.
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Ma Nolans, Nice Port
Located in Nice
Ma Nolan’s, Nice Port is designed to be a warm, welcoming and atmospheric venue, the perfect place to eat, drink and party.
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Les Distilleries Ideales Bar
Located in Nice
With a Gothic interior mixed with wall frescoes and a friendly atmosphere, this is one of Nice's nicest drinking spots.
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 Bastide Saint Antoine Hotel, Grasse
Located in 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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La Colombe D'Or Hotel, St Paul de Vence
Located in Vence
This celebrated Provençal inn combines elegant accommodation with a private collection of modern art by renowned 20th-century artists.
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Saint-Martin Spa & Chateau, Vence
Located in Vence
Château Saint-Martin & Spa is a former 12th century Knights Templar Commandery with superb views over the sweep of the Côte d’Azur. A place of consummate natural beauty set in a 32 acre park, a high point on the French Riviera where sea and the mountains unite.
Price: €8,400
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Le Negresco Hotel
Located in Nice
Famous hotel and site named after Henri Negresco with an equally famous restaurant Le Chantecler, located on the Promenade des Anglais.
Price: €10,192
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Le Mas de Pierre Hotel, Saint-Paul de Vence
Located in Vence
This five-star Relais & Châteaux resort offers elegant rooms, exceptional facilities and a peaceful setting near Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Price: €6,637
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Windsor Hotel
Located in Nice
Charming hotel with a secluded tropical garden set in the heart of Nice within a walking distance to the city's main attractions.